Mark Wallis’s entries for the williamhill.com English Greyhound Derby
Mark Wallis is a man who needs no introduction to any greyhound racing enthusiast – he’s a trainer who has continued to dominate the sport in recent years by producing a number of big-race winners including last year’s Derby winner Kinda Ready. This year he will be represented by a total of 13 hopefuls attempting to claim the £75,000 prize on offer by sponsor williamhill.com.
The prize may have been slashed by £25,000, but it’s still one of the biggest prizes on offer in the sport and considering the number of entries this year, it’s pretty obvious that it hasn’t put anyone off.
Eye Onthe Storm (7-1) - Is currently topping the ante-post market as favourite. He is no doubt the people's champion and one of the shortest-priced Derby favourites for quite a while. He recently picked up the Blue Riband at Hall Green and was also a key player in March when his victory at Doncaster crowned Wallis the Betfair Trainer’s Champion. He does however have a tough first-round draw in trap five in heat 10 tonight, and will have all supporters biting their fingernails, but without doubt has a great chance of landing back-to-back Derbys for the Imperial Kennels.
Dalcash Scolari (66-1) - A brilliantly fast and lightly raced dog who demonstrated his ability in the Trainers Championship at Doncaster that he’s up there with the best. He has had two very good trials at Wimbledon and is one of the best-backed dogs in the event so far. Another very tough first-round heat with only the first two qualifying and a draw in trap three is far from ideal but with luck on his side this heavyweight could go a long way, we’ll find out on Saturday when he competes in heat 33.
Eye Eye Pickle (100-1) - Another greyhound who showed he has what it takes to go a long way when beating Charlie Lister’s Bandicoot Tipoki at Doncaster and a recent impressive trial (28.77sec). He will still need to get some help with draws on the rails like his first round heat but I feel confident that he has quarter-final plus written all over him. He will be racing tonight in the opening heat.
Jogadusc Ace (125-1) - Last year's Derby semi-finalist seems to have retained all of his ability and would have given Eye Onthe Storm a race in the Blue Riband final if he hadn't stumbled out of the traps. He has great early pace and a great record around Wimbledon which could again see this kennel favourite in the latter stages of the competition but is another who faces a tough first round heat and draw on Saturday in heat 29.
Directors Spur (150-1) – A youngster who made the high-class Monmore Puppy Derby Final, he should go a few rounds and then who knows what might happen. He will be in heat 17 on Friday.
Eye Onthe Flash (300-1) – Flash will be in heat five tonight and is an occasionally brilliant greyhound, as his recent track record at Sittingbourne shows. This brother of Eye Onthe Storm could attract a few followers. Consistency is the key and he has the ability to make an impact in the event.
Adageo (300-1) – A largely unheard of dog in the Imperial kennel’s but with a few wins in the grades at Harlow, he has had a few people asking questions about him and is one of a few wide seeds. It wouldn't surprise me to see him go a few rounds. Adageo will race in heat 31 on Saturday.
Kinda Handy (500-1) - Maybe a chance of using his good early pace to nick a couple of rounds but would need to improve to feature in the latter stages. He will be running heat nine tonight.
Kinda Easy (500-1) - St Leger hero who loves Wimbledon and dropped back in trip for the Derby could be one of those wide seeds who can keep qualifying but has a tough first-round heat to overcome. Won in last year's first round at a big price. Easy will be in heat 27 on Saturday.
All That Noise (500-1) – A greyhound who has recently stepped up in trip and was impressive in his 575m Romford victory, but is another who faces a tough first round. Noise will be running heat 25 on Saturday.
Aero Bolt (500-1) - Promising youngster who hasn't had the best of luck to date but that could change. Looks a strong sort and could need to be stepped up in trip after the Derby. Hard first-round heat for him tomorrow in heat 12.
Eye Onthe Tempo (500-1) – A big outsider but more than capable of qualifying a round or two. Has a good draw in trap one on Friday (Heat 16) and that might be worth a second look.
Blonde Banjo (1000-1) - Unexposed young dog who has just come to the kennel, didn't trial too badly and may cause a surprise or two. Banjo will be in heat three tonight.
They say lightning doesn’t strike in the same place twice; well it may just do at Wimbledon for Champion trainer Mark Wallis who looks to have a strong chance in landing the Derby once again. It’s unfortunate not to see Kinda Ready making a title defence, but regardless, the Imperial kennel seem to have a solid chance.
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