Derby Blog

Sunday May 24

Semi-final night of the Blue Square Derby witnessed another wonderful night for Matt Dartnall.

From the moment Ballymac Ruso pinged the lids like he did in the quarter-finals, the first semi-final was sewn up for Team Dartnall. But what was just as meritorious was that the winner improved his best-of-event time with another overall fastest-of-the-Derby time of 28.47sec.

Wise Thought was soon in the clear for second on the wide outside, but in behind it was the third qualifying place which occupied the minds of punters and connections. And Fear Zafonic bravely battled through on the rails to deny the tiring Jogadusc Ace, who was then passed by Stop The Show and Shelbourne Denny.

The second semi-final saw another Dartnall-trained dog make all as Glenard Sunrise showed grate pace in the turn, clearing his rivals to move middle and turn in front of Kinda Ready and Farloe Reason. And that's the order it remained, with heartbreak for Cabra Boss, despite a great run up the home straight. He finished fourth ahead of Love Mac and Bubbly Maestro.

The winning time was 28.77sec.

The Dartnalls were in dreamland now, dad Terry sporting the biggest grin of all as his son now followed up his own achievement of sending out a Derby finalist in Cleenas Lady a few years back. But Matt has topped Terry with two finalists in the same year.

Charlie Lister is also doubly handed with the half brothers Fear Zafonic and Farloe Reason, with owner Simon Wooder having a share in both, while Kinda Ready made it a first Derby finalist for Mark Wallis. He paraded Derby finalist Secret Crystal for his mother-in-law Linda Jones a few years back.

Martin White's decision to appoint Carly Philpott as assistant trainer has worked the oracle as Wise Thought becomes the only seeded runner left.

He automatically got trap six and a place in the final he always looked destined for after winning the puppy race on Derby final last year, always a good guide to the future.

Wednesday May 20

First semi-final (9.25pm)

1 Jogadusc Ace: Cracking early pace. The quick runs clearly suited and he held off Wise Thought for a long way before tiring in the quarters.

2 Fear Zafonic: Not been blessed with the best of luck with draw again. Has been crying out for the red jacket. Battling efforts to qualify. Pace at the start and staying on better, too.

3 Ballymac Ruso: Fast start laid the foundation for success in a red-hot quarter-final. Same again could see him rival those inside for the early lead.

4 Shelbourne Denny: Running well and deserves place in last 12. Will be looking to take advantage of possible crowding inside and keeps on.

5 Wise Thought: The new Derby favourite. Starts well and finishes strongly, he looks set to solo into the first bend. Tough to hold thereafter.

6 Stop The Show: One of the least experienced runners left. Showed pace into the turn in the quarters and could be tough to keep out of the frame again.

Paws picks: 5 3 2

Second semi-final (9.40pm):

1 Glenard Sunrise: Left an average third round effort way behind in the quarters. Speedy to the turn, it's the red jacket again. Will try to make all.

2 Farloe Reason: Has probably never run better. Consistent to the turn, the way he almost ran down Ballymac Ruso in the quarters was exceptional.

3 Kinda Ready: Along with trap one here he is the youngest runner left in the Derby. Struggling to keep with them early, but is running on well.

4 Love Mac: Middle draw might suit more than the inside pitches he has had of late. Not giving up in behind and the fairytale continues for his young handler.

5 Cabra Boss: Winner of two trial stakes before the event and has been the epitome of consistency. Can lead or lie handy and stay on. Must surely make the frame.

6 Bubbly Maestro: Would get the 'performance of the round' award along with Ruso for his brilliant quarter-final effort. Great back-straight pace and must repeat in this competitive heat.

Paws picks: 5 2 1

Tuesday May 19

MATT DARTNALL had a quarter-final night to remember in the Blue Square-backed Classic. Ballymac Ruso won the 'heat of death' courtesy of an electric start from five as he raced to a fastest-of-the-event 28.51sec, while kennelmate Glenard Sunrise made all in his heat.

Two for Dartnall, and one apiece for Martin White (Wise Thought) and Paul Donovan (Bubbly Maestro) tells just half the story as the last 12 features, Dartnall aside, three other handlers with two through to the semis – Charlie Lister, Liz McNair and Mark Wallis. Maxine Locke continues to enjoy her Derby experience with Love Mac, while Shelbourne Denny is the lone Irish raider. Wise Thought remains clear favourite with Blue Square for the £100,000 prize and faces a clash with the original ante-post favourite Fear Zafonic in the first semi-final. On the evidence of Tuesday's quarter-finals, it promises to be a cracker.

