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The Derby is too close to call but there's plenty of others to catch the eye
Jonathan Hobbs tells you who to look out for the next time Sky cameras are rolling
What a week it promises to be for all connected with the finalists in the Greyhound Derby after two quite outstanding semi-finals at Wimbledon on Saturday - can you name the winner even at this stage?
Only the very brave or stupid will risk the mortgage on the £100,000 decider, such are the various possibilities of how the race will be run. Will Kryptonite trap from the red box against the backdrop of the Derby roar, and will Lenson Express take his ground if hitting the lids running. Can Tyrur Kieran break from the white jacket? Will Loyal Honcho be outgunned from the boxes by Tyrur Laurel, or vice versa? How does Blonde Dino win if he doesn't lead, but what if he does?
Plenty of imponderables on the main stage at 10.12pm. But some cracking action on the undercard in store, which Darrell Williams will guide you through later in the week.
But in terms of dogs to watch after back-to-back high-profile Sky cards at Wimbledon, a number of greyhounds have stood out.
Quarter-final night at Wimbledon left us in no doubt that this year's Dorando Marathon will be cracker.
It would be brave man to say that Spiridon Louis cannot successfully defend his title, despite his defeat at the hands of Swift Jade. Both are 'written in bold' because both must be treated with huge respect in the run up to, and after, Saturday with the TV Trophy very much in mind for both.
Swift Jade actually made me think of Scurlogue Champ. I know any slow-starting fast finishing greyhound tend to get 'the Champ' comparisons, but Darryl Porter's bitch really did just trot along on the first lap before hitting top gear on the second circuit. Great to watch, but will a now-fitter 'Mike' not get away from her next time?
Elsewhere on Tuesday, Me Buddy continues to look a really nice type. He boasts brilliant early speed and, while 27.85sec would not be comparable to the time Zigzag Dutchy and Droopys Shearer in this same puppy race a few years back, neither would have led
Matt Dartnall's dog.
The Plate final on Saturday should be one of the races of the night. Plough Lane has exceptional speed and surely cannot trap as badly, while Advantage Johnny, who has consistently swung off at the second bend, is surely more suited to the trap six box he has in the final. Love Tiger and Ninja Jamie were awesome, however, and the former, while slower on the clock, seemed more impressive to the eye. But that is not to criticise the latter, far from it.
Stevensonrocket does look a hurdler to follow. He showed good pace up, was unlucky to have to ride a bump and was not beaten that far in the end.
In terms of the Derby final line-up. The very nature of the competition means that the final six are at the peak of their powers. It is just a question of the trainers being able to hold their charges together for the last week, to keep them ready for one final fling.
Wednesday sees the traditional Derby lunch. That is when it really sinks in for connections that are preparing to be a part of greyhound folklore. It is an owner's dream, and one they must enjoy before the nerves start to jangle come Saturday!
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