Hot favourite Blue Artisan is all the rage with sponsors

Blue Artisan is a well-backed favourite to win Thursday night's Betfred Select Stakes over 500 metres at Nottingham, despite being handed a tricky trap three draw.

Harry Williams' in-form charge landed the Group 1 Gymcrack final at Hall Green in June and failed by just a neck to follow that up with victory in this month's Gold Cup at Monmore.

Betfred spokesman Jon Wilde said: “Blue Artisan has been the dog most heavily backed so far, in to 5/4 from his opening quote of 2/1, with punters expecting him to cement his place as favourite for next year’s Derby with victory at Nottingham, even though the white jacket is not ideal.

“But it will be no foregone conclusion up against classy greyhounds like Head Iton Ellis and last year’s winner Windy Millar, while Ballymac Ace’s impressive record of eight wins out of nine from trap one is another factor to note in a highly competitive contest.”

Betfred Select Stakes - Nottingham 9.45 Thursday

1 Ballymac Ace 5/1

Had a long campaign and finished 6th on Friday in the Monmore Gold Cup, but has a great record out of Trap 1, winning 8 out of 9 races. Won the Pall Mall at Oxford and finished 2nd at Sunderland in the William Hill Classic to Target Classic, also runner-up in the Blue Riband at Hall Green.

2 Jordansoilutions 6/1

Finished second in last year’s Betfred Eclipse at Nottingham, also runner-up in last year’s Yarmouth Derby. Had no sort of run in a heat of this year’s Derby and was eliminated, but has won at Sheffield and Yarmouth recently.

3 Blue Artisan 5/4

Greyhound really running well and beaten by just a neck in the final of the Gold Cup on Friday at Monmore. Has frequently clocked fast times and won the final of the Group 1 Gymcrack at Hall Green. Just out of the puppy age and now competing against all ages.

4 Head Iton Ellis 7/2

Good group 1 pedigree, won the Derby Plate in 2009, got to the semi-finals this year and very unlucky not to qualify for the final, winning the invitation race on the same night. Went to Hove and won the £10,000 Sussex Cup, richly deserved. Good runner around Nottingham and reached the final of the Betfred eclipse last year.

5 Target Classic 12/1

Winner of the £25,000 William Hill Classic at Sunderland, recently contested the Bar One Sprint at Dundalk. Won a Group 3 sprint at Shawfield on Scottish Derby night. Plenty of early pace but will he stay?

6 Windy Millar 6/1

Returning Betfred Select Stakes Champion from 2009. Had a few niggling injuries but bounced back to form here in July when clocking 29.95 on +20 going. Loves Nottingham, rightly defends his title and aiming to be first back to back winner since Cleenas Lady.