Greyhound Derby: Five to follow for the Blue Riband event

Wimbledon is the venue for the Greyhound Derby

The Greyhound Derby commences on Friday night with the final coming on the last weekend of June. Darrell Williams highlights five contenders worth keeping any eye on through the heats...

Lemon Pluto (Charlie Lister). Odds to win - 25.024/1

Did fantastically well for John Sharp last year, very nearly winning the Northern Puppy Derby before being evaporated by Teejays Bluehawk's huge late finish. Has proved himself versatile in terms of winning with victories at seven different tracks, but appeared ideally suited to Wimbledon when winning his trial stakes. Now with Derby King Charlie Lister and appears to be his number one challenger. His strength is his early pace, while he is not dependent on any particular draw. Could have done without quite such a tough heat in the first round but his early toe should ensure he keeps out of trouble.

Teejays Bluehawk (Paul Young) - 55.054/1

Strong runner who first came to prominence when rattling home to win the Northern Puppy Derby (as above) and looks the type whose stamina can ensure he will keep on qualifying. Ran an absolute stormer behind Ballymac Eske in the Scottish Derby heats, while Wimbledon trial times confirm that he's more than fast enough when it all goes his way. Has not drawn the easiest of first round heats either, but running style should ensure no early bath.

Jaytee Hellcat (Paul Young) - 60.059/1

Yet another Northern Puppy Derby finalist but more judged on what he has done, and more so, what he might be capable of doing at Wimbledon. Very fast clock on Leger final night over the CD backed up by runners-up spot in the Juvenile. Can be a little frustrating but the potential is there given his consistency and with little mileage (hopefully) even better to come.

Droopys Jet (Fraser Black) - 16.015/1

A case of what could have been last year after beating Blonde Snapper in the 'quarters' and then getting knocked from a bad draw in a messy semi-final. Has had his problems - only two races since last autumn - but a recent Wimbledon spin shows his well being. Has the experience angle and can go a long way for his astute handler, especially if he can keep drawing his beloved red jacket as per the first round.

Jolly Bullseye (Kevin Hutton) - 140.0139/1

Caught the eye when beating a useful field on Juvenile night before subsequently reaching the Arc final having started out in maiden company at Henlow late last year. Most of the media attention has been focused on kennelmate and Arc runner-up Screen Critic, but that has only helped the price. Semi-final a fair target but you never know!