IRELAND EXPECTS AS ENGLISH DERBY GETS UNDERWAY AT TOWCESTER

    IRELAND EXPECTS AS ENGLISH DERBY GETS UNDERWAY AT TOWCESTER

    Ian Fortune

    After a long build-up, filled with excitement and anticipation, the Star Sports/ TRC English Greyhound Derby will tonight get underway at Towcester and Ireland’s search for a nineteenth victory in the classic is set to get off to a bright start.

    In fact, Ireland have won the competition eight times since the turn of the century and five of the last six renewals. Should one of the 31-strong Irish contingent go on to claim another famous victory, it would be a fourth win in a row for the emerald isle.

    DIAMOND AND SANDWICHES TO SHINE

    Tonight’s Towcester card includes the first ten opening round heats and no fewer than 13 Irish trained runners will be on show including the Boylesports Derby champion and runner-up, Bockos Diamond and Cheap Sandwiches.

    Both greyhounds are set to start red-hot favourites for their respective heats and it would be quite a shock if either were beaten. Bockos Diamond is the hottest favourite for Derby glory in many years and is expected to dispatch the UK’s Greyhound of the Year Wicky Ned in Heat 6. From a favourable draw in the stripes, Bockos Diamond can show his rivals a clean pair of heels to make all for a facile success.

    Cheap Sandwiches will be an even shorter price in the last of this evening’s contests, Heat 10. He too wears the stripes and will likely come home clear.

    CRAZE FIRST UP

    The first Irish runner in this year’s Derby is Jaytee Craze.

    Last seen in action in the Easter Cup, he has run well around Towcester in the past and packs a big finish. He is certain to have a big say in the opening heat of the classic where he is chosen to get the better of former Irish trained runner Droopys Bookem.

    CHARGER AND RUFIYAA CLASH

    Kirby Memorial third Bubbly Charger and National Puppy Stake winner Untold Rufiyaa are in action in Heat 2.

    Both are likely to have a big say in this contest with Tiffield Tarquin seen as the main threat.

    DIEGO FACES TWO COMPATRIOTS

    Half of the field in Heat 3 are Irish trained. Ballymac Rapid is very lightly raced but is respected after moving well in a recent trial at Towcester.

    Ballymac Sorrell will finish strongly for Pat Buckley, while recent maiden Derby champion Hello Diego is set to start favourite from a wide draw. The Paul Hennessy trained powerhouse is chosen to come home in front.

    SCOTTS TO MAKE HEIRESS RUN

    Peter Cronin has never hidden his admiration for Randolph Scotts and the Easter Cup runner-up will be a big player in Heat 5, although Proper Heiress will start a hot favourite.

    As good as the latter is, he will need to be at his very best to lower the colours of Randolph Scotts.

    HOLLAND WITH PLENTY OF RUNNERS

    Graham Holland is double handed in Heat 8 with Swords Don and Riverside Pingu, while the pair are joined by Liam Dowling’s Ballymac Pebb.

    This is quite an open contest and it would be no surprise to see any of the Irish trio come home in front.

    Graham Holland also has a fancied runner in Heat 9. From an ideal draw on the fence with a vacant box on his immediate left, he seems certain to make a bold bid. Romeo Tomcat and Easter Cup finalist Maireads Prince can offer the most resistance.

    WATCH THE ACTION LIVE

    All the English Derby action can be viewed live throughout the classic via www.sisracing.tv or via the Gone to the Dogs – Live YouTube channel, offering live presentation, interviews and full replays. It can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/@GoneToTheDogs-Live