PILLAR THE SPONSOR’S FAVOURITE FOR TOWCESTER GLORY

Ian Fortune

With the opening round draw just hours away (Friday at 12.30pm), sponsors Star Sports have Fromposttopillar as their favourite for English Derby glory at Towcester.

The Liz McNair trained star was bought out of Tralee last June after winning his debut in 28.28 and he has certainly established himself as the fastest greyhound in the UK in that time.

He is being pushed in the betting by the Graham Holland trained duo of Swords Rex and Clona Duke. The former, who is fresh from a fine success in the Easter Cup, is now 9-1 to come out on top in the blue riband, while recent Select Stakes winner Clona Duke is next at 12-1.

Former Graham Holland trained inmate Romeo Command, who is now under the care of Patrick Janssens is available at 16-1, while he is followed by three Irish trainer runners with Ballymac Finn, Ballymac Marino and defending champion Romeo Magico all on the 20-1 mark.

Other Irish trained greyhounds at 50-1 or shorter include Ballymac Johnjo (50-1), Jacktavern Bella (50-1) and Tullig Raven (50-1).       

Star Sports bet:

Fromposttopillar               17/2

Swords Rex                         9/1

Clona Duke                         12/1

Romeo Command             16/1

Ballymac Finn                     20/1

Ballymac Marino               20/1

Romeo Magico                  20/1

Maree Champion             25/1

Bradys Bullet                      28/1

Arkady                                 40/1

Brookside Richie               40/1

Distant Podge                    40/1

Droopys Fidget                 40/1

Ballymac John                   50/1

Ballymac Johnjo               50/1

Drive On Lad                      50/1

Hopes Rhino                      50/1

Hurry Up Jordan               50/1

Jacktavern Bella               50/1

Mustang Sam                    50/1

Tullig Raven                        50/1