Gary Newborn's record breaker Droopys Greg is coming in for big support in the Derby ante-post market after breaking the track record at Swindon on Wednesday night
The Nick Savva dog was winning for his owner on the show he fronts, Sky presenter Gary Newbon, and owner and trainer have spoken since to iron out plans for the star youngster. A trial at Wimbledon is likely to follow entry into the Classic. Although that entry looked to be in doubt immediately afterwards over doubts whether he can handle Wimbledon.
However, one source said: "He's very much become a public dog now, given the high-profile connections, and there's a real clamour for him to run. Chances are he will, he's long odds-on to. There is only one English Derby after all. Of course, there's Ireland in August/September, but Shelbourne can be as tricky with its shorter run to the bend. I'd be amazed if he doesn't run."
Droopys Greg has made giant strides this year including victory in the Monmore Puppy Derby, his last-to-first victories wowing the crowds. But on Wednesday, he trapped well and actually made the bend in front before running away for a comfortable win, just two spots off the 509m clock.
Jolly Poacher was the most lucrative winner of the night at Swindon, taking away £7,500 for connections after winning the Swindon Arc final.
The event, boosted by the sponsorship of an anonymous backer, an Oxford-based owner, was a real success and a wide-open final plus strong supporting card attracted a big crowd to the Blunsdon circuit.
One source said: "It really was a cracking night, and Swindon seems to be going places. The owners, who have had a reputation with closing tracks in the past, have been reinvigorated by the success of the venue and long-term development plans are being discussed.
"It's always been a great catchment area and with investment could just be a fantastic asset, with greyhound racing underwriting its success."
Bob Morton, the three-time Derby-winning owner, has revised his bid to purchase Walthamstow Stadium from owners London & Quadrant.
It includes an offer to the housing association of a joint-venture with the flats and apartments L&Q plan to build surrounding the greyhound track, which naturally survives in plans drawn up by Morton and the Save Our Stow campaign team.
"These are very interesting times," said one source. "L&Q's funding is being questioned, the MPs are becoming increasingly involved and Bob Morton's new £9m offer really couldn't have come at a better time.
"Morton has vowed that should any deal be successful, greyhound racing and other leisure activities will be in place before the Olympics next year.
Of course, the Olympic Stadium and Village is based at Stratford/Hackney, just a few miles away from Walthamstow Stadium which has been dormant since August 2008.
