Okay, it lacks for the variety of Derby final night or the series of finals boasted by Racing Post Festival finals night, but for sheer top-quality action and Classic excitement, it wins hands down.

Cue Darrell Williams for your best bets on the night in his regular tipping column, but (never able to resist!) watch Tyrur Kieran's relentless progress to the Derby, likewise Tyrur Laurel. Two likely finalists who might just land a double for Paul Hennessy at the weekend. As for the nap, let's just say punters should head for Peru in the second last! But to all greyhound fans out there, just enjoy.

Looking back to Peterborough on Tuesday, and it was great for Matt Dartnall to put behind Derby disappointment by sending out Me Buddy to win the Puppy Derby final. He handled trap six in the semis, trap three in the final, but remains a tight railer who clearly has bundles of pace. The Sunderland Festival is a real possible for Me Buddy, whose early dash will continue to win him plenty of races. Tuesday was just his fifth race!

Blonde Fern did this 'winners to come' column a favour by winning the opening bitches race well. Impressive at Hove, she really outclassed her rivals on Tuesday after a fine start and should continue to be watched. She could well be an Oaks bitch by the end of the year.

Noirs Ted was unlucky not to win the veterans' event, cutting the corner at the wrong point and taking a knock, but how he managed to get back up for second is testament to his pace and ability. Now four-years-old, of course, he is nevertheless lightly raced due to injury as a young dog and should continue to pay his way.

Not surprisingly, a 'Westmead' gets the nod as a progressive sort to watch out for. Westmead Tommy starts and stays and is from a talented litter by Toms The Best out of that legendary dam Mega Delight. Bred by Nick Savva, he is learning his trade with Sittingbourne handler Spencer Mavrias, but no doubt in time will return to Dunstable and looks a real tool, as does the entire litter!

Kooga Kid won the 605m race well enough, but sneaked round in front after Ballymac Rita looked a shade unlucky after motoring up the inside but being baulked at the turn. She remains in good heart, but also give another chance to Cuil Magic. He just made the turn in front before being bundled out of contention. He will get clear soon again, and do a nice run.

Elsewhere on the card, was it Primitive Way or Genesis Alix who was toying with the other over 790m? I am minded to give them both the benefit of the doubt and watch them both rack up the wins over six bends (Primitive Way) and eight bends (Genesis Alix). Both are in really good form just now.

As for the final itself, Me Buddy's performance was faultless. However, connections of Glenroe Ginger will feel a shade unlucky not to make the bend in front themselves and this youngster, with three runs under his belt - and blue blood in terms of her 'Farloe' background - is definitely one to keep an eye out on.

Drive On Captain eventually finished second and really did motor up the home-straight, not being that far off Me Buddy at the line. It was purely by accident that Julie Bateson's dog ended up in the competition as six bends is being considered. Either over four, or an easy six bends (Gold Collar type), he should well and truly pay his way over the coming weeks.

Blue Jockey ran an amazing race last Saturday, given that he had shown nothing in the first round, but bearing in mind Fraser Black's dog has had so little racing he looks massively over-priced in that fifth heat (9.15). Express Ego did little wrong himself and if Blue Jockey does edge slightly middle again he could of course shoot clear, while Barnfield Slippy should get a clear run outside with Melodys Pat expected to cut in, which opens up the possibility of another fast run from the Sam Poots' runner. Plenty of possibilities, but at the prices I'm with the 'Jockey' in blue.

Heat eight (10.00) is also a cracker with four unbeaten records on the line, but if Barnfield On Air runs like he did last week he'll take some stopping. However, can he trap as lively again from red especially with course specialist and in-form Ullid Conor (too big in the betting) coming at him? Kryptonite can also trap, although he might just edge outwards again. Nevertheless, it all looks too congested down the fence which makes now wide seeded Droopys Maestro the value option. Pat Buckley's runner, also unbeaten, has shown plenty of guts in both rounds and gets my vote.

At this stage it's all about getting the right price and while Tyrur Kieran, impressive in defeat and now proven from off the pace as well, could comfortably win heat one (8.15), rival Rio Quando is the one to play at the odds. Admittedly 'Kieran' has the draw with Cyclers Lark a middle seed in trap two, but 'Quando' moved up a notch last week and is good enough to give the Scottish Derby winner a run for his money.