First quarter-final: A lightning start from Jogadusc Ace put the pace to the race, and some. But favourite WISE THOUGHT turned off the second bend a clear second, but the leader was not stopping in front. Keeping wide he challenged and past the pace-setter at the fourth turn and went on to score in 28.69. Love Mac held off the rest for the qualifying place.

Second quarter-final: A huge burst of early and middle pace saw BUBBLY MAESTRO storm clear for his huge band of owners. The sole Wimbledon-trained runner left in the competition, he soon had them stretched out with Cabra Boss and Kinda Ready keeping on well to qualify as the winner posted a then-fastest time of the event 28.53sec.

Third quarter-final: The best race of the 2009 Blue Square Derby saw Charlie Lister's three entries line up against each other. It looked perilous for all as drawn with tight railer Fear Zafonic in three. But he gallantly qualified along with Farloe Reason, who ran a stormer to close down on the winner late on, after youngster Bandicoot Tipoki was squeezed out at the turn. But it was BALLYMAC RUSO who tore to the first bend from trap five, racing to a blistering 4.77sec sectional as he made all in a Derby-fastest 28.51sec. A railer, his superb start and early pace saw him offset the wider pitch with a great effort.

Fourth quarter-final: GLENARD SUNRISE raced together to the bend with red-hot favourite Windy Millar, the pair touching slightly before Stop The Show, who had paced up well and challenged behind them at the turn, checked into Windy Millar sending him out. The winner went on down the far side to win unchallenged in 28.77sec. Shelbourne Denny stayed on for second ahead of Stop The Show.

Sunday May 17

THIRD round night always produces its fair share of drama, but the 2009 version of the last 48 stage of the Blue Square Derby was as memorable for what happened off the track than on it.

Starting with the action, and unquestionably it was Charlie Lister's night.

The Newark maestro weighed in with three third round winners, the trio of Fear Zafonic, Farloe Reason and Bandicoot Tipoki all coming through potential minefields gloriously, and Ninja Jamie would have made it four but for huge bad luck when eliminated in his heat.

A leading contender for outright honours, Ninja Jamie joined Boherna Best and the unfortunate Dotland Hit Man as the highest-profile casualties on a night when traditionally the Classic comes to the boil.

A place in the quarter-finals and the potential of three runs in eight days leading to a final-six slot is the goal on third round night. For some it proved a wonderful night, for others a very much 'what if' night.

But whatever the fate of the runners of the eight third round heats, what happened in the quarter-final draw after heat eight likely overshadowed the fast and furious action on the track.

Live on Blue Square TV, Wimbledon racing manager Gary Matthews, overseeing the draw, watched in astonishment as Duncan Gibson, stipendiary steward of the GBGB, drew Charlie Lister's heat winners out in the same quarter-final.

The law of Sod will have caused the Lister camp consternation on the drive home, but it underlined once again that an element of luck is always required in a Classic.

Can they all qualify? The answer is yes, of course. But that would mean no place in the semis for Shelbourne Aston, Greenwell River or Ballymac Ruso. That third quarter-final is a race befitting the final.

Mark Wallis matched Charlie Lister's feat with three last 24 qualifiers; Kylegrove Cougar kept alive Claude Gardiner's dream of following up Allen Gift's Classic success a few years back, while Shelbourne Aston's quest for an Irish/English Derby double remains possible.

Also for Ireland, Owen McKenna's bid to emulate his Derby-winning father Ger is still on. And what about litter-mates Cabra Boss and Cabra Fly? That is also turning into some story, especially when you consider their litter brother Cabra Cool has already won the Scottish Derby! So to Saturday's eight third round heats, races which produced our last 24 in the Blue Square Derby.

Heat one: A fast start from KINDRED SPARKY saw Mark Wallis's dog dominated from start to finish. It might have been different had the challenge of Deanridge Fury not come as they straightened up down the back-straight – the latter was forced to check up as he challenged the leader – but the winner produced a great front-running effort. Marbeck Wonder ran on to split the pair after Lord Karl tired after roaring into contention.

Heat two: FEAR ZAFONIC, the first of Charlie Lister's treble, underlined his Classic credentials. Starting well, he dived for the fence as expected brushing Shelbourne Aston and Lenson Smoothie aside before running a tight rails course into the turn and turning in front. Game over. Cabra Boss was always second and kept on well ahead of Shelbourne Aston who finished fast to qualify.

Heat three: LOVE MAC started well and fin shed well for the spoils for Maxine Locke. Moving middle in the dash to the turn, he made things difficult for Jogadusc Ace to gain his preferred lead, but the Wallis dog did managed to hit the front off the second. However, Love Mac was never too far off the action and stayed on much the stronger, with Stop The Show running on well to qualify.

