BALLYMAC WILD gave the track record set by Bockos Belly the night before a real shake as Liam Dowling’s ultra-consistent and classy tracker posted a red-hot 29.05sec (+10) in heat 14 of the Star Sports/TRC Events & Leisure English Greyhound Derby second round at Towcester on Saturday.

On a night which wrapped up the second stage of the £175,000 Classic – ahead of this weekend’s crunch last-48 third round at the Northamptonshire venue – last year’s Irish Derby finalist was soon handy after a decent break and hit the front off the second bend on his way to a three-length success over compatriot Toolmaker Sydney (Robert Gleeson).

Ballymac Wild’s winning time was just a quarter of a length off the best-yet for the 500m trip – a track record which was also threatened by Roxholme Sheikh in heat 12 as Hayley Keightley’s dog produced a flawless exhibition as he raced to a brilliant eight-and-a-half length success in 29.06sec (+10) – albeit in a crowded affair behind

Soon bossing proceedings from the inside, the son of Droopys Roddick turned the screw down the back to land a comfortable victory from Minglers Popeye (Stuart Tighe) in a race in which former track record holder Priceless Jet was eliminated after being crowded out at the bend, trouble which saw 2019 Irish Derby winner Lenson Bocko knocked over but thankfully soon up on his feet.

There was better luck for the Irish in heat ten as Unlock Unlock added another chapter to her incredible story as Brendan Matthews’ bitch, mother of a four-month-old litter of pups, finished fast to collar Queen Dolly (Liz McNair) and win heat ten by three-quarters of a length in 29.45sec (+10).

Damien Matthews, son and assistant trainer, said: “She’s come back really well and, while it’s great to see her competing, winning is very much the icing on the cake. Given she was off the track for nine months through a shoulder injury and then having the pups you never know how she’ll go second time up, whether she’d put too much in on the track, but maybe the extra day after last week helped her.

“We’ve always thought the world of her and it’s great we’ve been there from the start, whelping down the litter along with her littermates Coolavanny Chick, Coolavanny Kyser, Coolavanny Bani and Auxerre. It’s some batch and for Unlock Unlock in the English Derby hopefully it’s onwards and upwards.”

Reigning champion Deerjet Sydney continued his fine start to the event with another success in heat 15 as Pat Buckley’s champion was soon in command before crossing the line almost five lengths clear of Tenpin (David Mullins). The winning time was an impressive 29.13sec (+10) which well and truly keeps the ‘Double Derby’ dream alive.

The second-round action kicked off with a leading home contender impressing once again as the Richard Rees-trained Hilight Arkle raced to a fastest-of-the-night 4.12sec split on his way to a three-and-a-quarter-length success in heat nine over Sweep The Yard (Graham Holland) in 29.31sec (+10).

The delighted Hove trainer said afterwards: “Once he got away from the traps well you know he’s got every chance. He had a pretty good week so we were pretty hopeful, although you’re always aware he’s up against some really good dogs week in, week out. We had a great run with Southwood Jet last year and him and Arkle are pretty similar types – it’s great to be involved in the third round and hopefully he can progress.”

Bandicoot Sammy continued Robert Gleeson’s strong English Derby challenge as the Irish-trained runner made all from Kevin Hutton’s Forest Gold in heat 11 in 29.35sec (+10), while training honours on the night went to Patrick Janssens.

The champion trainer landed a double courtesy of recent intake Aussie Captain (29.54sec +10) in heat 13, leading at the turn after a bump on his way to success over favourite Newinn Session (Graham Holland), before Maiden Derby champion Thorn Falcon impressed again at Towcester as he dominated from pillar to post, scoring by almost four lengths from Chelms Prince (Nathan Hunt) in 29.24sec (+10)

 

Star Sports and TRC Events & Leisure English Greyhound Derby 2021 dates:-

Third round: Saturday, June 19

Quarter-finals: Saturday, June 26

Semi-finals: Saturday, July 03

Final: Saturday, July 10