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It was almost Pat Buckley’s derby so far, but there are still two rounds to Saturday week English derby final. Irish coaches go into competition with eight of the 12 semi-finalists and I am full of Pat Buckley’s pair to win their respective heats.
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First semi-final 21:09
Last year’s defending champion Deerjet Sydney Race from Trap 1 and no dog has ever won two derbies on two different courses. He was expertly prepared by Buckley, who took him from race to race and set a personal best in the quarterfinals. He has won seven of his last eight races and there is no reason why he should not continue in this form. He is the only undefeated greyhound in the competition.
He will have short odds but looks like the most likely winner.
To add a little bit of added value, we can look at the forecast or even bring the top three home. Freezing came off the rack very well in the quarter-finals last week and has a lot of early speed. It was his turn against Deerjet Sydney in his best run at Towcester last time and can follow the favorite in second place to complete the prediction.
Ballymac Fairone got a tricky tie in trap 4 to complete the tricast. I’d rather have him as a toolmaker Sydney – who doesn’t break consistently enough – to make it to the final next weekend.
Selection: 1. Deerjet Sydney
Forecast: 1. Deerjet Sydney; 5 Cold as ice
Tricaast: 1. Deerjet Sydney; 5 Cold as ice; 4 Ballymac Fairone
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Second semifinals 21:27
All eyes will be on Pat Buckley again Knocknaboul Syd who is drawn in case 4. It was a feat by Buckley to secure middle place for him after lap three as he broke so much better in his two subsequent races. It is very difficult to see that he is not dominating this second run and he seems to be getting better as the laps progressed, much like his kennel companion in the first run.
I expect him to break out smart and do pretty much anything.
It looks like one of the strongest stakes on the map.
Graham Holland’s Gaytime Milo can complete the prediction as he apparently got a little under the radar. Bockos Belly is a very, very strong greyhound and can complete the tricast.
Selection: 4. Knocknaboul Syd
Forecast: 4. Knocknaboul Syd 5 Gaytime Milo 2 Bockos Belly
Tricaast: 4. Knocknaboul Syd1. Deerjet-Sydney; 5 Cold as ice; 4 Ballymac Fairone
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Towcester 20:34
I was a big fan of Glengar Bell and he was able to break away from Trap 5 at the front and shine. Angry Tornado made a time of 29:30, but won’t find it that easy to replicate that of Trap 1 on Saturday night.
Towcester 20:51
Angry Dad was a little unlucky and just has to take the break if he wants to win tonight. I hope he can get out quickly this time, control the pace and deliver.
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