Heat four: The event waved goodbye to Boherna Best, Barrie Draper's dog bumped out of contention at the turn as he, FARLOE REASON and Droopys Quinta hit the bend in unison. Using the inside pitch to effect, the winner went on well and it was Ballymac Ruso who also qualified after showing superb middle zip to get into contention off the second. A double for Charlie Lister.

Heat five: JA MANN struck for Ireland and Owen McKenna. Starting well and edging in front of Ninja Jamie into the turn, Ja Mann won the back-straight battle with Melodys Pat and went on to score. But the drama unfolding in behind saw Ninja Jamie eliminated as he had nowhere to go after tearing down the back but being faced with a wall of dogs at the third turn. Kylegrove Cougar and Romeo Turbo came through late to qualify.

Heat six: The Lister treble landed with a superb effort from young BANDICOOT TIPOKI. Breaking level with his field, a superb burst of pace saw him in lead Glenard Sunrise into the turn, no mean feat, and race on for a fastest-of-the-night 28.65sec. The latter kept on well to qualify, with Bubbly Maestro keeping the dream alive for his new owners by splitting the pair to make the 24.

Heat seven: Lenson Express, in his third Derby campaign, waved goodbye, but only just as his challenge up the home-straight just failed to grab Greenwell River. Up front, though, it was all about CABRA FLY as she joined Droopys Quinta as the only two bitches left for the quarter-finals. Breaking well, Chris Allsopp's bitch was never headed. Shelbourne Denny stayed on for second. The race was marred by an injury to Dotland Hit Man.

Heat eight: The best duel of the night saw WISE THOUGHT defeat Windy Millar. A fast start laid the foundation for success for Martin White's dog who led Windy Millar into the turn, although the latter kept up the challenge throughout. The pair were well clear of the remainder, with Kinda Ready, who had turned third, comfortably qualifying. The winning time was 28.66sec, just one spot shy of the night's best. Impressive for a last qualifier of the evening.

Monday, May 11th

THE Blue Square Derby waved goodbye to the likes of highly-rated Jesters Nap, Ballymac Under and Tyrur Hestor, but the second round produced its fair share of high-class performances as the field was reduced to 48 for the crunch third round night ahead (Saturday, May 16).

Top of the pile was WINDY MILLAR. His 28.58sec clocking when making all in heat 11 on Saturday shaded BOHERNA BEST's 28.59sec in the last heat on Friday as both headed into the third round with confidence high. But that confidence will be shared by so many others.

From SHELBOURNE ASTON's power-packed finish to GLENARD SUNRISE's defeat of Derby favourite Fear Zafonic, the 16 heat winners from Friday and Saturday's split second round each brought something to the table as connections continue to enjoy their Derby experience.

Veterans TOOSEY BLUE and KINDRED SPARKY both rolled back the years; young BANDICOOT TIPOKI defied his tenders years with an impressive effort, while two trainers in their 20s, Maxine Locke and Dean Childs, both showed their elders they have earned their spurs with second round winners.

Charlie Lister, four times a winner, still has major chances of number five. His Fear Zafonic, while beaten, showed resolution to qualify but they are still waiting for the red jacket for him! But in NINJA JAMIE, the aforementioned Bandicoot Tipoki, Fear Zafonic and Farloe Reason, the Lister team remains strong.

As does, team Wallis and team Dartnall. Champion trainer Mark has three third-round qualifiers led by second-round scorer KINDA READY, closely matched with Bandicoot Tipoki, while Matt landed a quickfire double with Glenard Sunrise and BALLYMAC RUSO. The latter reached last year's Irish Derby final.

Wide-running WISE THOUGHT came through late to win his heat and continues to search for the striped-jacket but will be difficult to keep out of the frame, while the gutsy MARBECK WONDER is living the dream for Perry Barr handler Kirsty Turner. The Scottish challenge is also doing fine. GREENWELL RIVER and CABRA BOSS both won heats for Scottish handlers, while even though the Irish struck second-round gold with just Shelbourne Aston, numerically they remain strong in terms of the number of qualifiers (8) from the Emerald Isle going into the last 48.

Heat one: GREENWELL RIVER produced the sort of form that saw him set a 480m track record at Shawfield. Cracking out well, Pat Flaherty's dog, making the longest round-trip mileage-wise of any of the Derby entries, made all to win in 28.61sec. Droopys Lee stayed on ahead of Shelbourne Denny. Tyrur Kenny finished sore and was eliminated along with fellow heat winner Kinda Easy.

