With notable contenders Droopys Clue and Links Maverick yet to showcase their 2023 form, King Memphis stands out as the prominent 16/1 ante-post favourite for the upcoming Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby.
Last year's English Puppy Derby champion, King Memphis boasts an impressive track record, with three wins and three second-place finishes from six races at the venue. Debuting on the Derby Final card last year, Memphis, owned by the KSS Syndicate, has established himself as a formidable competitor.
Renowned trainer Pat Buckley makes a strong return with a dozen entries, including second favourite Superfast Gorden. Despite being the beaten favourite in the Kingdom Derby last December, Superfast Gorden has demonstrated his potential with recent wins at Limerick and Tralee earlier this year.
Buckley's team also features joint third favourite Bens Teddy and the experienced Ballinabola Ed, who reached the quarter-finals two years ago.
Defending champion Gaytime Nemo headlines a team of twelve entries under the guidance of Graham Holland, vying for his third English Derby success. Although Nemo faced initial setbacks in his recent races, Holland remains optimistic about his chances.
Clonbrien Treaty, another prominent contender from the Holland stable, garners attention as the top choice. Despite missing Towcester last year, Treaty showcased his prowess in the Kirby Memorial and Irish St. Leger, followed by a triumphant victory in the Easter Cup at Shelbourne earlier this year.
Holland's impressive line-up includes Irish Derby winner The Other Kobe and last year's English Derby runner-up, Swords Rex, both offered at 33/1 odds.
Treaty leads a group of contenders trading at around 25/1, including Romeo Command, Links Maverick, and King Capaldi, among others. Additionally, De Lahdedah, a standout performer with a 27.78 (525) win at Shelbourne, adds to the formidable line-up of contenders, representing Liam Dowling's nine-strong contingent for the prestigious English Derby.