Victorian trainer Jeff Britton won the 2019 National Derby with Axel Footluce and the 2004 edition with Pacific Sky, and gives each of his 2021 Group 1 Ladbrokes National Derby finalists, Tyler Durden and Weblec Jet a good chance at Wentworth Park on Saturday night.
Tyler Durden, runner-up from box three in Melbourne's Group 1 Silver Chief Classic at The Meadows on January 2, had box three when he came from fourth at the catching pen to finish second, beaten a length in Zipping Moose's fastest (29.71) heat of the seven qualifiers last Friday night.
Weblec Jet clocked a quick first split of 5.46 in his all-the-way heat win in 29.79, second quickest of the winning qualifying times.
"Weblec Jet is probably my better chance and while he has drawn box seven, I am confident he will run in a straight line from the boxes to the first corner,'' Britton said.
"Tyler Durden lacks early speed but having box one puts him into the race with a show.''
Britton sent Axel Footluce and Circle Of Dreams, his 2019 National Futurity winner, to be prepared for their Sydney campaigns to Londonderry trainers Christine and Alan Proctor and they have been entrusted with Weblec Jet this year.
Chris Carl, a neighbour of the Proctors, has long been sending his greyhounds south to be trained by Britton, and he is the "caretaker'' trainer of Tyler Durden.
Meanwhile Queensland-owned Rowdy Roddy, who was a $7.50 chance when upsetting the more fancied pair Zipping Kyrgios and Try Catch Jett in his heat of the National Derby, will stay in Sydney irrespective of Saturday night's final outcome.
Sydney trainer Rob Tyler said: "His owner Robert Jacobsen wants Rowdy Roddy to stay down here for the time being with the dog's next assignment being next month's heats of the Group 2 Richmond Derby.''