Heat two: CABRA BOSS was ultra-professional again as he maintained his unbeaten record in the Classic. Pacing up well into the turn, he was rarely in danger as Jogadusc Ace was passed before halfway. Liz McNair's dog went on to score in 28.88sec from the running-on Glenard Rocket and Jogadusc Ace.

Heat three: TOOSEY BLUE rolled back the years to strike for Tony Dean. For John Mullins 12 months previously, the four-year-old one-time Irish Derby semi-finalist also reached the semis at Wimbledon before going on to win the Consolation. Pacing up to lead big danger Tyrur Hestor early, the winner typically ran a great second bend to put the race to bed. Lenson Express and Melodys Pat both ran on to qualify behind the 28.89sec big-priced winner.

Heat four: KINDRED SPARKY, who had led everywhere except the line in his heat, ran an almost identical race to wrap up his second round heat. Mark Wallis's good starter led everywhere in 29.13sec, ahead of Lenson Smoothie and Cash Dream. The winner made it back-to-back heat wins for veteran performers after Toosey Blue.

Heat five: DRUMNA WILLOW was a well-fancied winner. Maxine Locke's dog was always prominent and challenged and passed leader Swift N Smart approaching the third bend. The latter qualified, along with Barnfield Slippy, who finished second. The latter reached the quarter-finals last year and does not lack stamina.

Heat six: BANDICOOT TIPOKI, the youngest dog in the last 48, defied inexperience with a faultless effort for Charlie Lister and Ray White, the team behind double Derby-winning Rapid Ranger. He was led to the second bend by fast-starting Lenson Flash, but then challenged and went on to win from running-on Head It On Ellis and Bubbly Maestro. The latter, formerly known as Droopys Maestro, gives the Champagne Club a last-48 runner again.

Heat seven: WISE THOUGHT overcame a middle draw again, but this time to win his heat. It was largely a rough race but Martin White's powerhouse loomed large and hare rail-wide off the last bend to strike gold from Malbay Fletcher and Irish raider Castlehill Pat.

Heat eight: BOHERNA BEST produced a great effort to conclude the night's proceedings. Only fourth in his first round heat, Barrie Draper's dog led up and clocked a fastest-of-the-night 28.59sec. In behind Glynnscross Mal and Farloe Reason stayed on for second and third, the latter missing the up. Ironically, all three are set to do battle again in their third round heat.

Heat nine: MARBECK WONDER came home strongly in a race where most looked in with a chance at some stage. Cabra Fly just led up from Jesters Nap, but as the challenges came from behind it was all-change at the fourth bend where Kirsty Turner's Marbeck Wonder came through to win from Cabra Fly and London Walter.

Heat ten: KINDA READY stepped up to the plate with a terrific effort. Led into the turn by fast-starting Irish raider Slick Ace, a burst of pace down the back-straight saw Mark Wallis's tackle and pass the leader on the inside before going to score in 28.83sec from Droopys Quinta and Stop The Show.

Heat 11: WINDY MILLAR repeated his first-round success with victory courtesy of a good burst of pace to the turn. Pat Rosney's dog was never headed, just leading Love Mac at the bend before going on. The latter kept on well to qualify ahead of Blonde Fern, the Blue Riband winner in 28.58sec. It was the fastest of the entire 16 second round heat.

Heat 12: SHELBOURNE ASTON's now familiar surge up the home straight denied long-time leader Kylegrove Cougar. The Irish-trained winner of Pat Curtin's trailed them early but railed into contention before again looking for room to challenge and pass dogs off the last bend. Lazerus chased home Kylegrove Cougar to also qualify.

Heat 13: DEANRIDGE FURY edged Ja Mann in a thriller. The winner was forced very wide by Kind Edward early and had to duck inside that rival at the second bend to take it up. But Dean Childs's dog still had to work to do and had to withstand a strong challenge from Irish raider Ja Mann, who had missed the break, on the run for home. Raving Black stayed on for third.

Heat 14: NINJA JAMIE followed up his first round win. In one of the toughest heats of the round, Charlie Lister's dog trapped well and collared fast-starting Fire For Effect off the second bend. Unlike in the first round, he ran the second bend well and tore down the back. Droopys Noel was among those queueing up to challenge approaching the third bend, along with the crowded-out Ballymac Under, and the Irish Puppy Derby and Easter Cup champion qualified along with staying-on Romeo Turbo.