I was also taken by Loyal Honcho in round two who looks back to last year's form and should be too good against Kilkenny Lonjack in heat two (8.30), although I accept that if Seamus Cahill's dog breaks, which he could just do in this make up, it could set up a monumental clash.

Toosey Blue beat a hot field last week and is too tempting to resist in heat three (8.45). He can be in control by halfway and should prove too fast for Annual Scholes, a good winner for this column last week (and against the inside bias).

Heat four (9.0) looks up for grabs, unless of course Love Tiger gives the clock another rattle. Maxine Locke's runner was unbelievable last time, but I have to take him on at the odds, and if Splanc goes up quickly as well, it should be set up for Lenson Joker's strong finish.

Bubbly Totti looks the dot on the card if you don't mind a short price after last week's excellent display of track craft and is irresistible in heat six (9.30) with neighbour Lenson Express sure to give him bundles of racing room, while Machu Pichu, another to impress in round two can continue his winning run in heat seven (9.45).

The Derby takes a back seat tonight as the graders are back to strut their stuff. That doesn't mean we can't still win plenty though and Craggyman is fancied to get us off to a warm start early on in the evening; she is different class to these on her day and showed she is approaching peak form with a rampant win at Coventry last week. The time she recorded is open class over four bends and a repeat of that burst of pace will make her extremely difficult to beat in this second tier six bend event. The main challengers are likely to come from Andrew Peacock's Well Park Rose and Jason Foster's Braemar Bee, who put a huge run in last time out after making a mess of the start.

NB 21.45 - Pierre

Norah McEllistrim's charge put a nice run and a nice time together latest. He was desperate on his penultimate run and is clearly in great heart, the son of Confident Choice looks just that tonight. Not the smartest trapper at present, he has a lovely turn of foot early on and this should see him hit the front around the turn. Delwood Tess perhaps rates main danger, another who seeks to follow up after trouncing an A8 in an authorative manner. Southeast Party probably won't be far away and can be thrown into any forecast or tri-cast equations.

Value Bet 21.15 - Roquefort Lady

Ballygarron Luck is going to probably be well fancied. He has trialled nicely and his sole run was promising; he showed a nice bit of early pace before fading on the run in. Opening Genie is another who could be all the rage in the market but that essentially ought to ensure a price is secured about Roquefort Lady. She seems to have come back from her small lay off in great heart and won at the first time of asking by two lengths. Fancied to come on further for the run, any improvement at all on her latest run would see her go very close and represents superb value at any prices over the [6.0] mark.

Get It Beat! 20.15 - Danis Countess

Danis Countess ran well at Coventry last week and that is over a trip which would have been deemed too short. Tonight's stiffer distance of 688 metres is bound to suit but she will have it all to do. If Fitzroy Sydney or perhaps more likely Fitzroy Julia pop out, they are likely to build an unassailable advantage. Danis Countess ought to be closing, but is devoid of early pace and ought to have too much to do in trying to reel in the pace setters. It would be a surprise if anything from the inside could bail us out in this affair and therefore it is imperative one of the Fitzroy bitches skip out early.

With most of the field, as their status as puppies would suggest, lightly raced, there's always the possibility of a surprise. Equally, puppies can suddenly hit form with a vengeance, which is the angle I'm using in selecting Droopys Marcus.

While unconsidered for outright honours even before last week's semi-final, Seamus Cahill's youngster gave a big hint in that race that he had suddenly got the hang of what's required. He sauntered home in a time nearly eight lengths faster than in his heat the previous weekend and comfortably the quickest in the event so far. Admittedly he enjoyed a clear run in that race, but that was hardly surprising given a very fast 3.68 sectional, and if he can get even close to that start he will take the beating. His status as the sole wide seed, with neighbour Glenroe Ginger expected to cut in, can only be a help, and with just six runs under his belt the selection is certainly open to improvement.

Me Buddy, ante post favourite, has done nothing wrong with wins in both rounds, and did particularly well to overcome an unfavourable trap six berth last time. But with the equally unbeaten He's A Mystery, who is chasing a five timer, a potent early pace threat next door, Matt Dartnall's runner will need to be on his toes if he's to gain a clear passage early on.

