Betfair Official Blog

Greyhounds Betting: Tuesday night at Hove

Click here to view market

Darrell Williams has managed to temper his excitement ahead of the Derby with an entertaining looking card at Hove on Tuesday night.

Derby fever is almost upon us, but before the focus turns full steam to Wimbledon, there's some top class action to enjoy at Hove on Tuesday evening. Sky Sports cameras will be on the south coast for eight live races featuring the Regency final over 695m at 9.45.

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.