Derby rivals' Bomb' scare at Shelbourne

ONLY the defending champion precedes Bombay Pat in the outright market for the 2025 Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby ahead of second round heats at Shelbourne Park and he can ignite another sizzling session of classic racing tonight.

- BY PAUL COONEY

Many hot fancies will have contested the first eight qualifiers yesterday, including 5/1 favourite Bockos Diamond but within another strong Derby assault from the kennels of Graham Holland, Bombay Pat is an able understudy to the champ at 8/1 and can justify long odds-on in tonight's opener.

Imperious while fastest of all a week ago he led home Hello Diego with three lengths to spare in a brilliant 29.27 for the 550-yards and Bombay Pat can lay down another marker from his ideal trap six, at the main expense of Ballymac Tibet.

The punting approach for a winning start tonight may be to double-up the first two favourites at around 11/10, for exciting youngster Hackney Corner can land the second heat.