DIAMOND THE HOTTEST DERBY FAVOURITE OF ALL TIME

Just minutes after the trap draw for the final of the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby, the sponsors released their prices, revealing that Bockos Diamond would likely start the shortest priced Derby favourite of all time.

Initially installed the 1-3 favourite, he has since been cut to 3-10 which would be the shortest starting price in any Derby since it was first officially run in 1932. And what was the hottest favourite in the Derby decider until now?

The legendary Spanish Battleship won the Derby three years running in 1953, 1954 and 1955. His wins in ’53 and ’55 came at Harold’s Cross but he was a 4-11 favourite when winning the 1954 renewal at Shelbourne Park.

Prince Of Bermuda was the 4-9 favourite when finishing second in 1956 but none have been as short in the subsequent years. It doesn’t add any pressure to Bockos Diamond but it is a guide to just how good he has been in recent months. The sensational son of Dorotas Wildcat could be even shorter on the night as he seeks a fifteenth win in a row on the biggest stage of all.

Cheap Sandwiches has been installed the clear second favourite after his impressive semi-final performance. He is available at 11-2 with Boylesports, while the remainder of the top class field are available at double figure odds.

Callaway Knegare is now 10-1 from 12-1, while Boylesports Bob is fourth in at 14-1. To highlight the quality of the contest, the two outsiders of the field, Singalong Dolly and A Lucky Julie are both classic winners.

Cesarewitch winner Singalong Dolly has been installed a 20-1 chance, while Oaks champ A Lucky Julie is the rank outsider at 25-1.

Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby

Boylesports bet:

3-10   Bockos Diamond

11-2   Cheap Sandwiches

10       Callaway Knegare

14       Boylesports Bob

20       Singalong Dolly

25       A Lucky Julie