1. Magical Bale
Following a lacklustre performance in the first round Magical Bale has really turned on the style in the last few weeks. Setting the derby alight with explosive early pace he is aiming to give Kevin Hutton back-to-back derbys following last year’s success of Dorotas Wildcat.
Suited by an inside berth, he justifiably heads the market and it will require a big performance to topple this son of Zero Ten.
Current Odds: 5/4
2. Ballymac Tas
Fair to say Tas has yet to replicate her fantastic runs from Limerick during the running of the Con and Anne Kirby sweepstake. Her run through to the final of that competition was highlighted by breaking the magic 28 second barrier.
A powerhouse from half way, if the gaps appear at the right time she is more than capable of picking off the opposition. Coming from the famed paddocks of Liam Dowling in Ballymacelligot Co Kerry she will want for little in way of preparation, but luck in running is vital to her chances.
Current Odds: 16/1
3. Priceless Blake
Gone under the radar somewhat in recent weeks with the spotlight shining on kennel companion Jaytee Taylor. Have no doubt Blake has reached the final on merit.
A consistent sort, the trap draw has been kind to him, he can lead up Tas on his inside and if prominent at the first bend he will take a hell of a lot of beating. At current odds of around 8/1 he represents fantastic value to follow up the kennel’s 2016 success of Jaytee Jet.
Current Odds: 8/1
4. Skywalker Logan
After a record breaking run in the first round Logan has failed to match those lofty heights in previous weeks. A strong running type, luck in running will be imperative to his chances. Whether he will get a run early is debatable but If turning anywhere near the action Logan is powerful enough to gun these down. Trained by Pat Guilfoyle, he would be an ultra-popular winner of the 2019 renewal.
Current Odds: 4/1
5. Droopys Expert
One of two UK-trained runners in the final, Expert has been ultra-consistent over the last number of weeks. Trap draw however hasn’t been kind to him, preferring instead a pitch closer to the rails.
He will need a career best exit to lead this field to the corner. He is however capable and it’s a case of writing him off at your peril.
Current Odds: 7/1
6. Clonbrien Prince
A top class performer and an ever present in all the top competitions in Ireland throughout his career. A thoroughly likeable greyhound trained by champion trainer Graham Holland, he has moved through the gears smoothly throughout the competition
Good early pace, allied to strong staying power, Prince has it all. A huge negative however has to be the trap draw – in a 40 race career he has never raced from as far out as 6. Clearing the field is likely to be problematic and it will take a huge performance from the outside to prevail.
Current Odds: 7/2
Verdict
Magical Bale justifiably heads the market. A real speedster from traps, the opposition have failed to lay a glove on him in the last 4 weeks.
A five-length annihilation of the opposition in the semi-final last week proves he has really hit top form at the right time. Granted a decent getaway, the stage is set for a Magical Bale victory.
Betting on the Greyhound Derby final and other races from Nottingham can be found over at paddypower.com