All of which makes Droopys Marcus the most appealing choice.

On the supporting card, Kylegrove Top, a dual Scottish Derby finalist, makes most appeal with a step up to six bends in the novice stayers' race at 8.50. Although disappointing on his only previous venture over this kind of trip at Monmore last winter, it's long been thought that Julie Bateson's runner would benefit from the extra distance and he appears to have been found a relatively easy opportunity.

Genesis Dream has been in excellent form for some time now, winning nine of her last 11 outings, but might be worth taking on drawn out in trap four in the stayers' race at 9.10. Peterborough Cesarewitch winner Cuil Magic has only just returned to the card, which throws the vote the way of Ballymac Rita. Runner-up in last year's Puppy Classic, she clocked a fast time over CD last autumn, and has been running with distinction for some time now.

Noirs Ted can make up for a recent short odds failure by claiming the Seniors race (8.15). It's always worth paying close attention when useful Open racers reach four years of age and thus become eligible for these races, and Seamus Cahill's charge a May 2004 whelp looks a useful recruit and can prove too classy.

Cahill can initiate a good night by taking the bitches' race (7.40) with Droopys Oi Oi, an early elimination in the Puppy Derby, but whose chance is boosted by a win at home track Walthamstow last week. She should have too much ammunition early on for her rivals.

The £20,000 prize money to the winner makes it the biggest single-race financial pot in Betfair's greyhound sponsorship history, and adds to a portfolio which also includes the betting exchange's flagship event, The National Trainers' Championship, as well as numerous other grass-roots racing and charity initiatives in the sport.

As the final will be aired live on Sky, it necessitated a switch from the race's normal Thursday slot to the following Tuesday.

Betfair spokesman Tony Calvin commented: "Having attended many an East Anglian Derby I am personally delighted that our sponsorship team have managed to secure this prestigious event.

"Betfair were first alerted to the potential and availability of the race when contacted by one of the on-course layers, Edward Thompson, and we are determined to give the race as high a profile as possible.

"This is evidenced by the increased prize money, with the winner now receiving £20,000, and the fact that Dave Lawrence and his Sky team have come on board, too."

Lawrence added: "I am delighted that the Betfair East Anglian Derby final from Yarmouth will be shown live on Sky Sports for the first time ever this year.

"We had a very successful first show at the track when we covered the TV Trophy last year and the Sky greyhound racing team is looking forward to returning to broadcast one of the top races in the greyhound calendar."

Stadium Managing Director Stephen Franklin, son of the event-founder Len Franklin, observed: "The sponsorship and involvement of Betfair, in what will be the 62nd running of the East Anglian Greyhound Derby, is the biggest thing to happen to the event since the stadium bookmakers got involved in the 43rd running in 1989. Betfair have doubled the win prize to £ 20,000, and this has helped gain the Sky Sports coverage."

"With the two semi-finals on Thursday 18th September, formerly the final night and the £2,000 to-the-winner Kronenbourg Sprint Final, plus the £2,500 Derby Purse Final, over 659 metres, we are still planning for a bumper crowd.

"And those who traditionally come on holiday for that week - for the three-day Yarmouth horseracing festival and the East Anglian Greyhound Derby - and are unable to return for the final on Tuesday 23rd September, will be able to catch all the action, including the supporting £500 Betfair Opens, live on Sky Sports."

I was mightily impressed by Kryptonite, who found extra when challenged by Tyrur Laurel in the first round but faces no margin for error against early paced Black Ice Boss and strong running Lenson Joker, who ran a stormer against Barnfield On Air. If the jolly does get in trouble, Westmead Keawn is ideally placed to take advantage.

Barnfield Slippy looks a live candidate to go a long way and rates a good bet in the 8.45pm. He showed exceptional middle pace last Saturday and the draw outside Droopys Norman this time can only help. Loyal Honcho should improve, but will need to after a below par run in the first round.

Mustang Garcia, also for the mighty Sam Poots camp, was another eye-catcher last weekend, and while he faces a trickier draw this time in the 9.00pm could just offer a spot of value. I thought Boherna On Air might be the one at the prices, but has been chalked up shorter than anticipated. However, he should confirm first round form with Unique Option, and undoubtedly rates a big danger.

