The iconic Towcester in Northamptonshire is gearing up for the English Greyhound Derby final, with only the semi-finals left at the time of writing before the six finalists take to the traps for the richest contest in British racing on June 25th — which you certainly won’t want to miss!
Of course, with this being the Derby, it will be six of the best horses the United Kingdom and Ireland have to offer entering the traps for the nail-biting final, which will be over in a flash but still have hearts racing nonetheless. So, it will incredibly difficult to pick a winner for those looking for a greyhound bet.
That said, let’s take a look at some of the standout horses at this stage of the competition — one of which might even prove to be the winner of the Greyhound Derby. Read on to find out more!
Romeo Magico
One of the dogs jostling for position at the fore of the ante-post market, Romeo Magico was third in his first-round encounter, almost six lengths behind Daring Deise, but he was never headed as he beat Lautaro next time out. Second by half-a-length to Signet Goofy in the third round, Romeo Magico bounced back to win his quarter-final by almost 5 lengths.
The August 2019 son of Magical Bale and Fabulous Artist, trained by three-time Irish Greyhound Derby winner Graham Holland, will face stiff competition in the semi-final and while he impressed in his last victory due to his speed, Signet Goofy will likely be the one to beat on June 18th.
Signet Goofy
That leads us nicely on to Signet Goofy. Despite coming into the ante-post market as the third favourite, with Peter Cronin’s Kildare more fancied despite winning just one of its four rounds, the January 2020 dog is yet to be headed thus far in the early stages and looks like a tempting choice at a general 6/1.
Leading from trap to post, Signet Goofy set the tone with a two-length victory over Savana Beau in the first round and he has only gotten better with each passing stage — most recently getting the better of Savana Beau again in their quarter-final encounter, this time winning by over three lengths. A fast start from the traps in the semis could see him beat Romeo Magic again.
Lautaro
Lautaro shot to the fore of the Greyhound Derby ante-post market after winning his first-round heat by an impressive five-and-a-half lengths clear of Ballymore Border, but the Patrick Janssens-trained dog’s form has slipped a bit since that victory last month and there’s some cause for concern.
The two-year-old was second by four lengths to Romeo Magic next time out before being beaten by shorthead by Savana Beau in the third round. He slipped even further back in the quarter-finals, finishing third and almost six lengths behind Romeo Magic. Lautaro will avoid the aforementioned dogs in the other semi-final, but Kildare will still prove tough opposition. Should have enough to book a trap in the final though.
