Dogs closing in on £100k

7:23am Thursday 15th May 2008

With the first and second rounds of the Blue Square Derby completed, all eyes are now focused on the final and the £100,000 first prize, writes Mark Donald.

This year's wide-open competition has seen upsets, excitement and drama with favourites going out, outsiders' winning heats and five contenders from Ireland going through, the competition is wide open.

This Saturday sees the third round with the competition is down to the last 48.

Although many of the pre-competition favourites have failed to qualify, there are still great Dogs to watch out for and Wimbledon's inside man "The Captain" gives us his three to follow.

LOVE TIGER produced a shining performance in the second round, running the 480m in 28.29 seconds to record an impressive victory.

Barnfield on Air, one of the early antepost favourites, seems to be coming into a vein of form as well and is getting used to the fouir bends of the Wimbledon track.

Loyal Honcho, who came second last year, seems to be peaking well as the competition progresses.

The Derby final takes place on May 31 with a 14-race card. Doors open at 4.30pm.

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