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Greyhound News: Wimbledon is "buzzing."

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All the latest news from the world of greyhound racing as Bubbly Totti heads to Essex to boost his Greyhound of the Year prospects and Wimbeldon management brush off fears that they won't host the 2009 Derby.

Dolores Ruth, the English and Irish Derby-winning trainer, announced her intentions to launch Classic campaigns in the UK in 2009 by sending over a team of dogs to trial at Wimbledon on Saturday.

They were led by the much-touted Razldazl Em, who has already been backed at big prices for the 2009 Derby at Wimbledon. It is believed a wildcard place in the Juvenile Championship is being sought by connections ahead of the Derby.
Ruth also plans to send over runners for next month's Oaks at the Plough Lane venue.

Bubbly Totti, the St Leger winner, will bid to enhance his Greyhound of the Year claims with victory in the upcoming Essex Vase at Romford. The Sky-featured Category One event over 575m has been won for the past two years by Eye Onthe Veto, who will seek an historic third straight victory in the competition. Bubbly Totti trials in preparation for the Essex Vase on Wednesday.

Wimbledon's management have brushed off suggestions that the Derby will not be held at the track next year. One source said: "People are putting two and two together and coming up with 17. Yes, the economic climate is not good and the stadium is in need of serious investment. But it does make money and was absolutely buzzing over the weekend fixtures."

Wimbledon is [1.12] to stage the Derby next year, ahead of Hall Green [3.45] and Belle Vue [3.85].

Eye on the Brave ensured owner John Keefe and trainer Mark Wallis are doubly-handed in Wednesday's All England Cup final at Newcastle (live on Sky) by emphatically winning a run-off with Affleck Elite at the track on Saturday.

The pair had dead-heated behind Dotland Hit Man in their semi-final.

Greyhound racing can look forward to two of its major industry nights in the coming weeks. The kennelhands dinner & dance takes place at Harlow Stadium on December 7, while the annual GBGB Awards (formerly the BGRB Awards) will be staged at the London Hilton Metropole on Sunday, January 25, 2009.

Tickets for both functions can be purchased now.