I think we might be running out of superlatives but in the words of that well-known commentator, the third round of the Greyhound Derby at Towcester was ‘simply sensational,’ writes Peter Walker.
The first three races went to form with the favourites as Lennies Eddie, Gaytime Clyde and Proper Heiress all obliged.
The next race involved the shortest favourite and current market leader Ballymac Duffle who looked a shoo-in at 2/9.
He obviously had not read the script as he fluffed (or maybe duffled) his lines in dramatic fashion.
He mistimed his break completely and began one of the greatest recoveries as he snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
He weaved through the field like an experienced scratch tracker with a handicap to overcome.
Then came the first of the talented bitches as Scooby The Lady led the charge and quickly asserted to win cosily from Underground Gold.
The favourite Glengar Kane suffered a troubled passage and lost out on qualification along with Glengar Silent.
Spell-binding display
In Heat 6, we witnessed a spell-binding display as Epic Ace proved his track record equalling run last week was not a flash in the pan.
He shaved a further 17 spots off the record and covered the 500m in a remarkable 28.14 seconds.
Admittedly, the new timing mechanism has resulted in faster times overall but this was exceptional.
The penultimate heat could not compete timewise but Ballymac Ralf achieved the fastest sectional time of the night in 3.75 seconds.
Holding the responsibility of my latest each-way selection was not a burden for Duffle’s litter brother as he won well.
The favourite Hackney Corner had to play second fiddle but safely through to the next round.
The last heat made it a special evening for the females as Strike It Skye had to battle all the way to get the better of the front-running Droopys Aladdin.
The favourite Ballymac Deniro ran on strongly and qualified in second at the conclusion of the third-round schedule.
Hopefully, you took the hint and followed the top six highlighted last week (no pressure this Saturday then!) when all triumphed in a tremendous night of category one racing.
Barking Mad Betting TV Trophy
Droopys Rated won the final of the Barking Mad Betting TV Trophy although it was marred by the injury sustained by Mongys Wild.
The potential marathon race of the year was thwarted by this unfortunate turn of events. It was not the end we all wanted but the best news is ‘Ned’ is on the road to recovery.
He will soon enjoy a well-earned retirement – his record is second to none in the recent stayer’s scene.
The runner-up Bubbly Evie is also an exciting prospect in this division after previously breaking the 664m track record at Central Park in March.
Quarter-final draw
There are just three unbeaten greyhounds remaining in the Derby now. Proper Heiress and Epic Ace oppose each other in the first.
Ballymac Duffle is drawn in the second and boxed in trap 4 where he surpassed his previous track record.
Lennies Eddie is the sole last round winner in quarter-final 3 but there are no easy qualifiers.
The draw has certainly been kind to Liam Dowling as incredibly his four Ballymac dogs have been kept apart.
The chance of it occurring is about 6/1 – now that is the luck of the draw.
Ballymac Ralf is in the last quarter and renews rivalry with Hackney Corner as well as Strike It Skye on his inside for company.
Ratings
The updated ratings have elevated Epic Ace to the top and deservedly so.
Ballymac Duffle may have dropped down the rankings but if anything, his reputation has been enhanced by his latest success.
Ballymac Ralf was highlighted at 25/1 yet now as low as 13/2 so fingers crossed, he maintains his progress in the competition.
Scooby The Lady heads the sectional list and is the value call if looking to oppose the favourite if Duffle gets held up.
Ballymac Deniro has the chance to lower Lennies Eddie’s colours if building on his last two runners-up places.
They are all fascinating races so get to the track if you can and witness the action for yourself.
