Sword to Put Greyhound Derby Rivals to the Test on Saturday
Swords Rex, a breathtaking eleven-and-a-half length third-round winner, remains the favourite to land the Star Sports & TRC English Greyhound Derby. Unbeaten in the competition, the Irish-trained greyhound goes in the fourth of Saturday evening’s quarterfinals.
Swords Rex winning his third round Derby assignment by a huge margin. ©TowcesterRacecourse
Two other greyhounds are yet to taste defeat in the competition: Balymac Marino and Romeo Command. The leading greyhound betting sites quote this pair on 5/1 and 6/1 respectively, Swords Rex is 11/4.
All three dogs have been drawn in separate quarterfinal races. However, not everything is a bowl of cherries. For example, Romeo Command’s connections would have preferred a draw closer to the rails for their British-bred star. He goes from trap 5 in the 7.10 pm contest.
Holland Has Six in Hand
Graham Holland has qualified a record six greyhounds for the quarterfinals, but three of these go in the same second quarterfinal (due off at 7.30 pm). Clona Duke, who broke Towcester’s track record in the opening round, will race from trap-2 in this contest.
Clona Duke unexpectedly lost his unbeaten status when trounced by Brinkleys Magic last weekend. His quarterfinal does not look the toughest of the four. But the presence of the lightning starter, Mystical Mario, and last week’s winning selection, Romeo Hanzo, suggest the former Derby favourite will probably have to come from behind to win.
Holland’s Derby hand is quite remarkable – especially when considering his defending champion, Romeo Magico, was eliminated last weekend. Westmead Hawk (2005, 2006), Rapid Ranger (2000, 2001), Patricias Hope (1972, 1973), and Mick The Miller (1929, 1930) remain the only greyhounds to have won the English Derby in back-to-back years.
Here is how we see Saturday’s four quarterfinals unfolding:
7.10 pm:
Romeo Command – the fastest heat winner last week – would probably be odds-on if he was drawn on the rails. Trap 5 has to be a concern, but he did plot a middle path on the run to the opening bend seven days ago.
With a clear run, Romeo Command can doubtlessly register his 13th victory from 14 British starts. Do not dismiss Boylesports Gift here, but he is yet to breach the 29.00 seconds barrier. Furthermore, he does not appear to be the smartest dog when encountering traffic.
ROUND THREE REWIND ⏪
Burj Khalifa caused one of the biggest upsets on Saturday when winning Heat Seven 😯
29.14 ⏱️ SP – 8/1
Check out Jacktavern Bella’s run to finish second too.. 👀
Heat 7⃣ race replay ⤵️#GreyhoundDerby2023 🏆 pic.twitter.com/9qHcstM1RG
— Towcester Racecourse (@TowcesterRaces) June 12, 2023
Consequently, our forecast link is the trap-6 runner, Burj Khalifa. This 39-kilo giant was only beaten a length by Romeo Giant a fortnight ago, and he should avoid congestion from his wide berth.
7.30 pm:
Romeo Hanzo and Clona Duke – both 7/4 shots – take almost 73 percent of the book in this contest. But Mystical Mario could lead both to the opening corner and take their ground at a vital stage. Naturally, with a clear run, they could justify their odds.
However, crowding looks distinctly possible here – even the trap-6 runner, Ballyhimikin Leo, has shown a liking for the inside – and for that reason, this is a race best left alone for betting purposes.
7.48 pm
Ballymac Marino is yet to see a rival in the English Greyhound Derby. A fourth successive make-all victory looks entirely possible. However, on times he has plenty to find with Brinkleys Magic, and with sites offering a mouthwatering 5/1 about this dog, he rates a better proposition.
Erratic trapping and some questionable track craft have been Brinkleys Magic’s Achilles heel. But, if he gets his timing right for a second week, the Newcastle-trained greyhound can reward those that put their faith in him.
8.05 pm
Unlike Brinkleys Magic, Swords Rex has been the model of consistency at trap rise, and he is the only greyhound to better the 29 seconds mark in all three rounds of the Derby. The Irish runner is unopposable but, at 4/7, winning bets are unlikely to pay for the summer holidays.
In the third round, Untold Zlotty rewarded our readers by making the frame at double-digit odds. Our bet365 review found once again they are offering 1-2-3 each-way terms in this contest. And so, for similar reasons to a week ago, we are investing in the trap-6 runner who can put his wide draw to good use and give 20/1 each-way players a profit.