Heat 15: GLENARD SUNRISE counted Derby favourite Fear Zafonic among his victims with a deserved victory. Pacing up to lead into the turn as Fear Zafonic squeezed up fast-starting Barnfield On Air and Goldcrest Lord against the rails, Matt Dartnall's winner led round and was always holding Dotland Hit Man and Fear Zafonic, who gathered himself up to qualify. The winner clocked a smart 28.75sec.

Heat 16: BALLYMAC RUSO faltered slightly after a quick exit but soon regained momentum to lead comfortably into the turn and draw clear impressively. Fabulous Quest came from out of the clouds to run second ahead of Lord Karl, who showed good early and middle speed to lie second for a long way. Again, the 28.72sec winning time impressed.

Round 2: What They Said...

John Flaherty (assistant trainer, Greenwell River): "We couldn't do a lot with him after last week. He came back with some cuts and grazes, he was in the wars really. We just bandaged him up and hoped for the best. The cuts seem to be fine and I suppose we've got to think there could be more to come now."

Rab McNair (Cabra Boss): "He showed a nice burst of pace to the bend and is helping turn the fortunes of the kennel around now. It's the Derby and we've nothing to hide, nothing up our sleeve and he's just running his race. But he could just be getting stronger with every run, that's the hope"

Tony Dean (Toosey Blue): "He was short of work during the Blue Riband, so get to the final was an achievement in itself. I've worked on him this week, and I'll just have to remember what I did, cos it's worked. He might have needed that run last week, not so much physically but just to get him used to Wimbledon again. And he's fallen in love with it again. I actually thought he had a good make-up tonight and it's proved to be the case."

Mark Wallis (Kindred Sparky): "I really thought he was one of our best chances of a winner last week and he's led everywhere expect the line. Tonight he's just done exactly the same, and the old boy has done us proud. He's loving the run-up at Wimbledon and loves to bowl along in front. He came to us, along with Bomber Bailey, from Mick Puzey and Mick has to take a lot of the credit."

Maxine Locke (Drumna Willow): "We're still learning about him, really. We bought him before the Scottish Derby and he trialled for us there. But he ran his first race for us in the heats here and wasn't beaten that far by Ninja Jamie. I like his middle pace and we're enjoying the ride here, it's great to be involved. And it's been a good week, with dad winning the Produce Stakes in Ireland last weekend.

Charlie Lister (Bandicoot Tipoki): "We know he's got great pace, but it was nice to see him run the track very well. He's young, not had many races and we're hopeful."

Martin White (Wise Thought): "He's been unlucky in the draw but come through it well. He wants to get out wide and then he can do his running. But it's all about qualifying, and he's doing alright at the moment."

Barrie Draper (Boherna Best): "That's more like it, and a relief. The draw in five has helped him and he's done what we always thought he could here. There's a long way to go, mind, but he's only had four races now this year. We hope there's more to come."

David Haywood (assistant trainer, Marbeck Wonder): "He's a proper, winning dog. He tied up in his heat, which is not like him. He's had one or two niggles, but they've been sorted and tonight he's done great. We thought he might struggle to get round Jesters Nap if he moved off, but all round he's shown great trackcraft and come home well."

Dean Childs (Deanridge Fury): "We knew this would be tough. Getting round King Edward was a problem with him shooting off at the second, but our fellow's has cut inside him nicely. He's had to do a lot of running, but stuck it out well. I know this dog has everything and we're hopeful."

Charlie Lister (Ninja Jamie): "That was better from him. He went off at the second bend last week, but didn't tonight and we're happy with him. I think he's coming to himself. His coat hasn't quite come through but as the weeks go by I can see him improving, and his ability has never been questioned."

Terry Dartnall (Glenard Sunrise): "He was bred by Billy O'Toole and, while he's got terrific pace, he is bred to stay. He got injured after the Monmore Puppy Derby and we laid him off. He wasn't a cert Derby entry, but I'm glad he's in it!" Matt Dartnall (Ballymac Ruso): "He probably came out too well and stumbled, but he gathered himself together and kicked on. He proved before he can handle a competition schedule to get to an Irish Derby final. We're happy."

Monday 4th May

FROM the brilliance of Fear Zafonic to the whirlwind crowd-pleasing finish of Shelbourne Aston. From the Friday success of owner Patsy Byrne [four winners] to Irish trainer Pat Curtin's Saturday night treble, the first round of the Blue Square Derby had it all.

Yes, the competition waved goodbye to the likes of Cabra Cool, Slip The Lark, Westmead Osprey and the erratic Drumna Classic, but if this first-four-to-qualify first round was canine sparring, a taste of things to come, then the 25th running of the Derby at Wimbledon promises to be a cracker. A knockout even!

