Day three of the first round of the English Greyhound Derby gets underway tonight at Towcester, the traps opening at 18.24 for the opening heat. The first two nights have been filled with exceptional racing and this card looks no different.
2020 Champion Starts His Defence
The 19.35 sees the 2020 Derby winner Deerjet Sydney (4/5) kick off his bid to be the first to retain the title since Westmead Hawk in 2006. One of just four to win the competition twice, Pat Buckley’s hound faces stiff competition this year.
The opening round is not the easiest heat with early pace inside him in Coney Wonderland (11/4) and a smart type in four as well. Despite that, he is the class act and really should prove too strong for them.
Mullins Can Roll a Strike
Ever since landing the Romford Puppy Cup last September, hopes have been high that Tenpin (4/6) will make up into a serious Derby contender. David Mullins’ son of Romeo Recruit puts his credentials on the line at 21.09.
He has a beautiful make up on the rails, clad in red and with a slow starter in two. He has not quite been as electric in his trapping so far in 2021 but his middle gears are sensational and can take him to the front.
Dowling Youngster Looks More Than a Fairone
The 20.51 is a fascinating clash between the Irish De Machine (8/13) and Ballymac Fairone (7/2). The latter represents Liam Dowling and has had just three starts in his life. He has looked an exceptional talent and while he is very light on experience for this sort of task, his potential is enormous.
Early Pace Can Prove to Be the Highlight
Richard Rees guided Southwood Jet to the final in 2020. He has a similar early paced potential star in Hilight Arkle (6/5) who runs at 20.14. Derby tradition courses through his veins, his father (Pagan Swallow, 1985) and grandfather (Mutts Silver, 1976) have both won the Derby.
He faces a strong rival in Knight Tornado (13/8) in two but his trapping has been nigh on automatic and he can convert another first bend lead into victory as he did when seeing off Newinn Session two starts back.
Holland’s Maestro to Compose Victory
Graham Holland has left nothing to chance with Native Maestro (8/13). Winner of a trial stake to give him race experience at this track, that can pay dividends in the 19.54. The Select Stakes second brings strong Irish form to the table.
He has a perfect draw in red from where he can get first run on Kilara Lion (7/2) who was one of the most consistent performers over four bends in 2020. A repeat of his 29.36 trial stake win when beating Droopys Addition (who won a heat on Friday) would be enough.
*All odds correct at time of writing