Things are really starting to take shape following the conclusion of the Greyhound Derby second round this past Saturday night. 96 greyhounds battled for a place in round three over two nights and the bulk of the market principles cemented their positions with impressive performances. On Friday evening, the best was arguably saved till last as the talking greyhound Droopys Jet delivered once again winning the final heat of the night in 28.28s, the fastest time of the competition thus far. He pinged out the traps and put the race to bed within the matter of a few strides. The bookies reacted by cutting the Irish dog dramatically in the betting and Fraser Black’s kennel star is now a best priced 15/2 with Betfred.
Also on Friday night, we had another sensational display from Ballymac Vic, who scored in a time of 28.45sec. Bittles Bar got out the traps in a very lively fashion but Ballymac Vic had his number and showed his class, ultimately winning by two and a quarter lengths. Paddy Power still go 7/1 about Liam Dowling’s greyhound but he’s as short as 11/2 elsewhere. The highlight of Saturday was the return to form of favourite Ballymac Eske. Eske ran in the second heat of the night and pundits were divided over exactly what the market leader was going to produce following a slightly lack lackluster display in the opening round. Barrie Draper’s greyhound left judges in no doubt land the odds in a time of 28.21s, a few points faster than Droopys Jet and set a new marker for his rivals to aim at.
2013 William Hill Greyhound Derby
Betting (Prices from William Hill)
Ballymac Eske 5/1
Ballymac Vic 7/1
Droopys Jet 7/1
Kereight King 10/1
Tyrur Sugar Ray 14/1
Screen Critic 14/1
Farloe Warhawk 16/1
Shaneboy Alley 16/1
Teejays Bluehawk 16/1
20/1 Bar