The shocks continue in the Irish Greyhound Derby…

… with the exit of Farloe Black and Si Senor.

I had 4 dogs left in at the semi-final stage and now I’m left with one: Express Ego.

Of the dogs left in at the Final stage the British dog attached to Pelaw Grange racetrack in England, Groovy Stan, trap 3, has claims on his best time of 29.64 in an earlier round – but is he capable of raising his game to that level again with recent figures on a downturn? I think he can win; because, if he hits top form, 29.64 is the sort of time that a Derby is won in...

The thing that will count against him is, that he has a reputation as a ‘biter’ who turns his head on the run-in if any dog dares to challenge him. Still, I can’t ignore that early 'best time' so I will put a 2 point win bet on him at Ladbrokes price of 4/1 to provide a further shock by being a British winner of the Irish greyhound Derby!

My choice for 2nd place is Ardkill Jamie, trap 1, who has proved how tough he can be; and, as he did in the semi, I think Tyrer Laurel, trap 6, might cruise down the outside and pick up, at least, 3rd place.

I would love Express Ego to win it, but I’ll settle for, at least, 4th place in order to bring back a little e.w. money.

With all the favourites exiting in previous heats, it wouldn’t be out of the question for him to burgle this race–I can but hope!

As usual, study the graph and see what you think. It is interesting to see that the best split time (indicated on the graph by Roman Numerals) is held by Express Ego and an outsider, So Determined, trap 4... Now, that would be a big upset if he won!! (in this Derby - not impossible).

Come racing!!