Friday night's first batch of twelve heats kicked off with victory for MELODYS PAT, which kick-started what was a fantastic night for Byrne. The Irishman won the Derby with Ballinderry Ash in 1991 and teamed up again with his great friend Pa Fitzgerald, now the licence-holder, who struck with all-the-way winner Melodys Pat, back winning at Wimbledon for the second year running, and Ballymac Under. More on him later.

Heat two saw great success of Richard Yeates's LAZERUS. A fast dog who has had his setbacks, but who is almost ungradeable at Oxford after some fast wins, he turned handy and stayed on the better to pick up hotpot Irish raider Ja Mann.

FEAR ZAFONIC, trained by Charlie Lister, grabbed the rails quickly to set the standard overall with a almost trap-to-line success in heat three. Fast to halfway, he always led Jesters Nap, who kept on for second.

BALLYMAC UNDER, another Fitzgerald runner, missed his break but incredibly still almost made the bend in front. The winner of the Racing Post Juvenile last year, his return to Wimbledon was an impressive won as he led home staying-on Barnfield Slippy.

Cabra Cool, the Scottish Derby winner, bowed out in heat five after finding trouble around the third and fourth turns, but SOUTHERN SUNSET was a worthy winner for Nottingham trainer Tony Hackett as she led up and led home fellow big-priced Droopys Quinta.

Charlie Lister's NINJA JAMIE ran off at the second bend but came through to win with a searing back-straight burst in heat six. The heat saw the elimination of Greyhound of the Year, Lenson Joker, who suffered a slight tendon injury in the race.

Maxine Locke's LOVE MAC won a Derby heat for the second year running after last year's quarter-finalist wore down last year's finalists Kryptonite to deny the long-time leader off the last bend in heat seven.

Matt Dartnall's BALLYMAC RUSO roared back to his best with sparkling 28.68sec success to cheer his legion of ante-post backers. Leading into the turn, he went well clear down the back in heat eight.

Heat nine went to CABRA BOSS. Winner of a couple of trial stakes, he joined issue with Royal Hunter at halfway but drew clear nicely to strike for the McNairs.

A brilliant line-up for heat ten saw Pat Rosney's WINDY MILLAR almost turn the race into a procession. Leading up, he went clear as market rivals Wise Thought (moved wide) and Boherna Best (moved in from six) found trouble.

Kindred Sparky led in heat 11 but had no answer to the finishing kick of GLENARD SUNRISE, who showed stamina to go with his sprint open-winning form. It was a quickfire double for Dartnall.

A five-runner heat 12, the last on Friday, went to CENTAUR ALLSTAR, who showed cracking back-straight pace and railing ability to lead comfortably off the last bend for Chris Allsopp.

Saturday's heats proved to be a bonanza for Irish-trained runners and CASH DREAM kicked off things for Gerry Holian with a show of all-round speed and a fastest-time-of-the-night 28.81sec in heat 13.

Heat 14 went to SIDE BET who powered from halfway to hit the front off the last bend to score win number two for Ireland, this time ex-Wimbledon trainer Owen McKenna striking gold.

Heat 15 was noticeable for Bubbly Totti finishing well in third and be clear into the pick-up, but up front Pat Curtin's SHELBOURNE DENNY produced a good burst of all-round speed to lead home Cobra Fly.

Another one for Curtin in heat 16 as CASTLEHILL PAT, who went up with the traps, powered to the front off the last bend to deny pace-setter Slick Ace.

The Curtin treble is landed courtesy of Irish Derby champion SHELBOURNE ASTON. A show of power and good trackcraft saw him tear down the far side and barge through between runners off the last bend to a huge roar from the terraces.

Crowd favourite LENSON EXPRESS ended a run of five straight wins for Ireland by striking for Tony Collett. Trapping well and leading the dangerous Deanridge Ammo inside, he finish well up the rails to break the heart of leader Marbeck Wonder and then hold the strong Head Iton Ellis.

TYRUR KENNY resumed a good night for Ireland with owner PJ Fahy's wife Mary on hand to collect the trophy after a terrific burst of middle pace secured the spoils for Charlie Lister in heat 19.

FARLOE REASON popped the traps in brilliant style, tacked across to the middle of the track from five and never gave his supporters a moment's worry in heat 20, clocking a fast 28.84sec.

Tyrur Hestor led up but could not slip his field as DOTLAND HIT MAN ran a terrific second bend to be in command before halfway to strike for north-east handler Andrew Bell. in heat 21.

LONDON WALTER, the made all, was a thoroughly worthy winner of heat 22, although the talking point was the antics of Drumna Classic who stopped chasing when in contention on the dash for home in heat 22.

