Greyhound Derby: Who's who guide

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"There can be only one starting point, Ballymac Eske. Barrie Draper's superstar, already being compared with the great dual Derby champion Westmead Hawk, is the one they all have to beat"

Winning the Epsom Derby takes about two and a half minutes and requires you to win one race. Winning the Greyhound Derby about half a minute longer and also only requires you to win one race - the final - but that's as far as any comparisons can go.

Before the Greyhound Derby winner is crowned on Saturday 29th June, they will have run in six races (hence the 'three minutes to win it' theory) and have overcome over 150 rivals! Darrell Williams assesses those most likely to succeed.

There can be only one starting point, Ballymac Eske. Barrie Draper's superstar, already being compared with the great dual Derby champion Westmead Hawk, is the one they all have to beat and with the Scottish Derby already safely in the bag, talk of an unprecedented Triple Crown - which would also involve winning the Irish Derby - is already on the street. His impressive Juvenile victory - amazingly his first Wimbledon victory - coupled with the addition of far more early speed in his races should have answered any critics he may have had - not that there were many to start with!

But winning the Derby then suddenly got a whole lot tougher with virtually a 'who's who' of Irish contenders suddenly in the melting pot. But which ones are likely to provide the most serious opposition?  

Hardly an easy one to answer with many of them having had little experience of the Plough Lane circuit - although that obviously doesn't apply to last year's unlucky semi-finalist Droopys Jet or indeed finalist Judicial Ruling, but both have had little racing of late.

Ballymac Vic is one of the fastest dogs the Irish have, but has had little in the way of luck in major finals so far, while Kereight King, with A P McCoy amongst his owners, and now with Pat Curtin, has been a prolific winner courtesy of his superb early toe. 

Perennial Irish champion handler Paul Hennessy has come mob-handed with any number of his team potential winners. Money Talks is particularly rated by his handler and may do even better at Wimbledon than he has in Ireland, while Priceless Sky also looks ideally suited to the south London circuit. 

Graham Holland's Knockglass Billy has an Irish Laurels victory to his name, but it's his sprint speed that could take him a long way, and while the trip may be on the sharp side for Tyrur Sugar Ray, you wouldn't be surprised to see him keep on qualifying, even if his requirement for a rails pitch is of some concern. 

Think Derby and the name Charlie Lister is never far away, and rightly so with the 'Derby king' the race's most successful handler ever with six victories. With most of the attention on 'Eske' and the Irish this year, Lister has been allowed a relatively quiet route through to the event, but never under-estimate his string. Lemon Pluto may turn out to be his best, granted his early speed and light campaign, while youngsters Golden Wonder and Sidaz Jack could easily belie their tender years.

Champion trainer Mark Wallis has won two of the last four Derbies, with Blonde Snapper still fresh in the mind after his triumph last year, and while his challenge is not quite so obvious this time, dogs like classy Bridge Honcho and high class bitch Bridge Ruth plus Golden Sprint winner Glanmire Lad - provided he gets the trip - should ensure his participation through to the latter stages again.

And don't believe Barrie Draper is all about Ballymac Eske. His supporting team of Puppy Derby winner Farloe Warhawk - one of the most prolific winners on the circuit and a greyhound who screams top class - plus the talent that is Eden Star - what a story that would be given his numerous injury problems - could even provide Draper with multiple finalists come the last Saturday in June.

Matt Dartnall, who came so close with Farloe Ironman twelve months ago, relies on fascinating ex-Irish based Isabels Boy, whose 'early' should ensure he goes a long way, while everyone's favourite Rab McNair, with wife Liz, go to the party with Arc winner Shaneboy Alley, whose status as a wide running early bird should serve him well.

Paul Young's resurgence in the past twelve months ensures a strong battalion for potential Derby glory with strong-running Teejays Bluehawk and fast Jaytee Hellcat perhaps the best.

Markets are now available on both the Greyhound Derby winner and on the popular 'back a dog to reach the final' markets - so get stuck in. It is, after all, the world's greatest greyhound race, and it's so much better with a bet!

Greyhound Derby 2013 

Greyhound Derby Finalist 2013