Kilkenny Lonjack took off last time and, if trapping anywhere near as quickly, might take some holding in the 9.15pm. The Arc runner-up had previously struggled to win his races,though , (now 2 from 16) and I'd rather side with well drawn Tyrur Jay - Hackney Carriage will move middle - who looks open to more improvement after his beating of Express Ego.

No messing about in the 9.30pm with Droopys Maestro expected to justify his short odds quote. Swift N Smart faces an unfamiliar and potentially tricky draw from four, although Ronaldos Merit should appreciate a far more pleasing trap two slot.

Pace abounds in the 9.45pm with any number of potential leaders, all of which should set up the race for the strong staying Scottish Derby second Bubbly Totti. If one of the speedsters is to steal it, it's most likely to be Blonde Jeannie, especially given her trap one slot, but her first round time was only moderate, and she offers little in the way of value.

Rio Quando ran only a reasonable race last week, but is likely to improve again given his recent layoff. However, Barnfield Woody, also out of action before the first round, looks the percentage call at the likely prices in the last heat at 10.00pm, especially with Blackstone Champ's tendency to move middle.

I was mightily impressed by Kryptonite, who found extra when challenged by Tyrur Laurel in the first round but faces no margin for error against early paced Black Ice Boss and strong running Lenson Joker, who ran a stormer against Barnfield On Air. If the jolly does get in trouble, Westmead Keawn is ideally placed to take advantage.

Barnfield Slippy looks a live candidate to go a long way and rates a good bet in the 8.45. He showed exceptional middle pace last Saturday and the draw outside Droopys Norman this time can only help. Loyal Honcho should improve, but will need to after a below par run in the first round.

Mustang Garcia, also for the mighty Sam Poots camp, was another eye-catcher last weekend, and while he faces a trickier draw this time in the 9.00 could just offer a spot of value. I thought Boherna On Air might be the one at the prices, but has been chalked up shorter than anticipated. However, he should confirm first round form with Unique Option, and undoubtedly rates a big danger.

Kilkenny Lonjack took off last time and if trapping anywhere near as quickly might take some holding in the 9.15. The Arc runner-up however had previously struggled to win his races (now two from 16) and I'd rather side with well drawn Tyrur Jay - Hackney Carriage will move middle but looks open to more improvement after his beating of Express Ego.

No messing about in the 9.30 with Droopys Maestro expected to justify his short odds quote. Swift N Smart faces an unfamiliar and potentially tricky draw from four, although Ronaldos Merit should appreciate a far more pleasing trap two slot.

Pace abounds in the 9.45 with any number of potential leaders, all of which should set up the race for the strong staying Scottish Derby second Bubbly Totti. If one of the speedsters is to steal it, it's most likely to be Blonde Jeannie, especially given her trap one slot, but her first round time was only moderate, and she offers little in the way of value.

Rio Quando ran only a reasonable race last week, but is likely to improve again given his recent layoff. However, Barnfield Woody, also out of action before the first round, looks the percentage call at the likely prices in the last heat at 10.00, especially with Blackstone Champ's tendency to move middle.

The first heat at 8.15 sets the standard with a rejuvenated Barnfield On Air taking on Farloe Reason, with both having been amongst the quickest winners in the opening round. It's probably one of the toughest calls of the entire round, although it's hard to look beyond the pair with Romeo Maldini a big disappointment last week and Side Leg, held by Barnfield On Air, badly drawn. If forced to choose I'd just favour Farloe Reason given 'Barney's' slightly negative trap one draw, but it's a tight call.

Express Ego however looks well suited to the red jacket draw in heat two (8.30), especially with Blonde Dino likely to edge middle. Carlsberg Flash couldn't have broken any sharper in his heat, but was still caught and I'm happy to take on the puppy. Westmead Lord rates an obvious danger, but will need to avoid wide moving Eye Onthe Veto.

Toosey Blue ran a stormer in the first round, especially given the traps failure and clearly loves Wimbledon (four wins from five) but faces a speed war early on with neighbour Advantage Johnny (8.45) - also highly impressive last week, which makes it even more difficult not to side with Tyrur Kieran.

Best bet of the night is undoubtedly Droopys Wells (9.00) who just continues to churn out wins round here and is drawn to make all in his favourite striped jacket against moderate opposition.