Bandicoot Tipoki showed great pace in heat 23 but the inexperienced Lister pup found problems as strong-running Mark Wallis-trained KINDA EASY found himself in front off the second bend and was never headed, scoring a 14-1 surprise. Slip The Lark, last year's Irish Derby second, struggled to strike blow.

The final heat 24 produced a cracking early-paced battle between Jogadusc Ace and DEANRIDGE FURY, with the latter puling away nicely into the third bend to score a double of Dean Childs.

Pa Fitzgerald (Melodys Pat): "He's a hyperactive dog who can sometimes lose his race in the kennel. An easy heat is always best for him.'

Richard Yeates (Lazerus): "We had a good year winning the Trafalgar Cup with Freedom Emma. Things had to turn the better for us after Reading shut, and this dog is a cracker. He could improve, too. We've had niggling setbacks with him."

Kieran Hickey (part-owner Fear Zafonic): "We know he badly wants to rails, trap one throughout would be great. But he's just so fast. Charlie felt he was a little short coming into it, hence the Nottingham sprint trial. They might well be more to come."

Patsy Byrne (owner, Ballymac Under): "He didn't come out of one in the Easter Cup final, that's racing. But he likes it here. He might just be back to his very best."

Tony Hackett (Southern Sunset): "Paul Sallis calls her the Indian  she's taken so many scalps! She's been in with some of the best at Nottingham and she's a great bitch, she's strong too. I thought she ran OK in the trial stakes, even after she took a whack from Wise Thought out of the boxes."

Terry Coveney (owner, Ninja Jamie): "It's a relief to get that one out of the way after getting knocked out of the Scottish Derby. He went off wide at the turn but he won't be putting him middle, we got caught out doing that last year."

Maxine Locke (Love Mac): "He was jumping around so much we tried him over hurdles. He was in the Springbok but only ever won a graded race over the sticks at Romford. But he seems to love Wimbledon."

Rab McNair (Cabra Boss): "We've had a bad time of it lately with one or two dogs off, but this is nice. The wide seeded has helped him and he's kept a good, straight line into the turn. He likes a pull round by a dog, for sure, but he's got on with him well tonight."

Matt Dartnall (Ballymac Ruso): "He's been running quite fresh in the few races we've entered this year, but this has been the plan. The Derby is the target, and we've trained him for it. But that's more like it and we've got to hopeful he can continue to progress now.|"

Julie McCombe (Windy Millar): "He's been an unlucky dog in many ways because he's been beaten by dogs who've set track records. But he's as fast as any, as he's showed tonight [28.70]. The old style traps here at Wimbledon will be new to him, but he's handled them well."

Terry Dartnall (assistant trainer, Glenard Sunrise): "That's nice for Patsy [Byrne], four winners on the night. I like this dog. He's only had four races and I knew he was useful when he turned left from four at Monmore and did a 28.17sec. A very good run for just his second race."

Paul Anderson (assistant trainer, Centaur Allsopp): "We've not had him long and he's still settling in really, so that's surprised us a touch. He's run on strongly but from what we know he could to halfway quicker. It's a good start."

Gerry Holian (Cash Dream): "It's always nice to be back in England, we had the double in the greyhound races at the Cheltenham Festival a couple of years back! He won the Kasco Puppy Derby at Tralee and we've always rated him. He might just have slipped off the radar for the list of leading Irish dogs!"

Owen McKenna (Side Bet) "He was fastest in the second round of the Easter Cup, so can run. He's a nice dog who could go a few rounds."

Dave O'Hanlon (owner, Shelbourne Denny): "His time at Lifford was something like the quickest in five years. He moved a little wide on the run-up but straightened up well. He was bred by Seamus Graham."

Len Ponder (owner, Len Ponder): "I reckon he's got better with age, like me. Be nice to be back here again after last year's final. He's got great pace and already made three finals this year, the Arc, Pall Mall and Blue Riband. Amazing."

Ian Sutherland (assistant trainer, Tyrur Kenny): "That was his first run for us since he was sent over from Ireland. He did it well. He's still settling in and probably tired a bit coming home. But there's a long way to go."

Ian Openshaw (part-owner, Farloe Reason): "He's always been a fast dog, and was here last year. But his blood count was wrong. He's 100 per cent this time around. We had five tonight, but if we can two or three we'll be happy."

Jimmy Wright (assistant trainer, Dotland Hit Man): "I'm working for Andrew until my own licence comes through. He's always impressed me and I suppose the form of that All England Cup [close-up second to Boherna Best] look good. The way he ran the second bend was tremendous."

