The semi finals of this year’s Greyhound Derby are upon us and there are two races arguably good enough to be finals in any normal year. This has definitely been one of the very best renewals of the competition in recent years and it’s going to be a truly special dog that’s crowned the 2013 champion next week. There is a terrific card at Wimbledon apart from the two main events including the Champion Hurdle heats and the Derby Plate heats. All the action can be seen live on Sky Sports 3 from 7pm.
8:45pm Wimbledon
This looks a match on paper at least between Droopys Jet who the bookies make their 11/8 market leader and Ballymac Eske who is a best priced 9/4 chance. I really don’t believe there is anything between these two fantastic greyhounds and although Droopys Jet has been the more visually appealing of the two and was incredible in his quarter final when beating Ballymac Vic, Eske is the value bet for me. Still unbeaten in the competition, Ballymac Eske is drawn inside his chief rival and that may just give Barrie Draper’s dog the edge. I like Screen Critic a lot but he might struggle tonight from an unfavourable draw and I fancy the six dog Holdem Spy to qualify in third place.
Back Trap 1 Ballymac Eske @ 9/4 with Betfred
9:05pm Wimbledon
A race, which according to the betting market at least, is at the mercy of the Liam Dowling trained Ballymac Vic. Although this greyhound suffered his first reverse in the competition last time out behind Droopys Jet, he lost nothing in defeat and should definitely progress to the final. For me however, the four dog isn’t a bet even at the generous looking 8/13 with Betfred (1/2 elsewhere). I was very taken with the way Sidaz Jack won his quarter final and I think that Charlie Lister’s runner is definitely going to give the favourite plenty to do here. I’ve got a feeling this dog might still have a little bit left in the tank and could well get the run of the race up the inside of Ballymac Vic. The 5/1 on offer with Paddy Power is worth snapping up.
Back Trap 3 Sidaz Jack @ 5/1 with Paddy Power