I still remain unconvinced about Catunda Harry - but accept that he is a very fast dog - and therefore I'm siding with Ninja Jamie in the 9.15. Admittedly 'Harry' could take off with Barnfield Mike likely to cut in, but 'Jamie' has enough early to lead and if hitting 28.70 will not go down lightly.

Farloe Niall has hit a purple patch and did well last Saturday, but the time was slow and the bet in the 9.30 has to be Droopys Tobey who gave Tyrur Rhino a run for his money. Worryingly 'Tobey' has only won once (from seven starts) here, but should be away and gone and looks over-priced, while Farley Legend is also drawn to run his race.

Melodys Pat impressed me immensely last Friday and gets a confident vote in the 9.45, albeit at likely prohibitive odds. It's hard not to see him dominate with only Plough Lane offering any early pace resistance.

Tyrur Laurel is the obvious contender in the 10pm, and could dot up after an excellent run behind highly pleasing Kryptonite in one of the hottest first round heats. However, I still rate Annual Scholes, who had no chance after Kilkenny Lonjack stole an early lead against him last time, but could poach his own early advantage here, which would make his odds too big.

The first four home, in some cases first five, meant that few shocks headlined the first weekend.
Rossacredibility and Ballymac Under were the high-profile casualties, the question marks over them in the days leading up to the heats proving spot-on.

Could Rossacredibility make an impact if being led, and was Ballymac Under the same dog that gloriously won the Juvenile?

To be fair to both, they will return soon (maybe even Derby final night), and remain high-class greyhounds.

So to the eye-catchers from the first round.

In terms of the most stunning success, that has to go to Kilkenny Lonjack. Had Tyrur Kieran done such a run I would imagine you'd be looking at 4-1 favourite, and Seamus Cahill's dog proved beyond question that he can step up to the mark from best man to groom! He was good, very good.

Defending champion Westmead Lord lost nothing in defeat in his heat for Nick Savva. Melodys Pat could prove top-notch and what was noticeable was how 'the Lord' stayed on up the home-straight better than he did in the early rounds last year. This weekend will prove whether he still has the necessary speed. I fancy he does.

Toosey Blue was great and (this weekend's horrendous heat notwithstanding) should remain on any short-list.

He is undoubtedly John Mullins' best Derby chance and, if he draws trap six later in the competition, will make it count - and some. Remember, he was the fastest overall of the 23 heats.

Of the Irish contingent, Paul Hennessy's Tyrur Laurel stood out. Yes he was beaten by Charlie Lister's ex-Irish Kryptonite, but he showed awesome pace and no greyhound travelled from bends two to three as well.

The middle seed could be his making, although he no longer in the 'safe haven' of six!
Catunda Harry remains the fastest dog in the event for me. But Owen Mckenna has a battle on his hands to keep him in the competition with his errant trapping, and a move to seed him wide was blocked by the Wimbledon racing manager Gary Matthews. The right decision, but like Tyrur Laurel the safe haven of stripes has been denied him.

Professional is the best word to describe Tyrur Kieran's win. He showed he handled trap three well, is as tight a railer as you will find in the event, and still harbours real hopes of plundering the second leg of greyhound racing's triple crown after his Scottish Derby victory at Shawfield. Difficult to bet against in any heat.

Charlie Lister's challenge remains strong. He lost Rossacredibility but saw Kryptonite rail like a cat with pace up and stamina, but Farloe Reason and Ninja Jamie ran their races and the latter, especially, should continue to improve. Tyrur Rhino trapped finally at Wimbledon, and probably has plenty of scope for improvement.

The Barnfield On Air conundrum remains. Again, his draw this weekend could be crucial, making or breaking the dog's Derby dream, but what he did in the first round was nevertheless impressive. He won well, clocked a fast time and held off strong runners Lenson Joker and Side Leg to the line.

However, the Poots camp are also well represented by the speedy Mustang Garcia (few will lead him up, Carlsberg Flash perhaps) and Barnfield Slippy, and the latter has come from a 200-1 outsider to the edge of the top-bracketed runners. He has pace at both ends and looks another potential finalist.

