SOME 20 heats down, there are just 11 to go to complete the first round of what has been a superb start to the 2024 Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby - with more places up for grabs in next week's second round of the £175,000 Classic.
Here's my look at heats 21 to 31:
Heat 21 (18.17): Likely red-hot favourite here is Road Exile, last year's Kingdom Derby winner at Tralee and, more recently, winner of the Greyhound and Pet World Supersprint at Cork. Pat Buckley's dog has an obvious chance - outright, too - but Gemma Evans' Droopys Vivacity is improving and strong-running. He is good enough if close enough.
Sel: Droopys Vivacity
Heat 22 (18.35): Last year's Derby runner-up, Patrick Janssens' Romeo Command has as high a profile as any runner and makes a welcome return. He's been given plenty of time and runs the track well enough to overcome a midfield pitch - a railer inside clears the way. Steve Anderson's Bramble Elvis has real pace and huge scope just third time up.
Sel: Romeo Command
Heat 23 (18.51): Eyes are drawn to last year's Irish Champion Stakes winner Trinity Junior who should go well for Peter Cronin as drawn inside - he brings plenty of class to the table. However, Droopys Display has looked a nice type for Maxine Locke in his early races and should soon be pacing up outside. The six-box might well get away.
Sel: Droopys Display
Heat 24 (19.10): Some 12 months ago, Rioja Joey was very much a dark horse. A precocious talent then with huge speed, he bowed out at the first stage after a missed break but is back again. Time will tell if Kevin Hutton's dog can handle the schedule but might cut loose tonight. John McGee's Da Bold Falcon has plenty of space to work from.
Sel: Rioja Joey
Heat 25 (19.29): The powerful Ballinabola Ed has been one of Ireland's star performers for a couple of seasons now and will have huge support. Pat Buckley's dog has something about him and might just have the all-round speed to deny highly-rated compatriot High Trend for Graham Holland. He might need catching inside.
Sel: Ballinabola Ed
Heat 26 (19.47): One of the younger home-trained stars in this year's Derby, Patrick
Janssens' Barntick Bear could go a long way. The draw inside looks perfect and a sub-29 seconds trial puts him ahead of the pack in this heat, although the McNairs' King Sydney gave Clonbrien Treaty a real race latest and that form was franked last night.
Sel: Barntick Bear
Heat 27 (20.05): The Janssens bandwagon might be in full flow now and Slick Sentinel could be another for the Derby-winning handler. Representing the same connections as Patrick's champion Thorn Falcon, his UK debut showed plenty and a follow up looks on. The McNairs' Havana Top Note has all-round gears and a great will-to-win.
Sel: Slick Sentinel
Heat 28 (20.05): Paul Hennessy's team have started this year's Derby well, as has the Irish challenge as a whole, and Maiden Derby beaten favourite Jaytee Craze might be tough to hold. His 28.88sec in the semis was top-drawer. Clona Kody starred for Richard Rees on Trainers' Judgement Night and could cut loose outside.
Sel: Jaytee Craze
Heat 29 (20.40): Towcester boss Kevin Boothby has high hopes of going deep in the event with Clona Curly and the Northern Puppy Derby winner looks the type to keep on qualifying. His middle seed switch might help him turn in a pitch and he runs on well - note a recent 28.94sec win. Vixons Filofax starts well for Monmore's Brian Thompson.
Sel: Clona Curly
Heat 30 (20.57): Pat Buckley is back with a powerful team and Irish Derby third Bens Teddy is one of his big players. Back after a setback at Shelbourne, his trial work has been decent and Towcester should play to his strong-running strengths. Brendan Matthews' Merits Inclusion ran-up in the Kirby Memorial and is a class act also.
Sel: Bens Teddy
Heat 31 (9.15): Just three more places remain for next week's second round and, for many, we are saving the best for last with two of the UK's finest here. Big-race winning duo Links Maverick (Tom Heilbron) and Wicky Ned (Jimmy Fenwick) clash and should serve up a thriller - the former could get first run and is strong-running in front now.
Sel: Links Maverick
