Romeo Is the One We Love in 2023 Greyhound Derby Final

by Roy Brindley, 28 June 2023

Swords Rex, unbeaten in the 2023 Star Sports & TRC English Greyhound Derby, has drawn trap 4 in the final of the £175,000 competition. Quoted at 10/11 in the early betting, he will be the shortest-priced Derby finalist since Farloe Blitz, who finished fourth in 2015.

The three-year-old dog could give his trainer, Dorset-born Irish-based Graham Holland, a second Derby triumph. He took the classic, first run in 1927, 12 months ago. But Holland’s hopes do not rest solely on Swords Rex. Gaytime Nero and Clona Duke also represent his County Tipperary kennels.

Photographer Steve Nash captures the moment Swords Rex took a decisive first-bend lead in his Greyhound Derby semi-final. ©SteveNash

Clona Duke has twice broken Towcester’s track record during the competition. Most recently, he set new figures in last weekend’s semi-final. But the draw has not been favourable, and he is offered on 3/1 with the best greyhound betting sites in the decider – primarily due to his wide berth in lane 5.

The shortest-priced runner representing the home defence is Romeo Command. His unbeaten run in the Derby was halted by Swords Rex last weekend. He was 15/8 to overcome that rival on that occasion. The Patrick Janssens-trained greyhound can be backed at 9/2 to exact his revenge in Saturday’s final.

The 2023 Greyhound Derby Final Odds

Recent Greyhound Derby Winners

Some Derby Fat to Chew Over

At 28/1, 2017 scorer Astute Missile was the biggest-priced Derby winner of all time. That stat should temper the enthusiasm of Cochise and Ninja Kerry fans. The former is trained by Richard Rees whose grandfather, Phil Rees Jnr won the Derby in 1976 (with Mutts Silver), and his father, Phil Rees Jnr took the famous race in 1985 courtesy of Pagan Swallow.

Two more generations of Rees family greyhound trainers have followed. #dynasty pic.twitter.com/vUd0p7uRbu

— Sports & Betting History by BestBettingSites (@CDCHistory) May 2, 2023

Ninja Kerry has made the final on merit. But he is the oldest greyhound in the decider, and he will have to rewrite the modern record books by claiming a Derby final despite not winning any prior round of the competition.

But Swords Rex also has some statistics to overcome – primarily there has only been one winning Derby favourite since 2011. Furthermore, the last greyhound to go through the English Derby unbeaten was Westmead Hawk in 2006.

The Best Greyhound Derby Bet

It is easy to envisage Swords Rex smashing out of the boxes and making every metre again. But Derby finals have a habit of being less than predictable. And, with all finalists racing for the sixth time in six consecutive weekends, any dog could be forgiven for having a lapse at the start or putting in a disappointing effort.

Ultimately only one length separates the top three in the Derby betting according to their best recorded times. Whichever greyhound shows in front off of the second bend must be considered long odds-on to hold on for the victory.

Only one finalist has won a heat of the competition after being behind at halfway. That was Romeo Command, who employed the tactic to score in the first two rounds. His ability to win from behind tips the scales in his favour for us.

He has three-and-a-half lengths to find with Swords Rex on semi-final form. But, drawn to the inside of that rival, Romeo Command could claim the rails if foot-perfect at trap-rise. In most conceivable scenarios, 9/2 appears to be on the right side of generous.

THE PRIZE 🏆

This is what our six finalists are racing for on Saturday night ⤵️

One of UK sport’s iconic trophies with a history dating back to the 1920s ⭐#GreyhoundDerby2023 🏆 pic.twitter.com/M8CCu3WyXI

— Towcester Racecourse (@TowcesterRaces) June 26, 2023

Richie and Goofey to Scalp Rivals

Earlier in the evening Signet Goofey can take his career record to 31 wins from 62 races in the British Bred Champion Stakes final. Customary searing early-pace should see this greyhound take a decisive first bend lead and land an eighth Towcester victory from his last nine appearances.

Fromposttopillar was the ante-post Derby favourite but exited in the first round. He has been beaten twice since. That fact makes this greyhound poor value in the 8.45 pm contest, the Derby Plate. Brookside Richie claimed his scalp last weekend, and at the 3/1 offered at the Coral sportsbook, he is outstanding value to do so again.

A draw in trap 1 is a huge bonus for this Newcastle-trained greyhound. Resultantly, for a second consecutive week, he is expected to claim the lead from Rioja Joey at the opening bend and repel the late challenge of Fromposttopillar.

Best Bets for Saturday’s Derby Card