Kaan Previews The 2024 Greyhound Derby Semi Finals

De Lahdedah T1 has finally got himself a draw on the inside, but not much has flown the lids from this position. He couldn’t keep finding himself drawn out on the outer part of the track as he has had some rough rides in recent weeks and performed miracles to stay in the competition. This should be to his advantage here tucked away nicely on the fence. We’ve seen the early pace he can show into the bend when he gets it right and a decent start should see him in a commanding position down the back straight. The race isn’t blessed with too much speed into the opening corner and this a great opportunity to be handy and boss proceedings.

Boylesports Bob T6 went from one of the slowest starts two weeks ago to the complete opposite last week which put him in front around the opening turn. There was plenty of trouble in behind which aided his winning distance, but there were absolutely no dangers of who would be in the winner’s enclosure at this stage from some of the positions we’ve seen him stay on from. He has a lovely draw out wide and should book a ticket to the final.

Gaytime Nemo T3 last years champion is still there and came form last to third to grab a spot in this week’s semis. He will have to track clever into the bend as he has a quicker breaker to his inside and dogs outside that will be looking to edge in towards the corner. He is the ultimate professional and will be trying to make it back-to-back finals.

Whyaye Man T4 is breaking consistently and has that touch of stamina about him so is the perfect competition dog. He will certainly need to be starting like he has done in previous weeks as this doesn’t get any easier, and the draw is far from ideal based on previous clearer runs into the bend.

Coss Tokyo T5 has been the talking dog of the competition who has his own way of doing things and there is no doubt he has become a tricky candidate to see out of the frame. You think the races get tougher, but he just finds an extra gear to put himself in the top three each week. There seems to be an air of excitement about the dog, more so when he gets into the rough and tough of the crowding into the bend and perks himself up for it even more. A character, and one many are hoping can last another week.

Edwards T2 is probably the best starter in this heat and although likely to go off a big price, many feel he’ll be the sitting target off the front. But if many are aiming to come from off the pace, they will need to avoid trouble and still get to this fine sort. He’s done nothing wrong, and looked consistently good on the clock, but will just need to clear the inside to put himself in a commanding position.

Simply sensational. King Memphis T4 has not budged from the top of the outright derby market since they opened the books. This is his chance to put himself in that final for the shot at the big one. Many have touted the draw is far from ideal, and you could argue there is speed in two and six, but to his immediate sides in three and five personally, I don’t think he could have asked for better into the bend. He must track clever that is obvious, but from what we’ve seen in recent weeks, nothing suggests he suddenly won’t lead those to the corner, it’s just how he gets around ‘The Other Kobe’ and if he does then he’s been relentless on the front end.

The Other Kobe T2 the Irish Derby Champion suffered his first defeat last week since his comeback and you could forgive him a modest break, and with weather conditions cold and dreary it didn’t look ideal from off the second bend, but he did only get beat a length and a quarter. Even the missed breaks as we call them are slick to the bend, but will we see the absolute smash we know he has? His condition looks better this weekend, and the sun on his back can only aid his cause.

He is drawn with a slowish breaker on his inside and a modest starter on his outside, so there are no excuses for him with even a modest break not to lead into the bend on the inside, but the question will be how he handles the position if he heads down the back in second, or if he’s not far enough clear, they will all be looking to pressure him late on.

Churchfield Syd T6 was brilliant into the bend last week and he cannot start any slower than he did last week, he needs to probably dip under the four-second barrier. This is like a drag race into the corner with the speed we will see from the three stars mentioned. No inches will be given, but there are only three spaces up for grabs and there also three more trying to take one.

Ballymac Slick T4 being one of those who reeled in Kobe last week. He is strong from halfway but it’s rather momentum than a late surge and he will have to get handy as he is surrounded by speed.

Droopys Pivotel T3 has been brilliant, and at such a young age will want to turn handy here. He is no short runner but how will he fare with the speed around him.

Ballymac Gizmo T1 is not blessed with too much early speed into the corner and will probably head into the back straight nearer the back than front, but he’s still clocked some decent times and will be trying to bag a spot late in the day. It’s all still to play for, but only three from each semi-final will be lining up for the ultimate prize. May the best six lineup, in that final.

Pick: 4-2-6

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