Dean Childs (London Walter): "I said to the owner that we'd put him over six bends after the Derby, so when he led we were confident. He ran well in the Puppy Derby last year, form which is working out well. And changing his seeding to middle has helped him."

Patrick Janssens (assistant trainer, Kinda Easy): "It's a great litter, with Kinda Ready among them. This dog is a strong dog, but fast. He's got a 29.33sec at Coventry on his card and is a very good member of the team. We are trying to bring them all on for the tougher rounds to come."

Dean Childs (Deanridge Fury): "It's been a good week after the Regency, although a lot better than last night for us here. He had one or two defeats but we deliberately wound him down, to wind him back up for what is a tough test of course, the Derby. He's got everything this dog, you just need luck like the rest of them."

Tuesday 28th April

THE stage is set for the world's greatest greyhound race, the 2009 Blue Square Derby at Wimbledon.

From the first round heats on Friday and Saturday (May 1 & 2) through to the £100,000 final on Saturday, May 30, owners, trainers – and punters! – will be dreaming of glory as some 140-plus runners go to traps for the 480-metre Classic bidding to re-write history.

Last year it was legendary Irish trainer Seamus Graham who realised his long-held ambition to win the English Derby as Loyal Honcho raced to a memorable and emotional triumph with the dog who had finished second just 12 months previously.

Before Graham, of course, it was the Westmead era. Nick Savva trained the winners of the three straight Blue Square Derbys with back-to-back wins for the mighty Westmead Hawk – so famous he's now in Madame Tussauds – and Westmead Lord. The last-named didn't win a round – until, gloriously, the final!

Graham is not represented this year, but has pledged to return in 2010. But Savva is, with two entries – the Westmeads Osprey and Ace. But Savva's great rival Charlie Lister, four times a trainer of an English Derby winner, has by far the most powerful team, a magnificent seven entries headed by favourite Fear Zafonic.

Numerically, however, champion trainer Mark Wallis is the strongest with 12 entries, while the Irish have travelled en masse. Even without Seamus Graham and Paul Hennessy, the challenge from the Emerald Isle is as powerful as ever.

Step forward reigning Irish Derby winner Shelbourne Aston from Pat Curtin's camp. Step forward Scottish Derby winner Cabra Cool, who heads a strong team from Pat Buckley. Owen McKenna, whose Father Ger has won two English Derbys, and Pat Gordon also send over rich talent.

There is also an Irish Puppy Derby winner in the shape of Buckley's Droopys Noel, an English Puppy Derby winner in Jesters Nap from Norwich-based Jim Daly, plus the winner of many other major races including the last two winners of the Racing Post Juvenile Championship in Fear Zafonic and Ballymac Under.

There is last year's Greyhound of the Year in the line-up, Lenson Joker (Tony Collett). There is the dog he narrowly beat to that award, Boherna Best (Barrie Draper), himself a winner of three Category One competitions including the Laurels at Belle Vue in 2008.

Pa Fitzgerald, who, with Patsy Byrne, claimed a Derby victory with Ballinderry Ash (1991) and a second with Druids Johno (1990), will make a popular return to Wimbledon where Byrne held a trainer's license for a time. Fitzgerald brings over Melodys Pat again.

In terms of the most popular dog in the line-up, surely that is Bubbly Totti. He is owned by the Champagne Club syndicate and Ted Soppitt's dog has over 100 part-owners. He has also already won a Classic at Wimbledon – last year's St Leger.

And while Bubbly Totti will raise the roof every round he qualifies, so might Barnfield On Air (Sam Poots). Greyhound racing's 'superdog' was a media star in his prime, the fastest many have seen in years. Now a veteran, he is back for his third Blue Square Derby campaign and has been backed at three-figure prices for outright glory.

So that's it. The scene is set for a month of the high-class greyhound action. We will bring you news, views and reports from each of the rounds and the process of reducing a 140-strong field to a super six greyhounds for the Blue Square Greyhound Derby Final begins in earnest this weekend. Prices are available ante-post and for a host of specials, including 6-1 a Trap One winner of the Derby at Wimbledon. In its almost 25-year history at Plough Lane, Wimbledon – the first Greyhound Derby was run at White City in 1927 – no greyhound has carried the red jacket to victory in a Derby final.

Will it change this year? Very possibly.

The favourite Fear Zafonic is a railer. He cherishes the red jacket and, should he make it through to the final, could well draw trap one. Would he be a 6-1 chance then? That is yet another poser for punters as its eyes down for the Blue Square Greyhound Derby.

Good luck, and enjoy.