Greyhound Puppy Derby…Temple Lad 2nd…

Well, my gamble on Temple Lad was foiled by Droopys Tops winning by ½ a length, but it was a good try and I still came out winning on the each way bet which paid 11/1. It was a lot of fun working it out and I am pleased that my strategy of tracking ‘Significant Improvers’ moving up the category, bore some fruit. It will be a dog to keep in your sights as it is about 50/1 for next year’s Greyhound Derby; but then so is Amarrilo Slim too!

Things are beginning to happen in the Irish Greyhound Derby which has about 130 entries with the draw recently taking place. The long list I prepared in a previous blog will be out of date now because of a few absentees due to retirement or injury. Droopys Electric (I bet it at 20/1) is now favourite at 10/1 after the retirement of Tyrur Ted.

My original shortlist has lost some dogs with the withdrawal of : Goldstar Premier; Tyrur Ted; Group Rooster ( Kieren Fallon’s dog) and Winetavern Oscar.

I have seen the final list; complete with the draw. The First round proper takes place this week. At this point I will start to bring my analysis up to date; and see what is worth betting ante post. Meanwhile I have bet Catunda Francie at 100/1 ew. It is the fastest dog on my list but its rating has been gained over 400 yards: so I am taking a chance with it, but I think it is worthy of betting with a small stake at that price with Coral.

I had another winning bet on Quick Shift and I was wondering if trainer P. Ward would leave it in the Derby; but he didn’t!

Come racing!!