Bockos Diamond Sets English Derby Tone
FREAKISH Bockos Diamond and Cheap Sandwiches have launched into the third round of the Group 1 English Derby overnight.
BOCKOS Diamond and Cheap Sandwiches have propelled Irish trainer Graham Holland's team into the third round of the Group 1 English Derby (500m) with impressive performances in the second-round heats at Towcester on Saturday night.
Bockos Diamond, the Group 1 Irish Greyhound Derby champion, has remained unbeaten following the first two rounds of the 2025 English Derby.
In the second-round heat, the freakish speedster shot out of trap six with remarkable early speed, seizing a dominant lead as he approached the first bend.
From there, the son of Dorotas Wildcat and Seaglass Shadow extended his advantage, charging ahead to secure a dominant 5-1/4 length victory over Rackethall Brute and Kevin's Rocket, posting the fastest second round heat time in 28.51.
Holland, a former UK-based trainer well established now in Ireland, takes a strong hand through to the third-round heats next Saturday.
“It has been a successful night, Nicki and Rachel have been caring for the dogs all week, and they've done a great job,” Holland said.
His second-stringer, the very smart Cheap Sandwiches (Burgess Bucks – Hearthill Josie), was equally impressive from the second round in the 16th qualifying heat, securing a Holland kennel quinella with Faypoint Harvey in second and Jaytee Craze filling third.
He won by 1-1/2 lengths in 28.65 off trap five, joining Bombay Pat (28.51) and Faypoint Suzie (29.13) as Graham's Derby contenders.
“Cheap Sandwiches is a wonderful dog; he performed exceptionally well in the Irish Derby, he is truly remarkable,” Holland stated.
“We've had an amazing night; Faypoint Harvey was outstanding, and we couldn't have asked for anything more from tonight's efforts.”
Bockos Diamond remains the pre-race favourite for the 2025 Derby, with round three, quarter finals, and semi-finals still ahead before the finale.
Highlights out of the sixteen winners from the second round English Greyhound Derby:
Tiffield Tarquin edged out Sunnyside Broxi in the first heat, finishing in 29.18.
Ballinabola Joe delivered a stunning performance in heat two, downing last year's English Derby champ De Lahdedah.
Dynamic Force dominated heat three, effortlessly pulling ahead of its rivals to secure a swift 29.16 victory.
March On Freddie made a strong late charge to secure victory in the fourth heat with style, clocking 28.94.
Romeo Tomcat turned on the afterburners to secure victory in heat six with a time of 29.02.
Churchfield Syd, a finalist in last year's Derby, delivered an impressive performance in heat seven with a time of 28.95.
Sole Mio, Bubbly Charger, Singalong Molly, Droopys Trade, and Keefill Maverick delivered outstanding efforts in the second round.
Picture courtesy of Jim Tate Photography
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