IRELAND STILL WITH A TIGHT GRIP ON ENGLISH DERBY MARKET

Ian Fortune

Seven of the top eleven greyhounds, each of which are 20-1 or less, in the Star Sports & Orchestrate English Greyhound Derby are Irish trained.

Indeed, the top of the market is dominated by the raiding party with Ballymac Duffle and Epic Ace sharing favouritism at 5-1 with sponsors Star Sports.

It seems a fair reflection of their chances after both impressed on Saturday in the third round, albeit in very different fashion. Epic Ace was other worldly as he shot to the front early to smash the track record of Ballymac Duffle with a 28.14 return. In contrast, Ballymac Duffle gave his rivals quit a headstart before scything through the pack to lead on the line in 28.75.

Just behind the pair are Ballymac Ralf, who impressed with a trap to line victory in 28.36 and the UK perceived best chance of a winner Proper Heiress, who was not as convincing in a 28.79 return. Another UK hope Scooby The Lady is next in at 8-1, just ahead of the Irish trained trio of Ballymac Deniro (10-1),Hackney Corner (12-1) and Lennies Eddie (14-1). The full Star Sports market can be seen below: 

Star Sports & Orchestrate English Derby

Star Sports bet:

5              Ballymac Duffle

5              Epic Ace

7              Ballymac Ralf

7              Proper Heiress

8              Scooby The Lady

10           Ballymac Deniro

12           Hackney Corner

14           Lennies Eddie

16           Gaytime Clyde

16           Strike It Skye

16           Underground Gold

25           Lennies Tank

33           Droopys Aladdin

33           Goldcash Warrior

40           Getup The Boy

40           Priceless Romeo

50           Ballymac Iroko

50           Donishall Sam

66           Slick Sentinel

66           Texas Jack

100         Bubbly Hogan

100         Sole Focus

100         Swift Magnison

150         Droopys Sort