There is a real sense of anticipation ahead of Friday and Saturday. It is like the third round already (always the best night's racing of the Classic), just doubled and split across two outstanding nights.

I can't wait - so cue Darrell Williams to tell you who's hot and who's not tipping-wise. Enjoy, it promises to be a belter.

http://media.libsyn.com/media/betfairaudio/owen_mckenna.mp3

From what was a quite outstanding Regency final at Hove on Tuesday - a three-way photo and a power-packed finish with TV Trophy written all over Flying Winner and Swift Jade - to a sensational start to the Derby at Wimbledon on Friday.

With last year's Derby first and second, Westmead Lord and Loyal Honcho, in action, plus a host of those at the top-end of the betting lists, it was must-see material and with huge Irish interest this year, helps it rank as one of the best English Derbys ever.

But back to Hove and our usual look at pointers for the future, which continue to enjoy a fair amount of success. Ibetx Dot Com and Vatican Jinky are two recent thumbs-up selections to oblige, both striking gold at the Sussex track.

We start off, however, with the bitches stake. It was a fine effort from BALLYMAC RITA and she might well have regained confidence after one or two defeats of late. Remember, she won the Peterborough Puppy Cesarewitch last year, an event which has the likes of Frisby Figo, Roxholme Girl and Spiridon Louis as previous winners.

Ibetx Dot Com's trapping won him the sprint and any two-bend events he contests, the shorter run to the turn the better. That is the key to his chances as he looks, quite simply, the best trapper in the business right now.

ANALYSE might be the one to take out of the hurdles contest. Be All was tremendous in front and remains at the top of his form right now, as does the Dave Mullins' kennel after that terrific success for Blindin Bell in the Golden Sprint. He is a top-notch performer.

But give Analyse more of a test, and Lorraine Sams's recent Irish intake might come into his own.

The marathon was a case of 'what if' for Slaneyside Demon's huge army of supporters down at Hove. He just got going too late, but take nothing away from Vatican Iona and her appearance in the TV Trophy along with the likes of Flying Winner, Swift Jade and Spiridon Louis is eagely awaited.

TOOSEY DODGER looks a nice stayer of John Mullins, and his team is flying just now. Swift Maybole and the very, very impressive BLONDE FERN were winners on the undercard and will continue to pay their way.

But for me the two dogs who just must be followed intently over the coming up are BARNFIELD SLIPPY and DIRECTORS CHOICE.

The former caught the leader Directors Chair impressively over 515m. No question the latter needed the run and tired, but the pair were so far clear of the rest that it was a highly-rated run from both.

It will be interesting to see how Barnfield Slippy runs in the Derby, he could just go to the final, while Directors Chair, a semi-finalist last year, misses the event, instead favouring four and some six-bend events for sure. An ideal type for the Champion Stakes and St Leger again.

But, of course, while finding the winner is the ultimate aim, with six rounds involved there are ample trading opportunities on the outright market.

For those with long memories, I first previewed the race in December, and despite the passing of time I'm still happy with my original selections, namely Rio Quando and Ballymac Under, while both Westmead Lord and Loyal Honcho, put up as alternatives, remain firm candidates.

But how would I play now? Well like any market it's all about getting the right price. Romeo Maldini, for example, has impressed immensely in recent trial stakes, but has now reached a price that has only limited appeal, although I'm sure if he were trained by Charlie Lister and not Dave Firmager he'd doubtless be even shorter. On the other hand, Barnfield On Air has now drifted to such an extent that he now warrants inclusion as part of an ante-post portfolio, especially given that he is starting to look like his old self again, and the arrival of warmer weather looks sure to help further.

I've backed Rio Quando again in recent days as I'm still convinced that he remains too big in the betting. Danny Riordan's dog was all the rage until Ballymac Under beat him in December, and he has returned from a winter break looking just as good as before. While the Derby is not a race to put all your eggs in one basket, he's the dog that given just one choice I'd nail my colours to.

Ballymac Under remains a big player, but even though he has drifted from the ridiculously short priced quotes both he and Barnfield On Air entertained during the winter, he's still probably under-priced, but a potential winner all the same.

