Greyhound Racing
2025 Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby finals
It’s hard to believe we are already approaching the final this Saturday, writes Peter Walker.
The coverage of the event this year has been enhanced with the regular ‘Gone To The Dogs’ live broadcasts on YouTube.
The Tote has been a success, and hopefully with betting remotely in the future, it gives the punter a viable alternative.
Semi-final 1
The first semi-final included a real buckle between the front two in the market.
Sole Mio took a flyer out of the traps. De Lahdedah took the shortest route on the inside rails and managed to get the better of Droopys Bookem and Slick Sentinel.
On the run-in, last year’s winner switched on the turbo and got in front of the leader, winning by half a length.
Bombay Pat was always in contention and stayed on strongly to qualify in third. He just missed out on the final of the Irish Derby last November but not this time.
Churchfield Syd was just a tad slower out of the boxes and without a blistering start, alas he wasn’t to make the final this year.
Enjoy your impending retirement Syd, you deserve it.
Semi-final 2
The last race included Bockos Diamond and up against his main adversary Cheap Sandwiches again.
Although on his inside in trap 5, he had to play second fiddle once more to the Irish Derby Champion.
Dynamic Force was out quick with the front two but checked at the second bend and dropped out of contention.
Paul Hennessy has been unlucky with both him and Lennies Desire picking up an injury.
No Better Feelin and Prince Haseem were crowded out around the third bend but the unfancied duo did their connections proud in reaching the semi-final.
Droopys Plunge was in the rear early on but resolutely stayed on to get the last qualifying place.
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The Final
Three railers and three wides will contest the final.
Droopys Plunge is our only British representative but has the draw he wanted in the red vest this time.
In fact, the draw has worked out fairly well for most of the finalists with Bockos Diamond ideally housed in trap 6.
He has been favourite throughout the Derby and is now a shade above even money with the sponsors Star Sports.
Sole Mio needs another fast break to try and stretch the opposition out. De Lahdedah probably runs the track better than any of the other contenders and at an initial 33/1, the reigning champion has defied his odds and is now clear second favourite in the market.
Bombay Pat has been finishing his races strong but cannot afford to give the rest too big an advantage early on in this stellar line-up.
Cheap Sandwiches has been overshadowed by his kennel-mate but can he get his nose in front when it matters this time?
Favourites have not fared that well at Towcester so can Bockos buck the trend?
All will be revealed around a quarter past nine this Saturday.
Ratings
The complete statistical analysis and figures are shown below.
Bockos Diamond is peaking at the right time with a 6-3-2 forecast.
The ratings predicted the first, second and third in the Irish final but can I do it again?
De Lahdedah will not relinquish his title easily but what a final we have in store.
I’ve also included most of the other race statistics to assist in finding value and winners on the night.
If you’re going to the track, good luck and have a great time.
It promises to be a fantastic night’s racing. Bring it on!
21.15
17.44
18.17
18.35
18.51
19.28
19.46
20.06
20.22
Derby Plate
The PricedUp.com Derby Plate includes Lennies Desire but unfortunately the new track record holder has had to be withdrawn.
Without him, Scooby The Boss appears to have a big chance now.
However, Romeo Tomcat looks to be the main danger, although Deliveroo will try to take an early lead into the race.
Any scrimmaging behind will help his cause, but may at least still finish in the first three.
The tricast now becomes 4-5-3 without Lennie.
20.39
20.57
21.39
