Jungle Johnny tops heats, National Derby Box Draw unveiled
The 2025 Group 1 National Derby is shaping up to be a thrilling contest following four fiercely competitive heats at Wentworth Park.
Jungle Johnny solidified his status as the pre-race favourite with an impressive 29.53-second run, the fastest of the night, as he powered home to claim heat one.
Heat two saw Trio of Clowns edge out rivals with a strong performance from box eight, while West Rock Casey showcased his grit to hold off Happy Bandit in heat three.
Heat four was dominated by Paw Oswald, whose determined finish sealed his place in the final.
The box draw for Saturday’s $75,000-to-the-winner Group 1 final has added another layer of intrigue, with Jungle Johnny set to start from box seven, offering a challenging but navigable position for the $3 betting site favourite.
Zipping Kristoff ($4) has drawn favourably in box one, respectively, giving him an excellent chance to capitalise on the early pace. Paw Oswald, at $4.50 with Picklebet, looms as a strong contender from box three, while Trio of Clowns ($9) will look to leverage his outside-draw preference from box four.
With a mix of early speedsters and strong finishers in the lineup, the 2025 National Derby promises a captivating clash of strategies and styles.
All eyes will be on whether Jungle Johnny can replicate his heat-winning brilliance or if a dark horse like West Rock Casey ($15) can pull off an upset in what has already been an exhilarating series.
Keep reading for our heat reviews and the National Derby Box Draw below:
National Derby Heat 1 – Jungle Johnny (29.53)
Jungle Johnny showcased his raw talent in the first heat of the Group 1 National Derby at Wentworth Park, winning as the $2.40 BlondeBet favourite. Despite encountering early trouble from box four, the Mark Gatt-trained chaser displayed impressive determination. After a rough start, he found his rhythm, reeling in early leader Zipping Kristoff in the home straight to secure a thrilling victory. Clocking an impressive 29.53 seconds and the fastest heat of the night, Jungle Johnny triumphed by three-quarters of a length, with Italian Stallion rounding out the top three.
Trainer Mark Gatt was full of praise for Jungle Johnny’s determination and effort, describing the win as a testament to the greyhound’s rapid development under his care. “He had no room to move coming into the first bend, but he found a way through and ran them down,” Gatt said. Reflecting on his time with Jungle Johnny, Gatt noted the seamless transition the dog has made since joining his kennel. “He’s really settled in, and you can tell he’s enjoying it. He’s racing like one of the boys at home,” Gatt added.
With the final looming, Jungle Johnny is firmly positioned as a key contender to claim the prestigious National Derby title. Gatt, who previously experienced success with Windra All Class in the Futurity, expressed what a Derby victory would mean for the connections. “It’d be great to win a Derby—it’s why we do this. If he wins the final, we’ll celebrate for sure,” he remarked. He is now heading into the final with a career record of nine starts for three wins and four placings.
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National Derby Heat 2 – Trio Of Clowns (29.98)
Trio of Clowns proved too strong in the second heat of the Group 1 National Derby at Wentworth Park as the $2.80 bookmaker favourite. Jumping from the wide box eight, the Sam Sultana-trained greyhound navigated the early challenge with ease, swiftly moving into contention. By the back straight, Trio of Clowns surged ahead, maintaining his momentum to hold off a late charge from Ritza Benji, claiming victory by 1.5 lengths in 29.98 seconds. My Pharaoh secured third place, further solidifying Trio of Clowns’ standing as a strong contender in the Derby final.
Trainer Kristy Sultana, speaking on behalf of her father, reflected on the greyhound’s journey since joining their kennel. “Dad spotted him a few months ago, and since he’s come here, he’s been in great form,” Sultana said. While acknowledging that the heat performance wasn’t the greyhound’s best time-wise, she noted his ability to deliver under pressure. “A win’s a win, and we’re through, which is the main thing,” she added.
Looking ahead to next week’s final, Sultana emphasised the importance of an outside draw for Trio of Clowns. “He definitely prefers the outside, but good dogs can win from any box,” she remarked. With eight wins from 13 career starts, Trio of Clowns enters the Derby final as a consistent and reliable competitor, ready to take on the best in the field.