Last year's one-two, Westmead Lord and Loyal Honcho must not be under-estimated. My worry with 'Lord' is that he has only just come back after nearly ten months away, but his price is reasonable enough to at least include him, and it's interesting that trainer Nick Savva relies only on a team of three. Loyal Honcho however still looks over-priced, and has at least had quite a bit of recent racing meaning he comfortably makes my shortlist.

I also have to include Tyrur Kieran, who has taken to Wimbledon well after his Scottish Derby success, on the basis that he looks the real deal, and in any other year would be far shorter than his current quote given his impressive performance in Scotland.

I'm also adding in Toosey Blue, as a potential trading tool; his record at the track reads well, and to go back to my original criteria, he remains over-priced.

For those looking to lay, of the market leaders, I'd be against Catunda Harry, who may not live up to his flashy trials, while Rossacredibility is likely to find things tougher when he's taken on.

To summarise, in order of preference, I'm backing Rio Quando, Ballymac Under, Tyrur Kieran, Barnfield On Air, Westmead Lord, Loyal Honcho, Toosey Blue.

Good luck and see you at Wimbledon!

Despite the surprising absence of any local runners - it's a race Hove have won five times in the last eight years - the final looks red hot, with Ballymac Weeshie and Flying Winner dominating the market. Those who read my ante post piece - thank goodness for Glittering Aries who has at least made the final - will recall that I wanted to take on Flying Winner, on the basis that for all her obvious ability, the Chris Lund bitch does sometimes find the trouble spots.

Admittedly, when she gets clear, she's a mean machine, as proved in the first round when dipping under the 4100 mark. However, in the semi-finals it was a different story and she had to fight hard to qualify. The short run to the corner is certainly not helping and with quicker starters in trap four and five Sherries Boy and Glittering Aries both sure to be cutting in on the move to the turn, the Hull raider could again be vulnerable.

All of which hopefully leaves Ballymac Weeshie to grab first run and take full advantage of his red jacket draw. Sam Poots dog has only just returned after a four month layoff because of a wrist injury, but already looks back to his best form, and his record of 9 wins from 13 races over six bends cannot be ignored. I make him the one to beat, with Swift Jade, who should trap slowly enough from trap three to avoid any early trouble, taken to chase him home.

The rest of the card has a solid feel to it in terms of selections with Swift Ninja getting the nap in the 'mini marathon' at 9.10. I originally had this down as a tough heat, and in terms of quality it's jam packed with classy performers, but on reflection Michael Harris' dog, despite failing to justify my confidence ante post in the Regency, has a cracking draw in the stripes, and should take the beating on the form of his recent CD win over Spiridon Louis.

It could be a very good night for Sam Poots, even before Ballymac Weeshie runs, with Barnfield Slippy (9.25) and Barnfield Loreto (8.50) both confident selections. 'Slippy' has already won eight opens this year, including the Spring Trophy at Crayford, and can stalk the pace before unleashing his stamina - a recent 2967 trial suggests he remains at the top of his form, while 'Loreto', can shed his maiden tag having also burnt up the track in recent practice efforts

Hopefully none the worse after last week's Hall Green tumble, I take Ibetx Dot Com to claim the sprint (8.00), having previously shown his liking for this circuit. It's hard to look beyond Hotdog Jack, though, who despite a couple of recent defeats appears back to form. A brace of wins at Walthamstow recently took his tally for 2008 to 11 victories from 13 outings.

Farloe Reason showed the sort of form that saw him win last year's Puppy Derby at Sunderland and was courageous at the turn as he barged his rivals aside to land a second Blue Riband for Charlie Lister.

Simon Wooder of the 'Fear' prefix bought into Farloe Reason last year as he sought the 'Holy Grail' of an English Derby success to add to two Scottish Derbys, and the two-year-old must rank as his best chance yet.

He is the right price for Derby glory now at [18.0] and has just 139 other greyhounds to beat for the £100,000 prize, an entry number low in quantity but not quality.

Usually the Derby attracts 180-odd entries, but the strength in depth remains as good as ever.

In terms of the Riband final itself, the winner was faultless, Commander Chief looks a cracking stayer in the making but could also be the type to keep on qualifying in the Derby, while Toosey Blue remains a force and, back in trap six at Wimbledon, will win again!

Elsewhere on the card, pencil in the notebook the sprinters Fine Trout and Blonde Rock.

