DIAMOND IMPRESSES BUT PAT FASTEST IN TOWCSTER TRIALS

Ian Fortune

Sensational Boylesports Derby champion Bockos Diamond was seen by the public for the first time since his Derby triumph when he trialed at Towcester yesterday afternoon.

He certainly gave every indication that he will be as good in 2025 with a fluent 28.85 return for the 500m trip.

Drawn in six, he ran a superb line throughout, while also showing his trademark early speed and acceleration, clocking a sizzling 3.98 sectional. The plan is to race him in the Juvenile, which is to be backed by Time Greyhound Nutrition once again, before challenging for Star Sports/ TRC English Derby honours.

As impressive as Bockos Diamond was, honour of going fastest at the session went to his kennel companion Bombay Pat, the Maiden Derby and Winter Racing Festival Championship 575 winner. Connections are hoping the curved traps will suit their exceptional tracker although his sectional of 4.16 was two and a half lengths slower than that of Bockos Diamond.

He made up the time, however, posting a rapid 28.81, which is most impressive for a first look around the Northamptonshire venue. Boylesports Irish Derby runner-up Cheap Sandwiches also moved well in his first look at Towcester, stopping the clock in 28.91 (4.00 sectional).

The remainder of Graham Holland’s trialists were Val Tashadelek 29.17 (4.11), Ardera Sam 29.19 (4.12) and Swords Don 29.45 (3.99).