Best Derby night bets from the Greyhound Racing UK team

All eyes are on Towcester for the Star Sports/TRC Greyhound Derby final and what a Saturday night we have in store.

We have a final befitting of the £175,000 first prize, with reigning champion De Lahdedah going head-to-head with Irish Derby hero Bockos Diamond in the classic decider at 9.15.

A fantastic support card has also been assembled and the Greyhound Racing UK team run you through their best bets on what is sure to be a very special night in Northamptonshire.

Joe Conneely

NAP: KEEFILL MAVERICK (T4, 8.51)

He has an excellent chance to lead up with a lack of early pace on his inside and should take some catching if doing so.

NB: ZENITH QUINCY (T5, 7.46)  

Has shown pace in abundance during this competition and is a level break away from producing an extremely fast time.

Dani Jackson

Nap: DE LAHDEDAH (T3, 9.15)

I think he has got the class to be a double champion. He can win both ways, so even if he doesn't get his own way up front, then he can come from behind. If Bockos Diamond has to fight for the lead, I think it is set up for De Lahdedah. 

NB: BALLYMAC ODIN (T6, 7.46)

He's two from two in open company and connections like the draw on the outside. He's surprised so far at big prices and I think he could be good value again.

Floyd Amphlett

Nap: HEADFORD ASHER (T6, 7.28) 

I’ve been following him since his debut at Hove in April. He was still only 20 months old when he recorded 28.88 for the 500m course in just his third race. He recorded 28.86 (-10) on his first look at Towcester. He hasn’t had the cleanest of races yet but was particularly unlucky in the semi-finals of the puppy stake. I would expect him to lead up on the outside and choose his own middle path. I think he will be stronger than most of the opposition in the second half of the race.

NB: SHADOW STORM (T1, 8.06)

I realise he will be very short but I can’t possibly oppose Shadow Storm in the sprint final. If you want to know why, watch the video of the semi-final. To use the language of the flapping lads, he ‘came out on elastic’ – something that distinguishes the sprint champs from the wannabes. The draw has worked out much better for him than his main rival, Not So Slow, and has the shortest route home.

Matt Newman

Nap: VAL TASHADELEK (T1, 6.35)

Did everything wrong last week but showed clearly what he is capable of during the Derby. Twice he dipped under 28.70 which is a very smart level of form. He has the slowest starter to his immediate right so one of his better breaks can see him in control of the rails early. Slick Sentinel steps straight left from stripes which is going to cause Bubbly Charger an immediate issue which should allow the selection to escape.

NB: NEWINN CLOUD (T5, 7.10)

Romeo Empire is the hot favourite here, stepping up to six bends for the first time. He has always looked a six-bend dog in the making but that doesn't always translate. His litter has a mixed record over 712m at this track with one litter sister staying it strongly and two others finding it a little too far. He is by far the quickest of this field over 500m but the selection sets a very strong standard here on his 42.73 run a fortnight ago. A repeat of that is going to take some stopping.

Graham Banks

NAP: HEADFORD ASHER (T6, 7.28)

My best bet on the card goes in the 7.28pm contest where Headford Asher will look to reverse last week’s form with Romeo Alliance. He could lead from trap six with a slow starter inside, and with plenty of early pace on the inside, he could slip round the outside to build up a winning lead.

NB: DROOPYS BOOKEM (T3, 6.51)

The next best goes earlier in the 6.51pm contest, with Droopys Bookem looking to land some compensation having just failed to qualify for the Derby Final. He stays well and if able to keep out of trouble rounding the opening bends, then he will look to pounce on the leaders on the run for home

Michael Smyth

Nap: LEIGHAS DREAM (T6, 6.01)

Faypoint Susie (T3) and Cooliogold (T4) will both be looking to lead on the inside, so Leighas Dream appears well-drawn to hit the front off the second bend and take this. The Nottingham raider looks value at 3/1.

NB: GARY THE ARB (T2, 7.46)

Beatties Razl (T1) could lead up here with Gary The Arb following that rival round. Gary stays strong and it's race on if he turns handy. The 6/4 on offer looks solid value. 

Chris Oliver

NAP: GARY THE ARB (T2, 7.46)

There isn’t too much early pace in this contest and Gary The Arb, who was a very impressive winner last week, is fancied to turn prominently. If so, he should have too many gears for his rivals and prove too strong at the finish.

NB: FABULOUS ARIA (T4, 8.22)

With Chamberlain Kate expected to be edging left from trap three, that could hamper short-priced favourite Icemans Girl on her inside and leave the path clear for Fabulous Aria to cut loose in the black jacket. The Patrick Janssens-trained bitch was only touched off right on the line by Icemans Girl in the fastest heat and could open a bigger lead this time.