While Ibetx Dot Com was unlucky to take a fall after just leading to the turn, both the aforementioned pair showed great speed to bustle up the leader, ultimately setting up the race for the game Oh His Nerves.

Kildare Lark did what Kildare Lark does best in the hurdles event and now has the Champion Hurdle as a target; A Million Miles continues to pay his way and looks a real improver for Laurence Tuffin; Broadcares Rocco was a surpirse omission from the Derby entries list and should pick up a few races while the Classic is ongoing, while Two Nicks made stealthy progress behind Genesis Dream and Swift Maybole in the six-bend event and should be backed next time.

Vatican Iona justified our vindication of her chances last week in marathons after a solid Wimbledon run and kept up the gallop well, although to be fair to Slaneyside Demon he hit the front far too soon!

However, Pat Rosney's bitch and kennelmate Vatican Fyne (ex Rough Rose) give the handler a massive hand in stayers and eight-bend races with the Regency and TV Trophy two very winnable events for the kennel.

Drink Up Zorro was a shade unfortunate not to win the puppy event, the winner Drive Up Captain running a cracker.

To win first time up at Hall Green is something special - in-form Genesis Dream, a winner later on the card, is certainly that - and the youngster took advantage of a nice run through the first and second turns.

However, Drink Up Zorro's pace up, and resolution when headed, will serve him well over the coming weeks.

Third-placed Westmead Serin will also pay to follow as she grows with experience, being a littermate for Saturday's Ocean Trailers finalist Westmead Osprey.

You often hear phrases banded about like 'the best Derby for years' but I honestly believe this one really is. You've only got to look at the class of the entries headed by last year's one-two Westmead Lord and Loyal Honcho, which features any number of potential winners, including a hugely powerful Irish contingent. Incidentally, I think the reason for the shortfall in entries is purely down to the quality factor, with owners of top class local graders simply believing they had little chance.

So, to the burning question - who wins the Derby? Well I'm afraid you're going to have to wait a little longer before I reveal my final shortlist - certainly until the draw is made, but as a starter here's a look at the kind of dog that wins the Derby based on previous trends.

The first place to start with has to be with trainer Nick Savva who, of course, has won the last three renewals, and with victory also in 1998, it means he has been responsible for four of the last ten winners. He's also had three other finalists, two in the last two years. This year Savva sends out just three runners, including defending champion Westmead Lord. With both Rapid Ranger and Savva's own Westmead Hawk both winning two Derbies since 2000, the 'champ' has a more than fair chance on the stats of scoring again. Kennelmate Dilemmas Flight, fourth last year, will also bid to become the third dual finalist (non winner) in the same period.

While Savva has been 'the man' in recent years, never under-estimate Charlie Lister, who has provided three winners since 2000, including a one-two in 2003. Although he has surprisingly sent out only one finalist in the past four years, Lister has a typically strong team, with Farloe Reason perhaps the most interesting given his win in the Blue Riband at Hall Green, a race also won by the kennel's Derby heroine Farloe Verdict five years ago. 2006 Blue Riband winner Westmead Joe incidentally finished fourth in that year's Derby, which also augurs well for the four other Blue Riband finalists also Derby bound.

Undoubtedly the other kennel to keep on your side is that of Seamus Graham, who has sent out the runner-up in the past two years, and also fielded two finalists in 2005. The fact that Graham has decided to send over last year's second Loyal Honcho has to be significant. More so, when you consider that he was third in the Scottish Derby, undoubtedly the best guide to the Derby itself, with Chart King achieving the double in 1999 and three Derby winners in the last decade including Westmead Hawk in 2006 having been finalists at Shawfield ahead of their Wimbledon victories. 2001 Scottish Derby winner Sonic Flight was also second at Wimbledon, which also has to be a positive for this year's Scottish 1-2 Tyrur Kieran and Bubbly Totti, also in the Derby entries.

The other race that has been a good guide to Derby glory has been the Easter Cup, another race that '99 champ Chart King also won en route to Wimbledon, while more recently 2005 winner Mineola Farloe, trained by that man Seamus Graham again, was fourth in the same year's Derby. This year's Easter Cup runner-up Advantage Johnny, and perhaps more significantly, the fifth Plough Lane, another trained by Graham, have Derby entries.