2024 GREYHOUND DERBY SEMIFINALS
We have now reached the penultimate Saturday at Towcester which means we are down to the last 12 in the Derby without any bitches remaining now I’m afraid. Not only that, we have five additional open race category two events at the semifinal stage to relish as well! This also includes two and six bend races to add some variety to the occasion.
The draw for the semifinals has allocated three winners in the second semifinal but so far, King Memphis has passed every test with flying colours. He is back in trap 4 from where he equalled the track record but is flanked by more pace this time. Boylesports Bob seems to be peaking at just the right time in the first semifinal as well as Churchfield Syd, so an all railer final looks very unlikely. De Lahdedah had to come from off the pace just to qualify, but supporters will hope that was that just a minor blip. All connections just want to do is qualify for the final of course at this juncture. We still have two qualifiers that haven’t won a race at Towcester yet, being Ballymac Gizmo and Coss Tokyo. They have been kept apart in the draw and remarkably the latter is still a maiden!
I’ve done some research which covers all the 500m category races with trap statistics and the outcome of the favourites from each trap. Greyhounds with the fastest splits (or joint-fastest) have gone on to win in 58% of races. You don’t have to lead to win, as Ballymac Slick has already proved. He’s never been out of the first two so far either. It still puts you at a disadvantage, especially when you consider the quality of the opposition you’re up against.
I have also produced ratings summarising the other events. They can only add extra excitement on the night, particularly for all connections involved. Good luck and if you’re going to the track, have a great time and hopefully back a few winners to add to the enjoyment.
DERBY PLATE SEMIFINALS SUMMARY
SPRINT TROPHY SEMIFINALS SUMMARY
GREYHOUNDTRADER STAKES SEMIFINALS SUMMARY
MEMORIAL TROPHY SEMIFINALS SUMMARY
CHAMPION STAKES SEMIFINALS SUMMARY
