There is obviously still plenty of time to go until the 2018 English Greyhound Derby, but it is interesting to take a look at some of the early odds, especially considering the shock win of Astute Missile in last year’s race. The 28/1 odds for Seamus Cahill’s greyhound were the biggest in the history of the final, with the much-fancied Clares Rocket having to settle for third place.
Below is a quick guide to some of the standout dogs in the early betting chatter. It will stop short of making predictions this early in the game, but rather point out where the money is going. All odds are provided by William Hill correct as of April 5th. If you want to find free bets and promotions for greyhounds, check out the latest William Hill betting offers guide by Free Bets UK.
The early favourites:
Droopys Expert 20/1
One of five ‘Droopys’ doing the rounds in the ante post betting odds, Droopys Expert has shown on several occasions that he has the calibre to win this. 11 wins came in 2017, including the William Hill All England Cup Final. Form is good so far in 2018, with one win and one second place in two races. Angela Harrison could have her first Greyhound Derby winner in her kennel with this one.
Bruisers Bullet 20/1
Bruisers Bullet was 5th in the Semi-Final heat of last year’s Derby, but he went on to record a couple of decent wins since that time, including the Coral Olympic in December. 2018 hasn’t been scintillating, with one third place and one fifth recorded so far. Eight-time Greyhound Trainer of the year Mark Wallis will know what to do to get him ready for Towcester however.
The 2017 protagonists:
Astute Missile 100/1
If you fancy Seamus Cahill’s dog to become the first to win the Greyhound Derby two years running since Westmead Hawk, then you will be handsomely rewarded for it with odds in triple figures. The problem is twofold: Astute Missile has not won a race since that stunning upset last July. Secondly, the dog’s best days may be behind it.
Clares Rocket 50/1
There are only suggestions thus far from trainer Graham Holland that Clares Rocket could come out of retirement to race again this season. So, the odds are taking a chance on both the dog getting back on to the track and running well when he gets there. Still, he was a brilliant greyhound when he was in its pomp.
The other big chances:
Rising Brandy 25/1
If you are looking for a dog in form in 2018, then look no further than Rising Brandy. The greyhound stormed through all heats in the Ladbrokes Puppy Derby en route to winning the Final. Experience might be the biggest handicap for a dog that has never raced anywhere but Monmore, but he looks a very bright prospect.
Dorotas Wildcat 28/1
Of Dorotas Wildcat’s 15 wins to date (24 races), no less that 10 have come at Towcester, not a bad marker for the Derby. The main question is about class of opposition faced over the last 18 months. Then again, a dog must be tested sometime.