I HAD five pairs of tickets to give way to the final of Scotland's most prestigious dogs race, the Ladbrokes Scottish Derby – and here are the winners.
The showpiece final takes place this Saturday in Glasgow's east end and the prize is full hospitality on the night in the restaurant at Shawfield, including meal and drinks, PLUS a £25 free bet from Ladbrokes.
Thanks to everyone who entered and took time to find out that Joe Calzaghe's dog is indeed black. And well done to those who added his name was Nacho.
The winners are Bob McGregor, Alistair Dingwall, Alastair Williamson, Paul Sinnamon and Catherine Fulton.
All will be emailed with entry details and anyone who can't make it along on Saturday should email ASAP and an alternative winner will be drawn.
The action has been fast and furious at Shawfield and the qualifiers for the final are (Ladbrokes prices):
Holdem Spy 7-4 (now 5-2)
Mind The Net 5-2 (now 9-4 fav)
Jaytee Lightening 7-2
Metro Jack 5-1
Calzaghe Jack 13-2
Toolatetosell 25-1
Here is Ladbrokes' Alex Donohue with his thoughts on the big race.
He says: “The frantically busy yet always enjoyable spell that is the Grand National meeting is over now for another year which means one thing, for Ladbrokes greyhound racing at least, that all roads lead to Shawfield.
“The final has shaped up to be an absolute cracker, the polar opposite of last year’s admittedly breathtaking rout by Ballymac Eske with the range of running styles on offer set to delight the bumper crowd.
“Sadly there isn’t a local hope going to post which is the only drawback but plenty of trainers who decided to make long journeys to participate in the competition in the first place have been rewarded for their continued treks to Shawfield with final berths and the wide open nature of the betting means connections have every right to be optimistic which must help temper the travelling time.
“Holdem Spy, a runner who has already proven to be a real crowd favourite due to his last-gasp style, looks set to go off favourite for the race although it’s certainly conceivable to make a case for all six runners, with even Toolatetosell not entirely written off at 25-1.
“Mind The Net – our idea of the winner before the first round – is the finalist we’d rather keep on side with both Metro and Calzaghe Jack likely to have their backers as well.
“Jaytee Lightening was popular ante-post also so as things stand we’ll be cheering the Irish runner on the night and as usual for a big Ladbrokes final we’ll be offering a series of catchy and competitive special prices and enhancements from Saturday morning onwards.
“Keep your eye on our advert in the Racing Post, our site, or our mobile app for more information.
“As far as our next big race assignment is concerned, a pleasing piece of news broke during preparations for Sheffield and Shawfield confirming the Monmore Gold Cup has been awarded Sky status for this year.
“It’s an excellent competition and the track put on a first-class show last time Sky came to town for the TV trophy so that’s a meeting to look forward to.
“On the subject of the Grand National, the winner was an excellent result for the firm, but perhaps a better longer-term result for the industry overall was that Saturday confirmed the great race is still treasured by the public (despite their trouble picking the winner in recent years) and that the vibrancy and buzz of the betting shop on the big day is still widely enjoyed, adding plenty to the high street in the process.
“As ever, enjoy the final and supporting card at Shawfield on Saturday and if at all possible head to the track. If not, you’ll be well looked after by RPGTV with Darrell Williams providing live updates.”
Ladbrokes Scottish Greyhound Derby
Live on Racing Post Greyhound TV/Sky 212 Freesat -402/Racingpost.co.uk/greyhounds.
Scotland's most prestigious greyhound race with £17,500 going to the winner. An original greyhound classic, first run in 1928.
Holdem Spy is the 7-4 favourite, Mind The Net from Ireland is the sponsor's tip at 5-2.
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
I like Trap 5 Mind The Net in the Final
Jaytee Lightening, Metro Jack & Calzaghe Jack have great early pace, so it will depend on what happens at the first bend to see who gets round unscathed. Mind The Net, I think he will get first run on the front three by staying wide at the first bend. Holdem Spy is a great dog to watch as he comes from behind with tremendous pace down the back straight, will he get the openings to get through? Mind the Net has a good finish in him as proved in last weeks Semi Final. It is Mind The Net for me to win the Scottish Greyhound Final.