Gun Victorian greyhound Dyna Double One will start Thursday night’s Group 3 BGC SA Derby (515m) as favourite but Rinaldo Divirgilio believes his greyhound Fever Pitch can score a surprise upset.
Dyna Double One jumps from box four in the decider fresh from a dominant 29.30 victory in last week’s heats.
That victory last week extended his record to a superb 19 wins and 12 minor placings from 34 starts.
With almost $240,000 prize money to his name, he is undoubtedly the best greyhound in the SA Derby, but does have a habit of missing out on the top prizes.
He finished second in both this year's WA Derby and in the Winter Cup at Albion Park - after earlier setting a track record there - and was third in the recent Cranbourne Puppy Classic as well.
Andrea Dailly’s greyhound will also have to overcome his poor record of one placing from three previous starts with the blue rug, but in current form is rightly the top pick.
With Hot Victorian newcomer Blazin’ Bomber scratched due to a virus, Fever Pitch (box eight) will likely assume the mantle of second favourite after his 29.56 win in last week’s heats.
The son of College Causeway and Drama Queen has a perfect four wins from four starts wearing the pink rug and trainer Divirgilio is full of confidence heading into the Derby.
“Box eight still suits him, although he will have to do everything right here,” Divirgilio said.
“He usually goes in a straight line and then when he gets around the track, he cuts across them. That’s what makes him good from wide.
“Dyna Double One is a super greyhound and he’s the one to beat. (But) if mine comes out cleanly and gets round them, that could be key.”
Blazin’ Bomber’s scratching could also be a blessing for Fever Pitch, with first reserve Percy’s Lad due to now start from box seven. He has a habit of jumping slowly, so Fever Pitch may get the space he craves to get round the field from his wide draw.
Of the other runners, Fun Boss">Boss (box three) has enjoyed a good year, including defeating Dyna Double One in the 2015 Group 2 WA Derby
Despite that win, Fun Boss was almost seven lengths behind Dyna Double One last week but is inside his rival this week in box three, from which he has two wins from three previous starts.
Hot local pup It’s Classified (box six) returned to form with a strong 29.70 run last week behind Blazin’ Bomber and is worth considering.
Troy Murray’s greyhound has run 29.53 at Angle Park and also went 29.72 while winning from this box at Angle Park last month.
Hard Bargain, Lektra Concord and Amaro Bale complete the field.
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For Angle Park Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
BGC SA Derby Box Draw: 1. Hard Bargain 2. Lektra Concord 3. Fun Boss 4. Dyna Double One 5. Amaro Bale 6. It's Classified 7. Percy's Lad 8. Fever Pitch. Res: Armani.