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National Derby Heat 3 – West Rock Casey (29.92)
West Rock Casey continued his impressive form with a hard-fought victory in the third heat of the Group 1 National Derby at Wentworth Park. Breaking smartly from box one, the Mary Hughes-trained chaser showed great determination, fending off a late charge from Happy Bandit to secure the win by a narrow margin. Clocking 29.92 seconds, West Rock Casey showcased the consistency and grit that recently earned him the Muswellbrook Cup title in December. Aussie Nick rounded out the top three, finishing three lengths behind the runner-up.
Trainer Caroline Hughes was thrilled with the performance, acknowledging the competitive field and West Rock Casey’s ability to lead from the front. “I was hoping he could hunt up underneath and lead out of the first turn. It’s hard to come from behind in these types of fields,” Hughes said. While she admitted uncertainty about his ability to match the faster times of other heat winners, she noted the importance of a favourable box draw in the final. “Can he be lucky enough to get the one again? Fingers crossed—you never know what the gods will deliver.”
With ten wins from 26 starts, WestRock Casey has cemented his place as a versatile competitor capable of excelling across distances. Hughes, who also has finalists in the maiden and staying features next week, celebrated the achievement of her greyhound’s remarkable run of form. “I’m just excited. I can’t ask for more than this,” she said. As West Rock Casey heads into the Derby final, his recent performances highlight his growing reputation as a top contender.
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National Derby Heat 4 – Paw Oswald (29.82)
Paw Oswald displayed his signature determination to clinch the fourth heat of the Group 1 National Derby at Wentworth Park. Jumping cleanly from box six, the Mark Delbridge-trained Victorian chaser secured an early second position before copping a heavy bump at the first turn. Regaining composure, Paw Oswald closed in on leader Mark to Market down the back straight and powered past in the final stages to secure victory by half a length in 29.82 seconds. Zig Zag Man charged home late to snatch second, with Mark to Market finishing third and Wraps completing the top four.
Trainer Mark Delbridge was thrilled with the performance but acknowledged the challenges Paw Oswald faced. “He came out good, got checked at the first corner, and then going through the back, I thought he should definitely qualify, possibly win,” Delbridge said. Reflecting on Paw Oswald’s recent experience in group races, including the Paul Wheeler Simply the Best final, Delbridge expressed his preference for a mid-field draw in next week’s final. “Definitely not one. Probably not out wide either, but he’s been getting across well from wider draws lately.”
The victory marks another milestone in Paw Oswald’s impressive career, with ten wins from 25 starts, including a triumph in Sandown earlier this month. Based out of Balliang, Victoria, Delbridge credited the logistical support of staying at the Wheelers’ property during interstate campaigns. “Traveling isn’t as prominent as it used to be, but we come up yesterday, stayed at the Wheelers’ place, and that makes it easier,” Delbridge noted. With a shot at National Derby glory, Paw Oswald continues to prove his class on the track.
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2025 National Derby Final Betting Odds
Please see the box draw and betting odds for the Group 1 National Derby final below:
2025 National Derby Final Box Draw & Field Wentworth Park 520m Group 1 $75,000 to-the-winner Saturday, January 18, 2025
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1 Zipping Kristoff
T: Jason MagriF: 21112Career: 10: 6-2-0Prizemoney: $12,260
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2 West Rock Casey
T: Mary HughesF: 11121Career: 26: 10-7-3Prizemoney: $78,200
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3 Paw Oswlad
T: Mark DelbirdgeF: 26111Career: 25: 10-4-4Prizemoney: $40,940
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4 Trio Of Clowns
T: Sam SultanaF: 12111Career: 13: 8-3-1Prizemoney: $31,370
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5 Zig Zag Man
T: Sydney SwainF: 32112Career: 8: 4-2-1Prizemoney: $21,165
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6 Ritza Benji
T: Mark DavidsonF: 24512Career: 15: 3-4-0Prizemoney: $15,425
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7 Jungle Johnny
T: Mark GattF: 32F11Career: 9: 3-3-1Prizemoney: $22,060
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8 Happy Bandit
T: Jodie LordF: 23412Career: 21: 4-6-4Prizemoney: $30.295
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9 Mark To Market
T: Darryl ThomasF: 11123Career: 16: 8-3-2Prizemoney: $26,760
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10 Italian Stallion
T: Jay JacobsonF: 11133Career: 11: 6-0-3Prizemoney: $41,670
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