Queensland Derby runner-by-runner greyhound preview | 2/1/25
The 2025 Queensland Derby takes centre stage at Albion Park alongside the prestigious Bogie Leigh Futurity.
Showcasing the nation’s top young male greyhounds over the demanding 520m trip, this event offers a $75,000 winner’s purse and serves as a marquee feature of the Golden Greys summer carnival.
This year’s final promises an electrifying contest, with standout performers like Wreck James and Italian Stallion leading the charge.
Keep reading for our runner-by-runner betting preview of the 2025 Queensland Derby final:
2025 Queensland Derby greyhound preview
Can Spirit Boy win the Queensland Derby?
 |
1 Spirit Boy
T: Craig GardollF: 14182Career: 33: 17-5-3Prizemoney: $70,180
|
Spirit Boy, trained by Craig Gardoll, brings consistency and experience to the Queensland Derby final with 17 wins from 33 starts. A gallant runner-up in his heat, he led for most of the race before being caught late by Backcreek Benny. Drawing Box 1 is a major asset for this reliable early pacesetter, who will look to capitalise on the inside draw to secure a forward position. At $7.00, he offers solid each-way value for punters at BlondeBet.
Can Wreck James win the Queensland Derby?
 |
2 Wreck James
T: Darren RussellF: 31221Career: 9: 5-2-1Prizemoney: $39,680
|
Wreck James stamped his authority in the heats with a stunning 29.70 run, the fastest of the series. Breaking cleanly from Box 3, he showcased explosive early speed, clocking a 5.52 first sectional before powering away to a dominant 7.5-length victory. Trained by Darren Russell, this talented son of Barcia Bale has proven his class with five wins from nine starts and a remarkable 56% strike rate. With his early speed and the advantage of Box 2, Wreck James enters the final as the $2.15 Neds favourite and from the heats, he seems the one to beat.
Can More Than Money win the Queensland Derby?
 |
3 More Than Money
T: Pamela FieldF: 15141Career: 44: 14-9-3Prizemoney: $120,055
|
More Than Money delivered a polished performance in his heat, clocking a strong 29.89 from Box 2. Leading from the start with a 5.56 first sectional, he maintained control throughout, finishing five lengths ahead of Daysea’s Chief. With 14 wins from 44 starts, including an impressive 32% win rate, this son of Aston Rupee is a proven competitor at Albion Park. Drawing Box 3, he is well-placed to use his tactical speed and consistency to challenge the favourite and stake his claim for the Queensland Derby title.
Can Slippery’s Way win the Queensland Derby?
 |
4 Slippery’s Way
|
Slippery’s Way showed determination in his heat, finishing second to the dominant Wreck James. Despite being outpaced early, he stuck to his task and clocked a time of 30.22, highlighting his ability to keep pushing against stronger competition. With five wins from 14 career starts and a 64% place rate, this son of My Redeemer is a consistent performer. While he may lack the raw speed of the favourites, his resilience and ability to handle pressure make him a solid first-four contender in the Queensland Derby final.
Can Backreek Benny win the Queensland Derby?
 |
5 Backreek Benny
T: Selena ZammitF: 43441Career: 37: 11-5-8Prizemoney: $49,655
|
Backcreek Benny showcased his resilience and finishing ability in his heat, narrowly defeating Spirit Boy with a strong surge in the final stages. Despite a moderate start, he navigated through traffic effectively to clock 30.05, a time that highlights his ability to capitalise on late-race opportunities. With 11 wins from 37 career starts and a solid 65% place rate, this son of Sennachie is a reliable performer. He will struggle to match the early pace of the faster dogs in this field, and looks a little outclassed from box 5.
Can Daysea’s Chief win the Queensland Derby?
 |
6 Daysea’s Chief
T: Tom TzouvelisF: 23272Career: 41: 7-9-11Prizemoney: $43,775
|
.jpg){kind=logo}
Daysea’s Chief displayed grit in his heat, running a determined second behind the impressive More Than Money. Despite a slow start and some interference, he managed to close the race strongly, finishing five lengths behind the winner in 30.24. Better choices out there.
Can Black Liar win the Queensland Derby?
 |
7 Black Liar
T: Claude DaceyF: 25152Career: 31: 4-4-5Prizemoney: $25,023
|
Black Liar finished second in his heat, chasing home the speedy Italian Stallion but beaten by 5.75 lengths in 30.42 seconds. With a win rate of just 13% and a place rate of 42% over 31 starts, his chances hinge on avoiding early trouble and finding a clear path. Does not do well on the outside boxes; stay clear.
Can Italian Stallion win the Queensland Derby?
 |
8 Italion Stallion
T: Jay JacobsonF: 18111Career: 9: 6-0-1Prizemoney: $30,820
|
Italian Stallion showcased explosive early speed in his heat, clocking a blistering 5.42 first sectional from Box 7 and securing a commanding 5.75-length victory in 30.02 seconds. With six wins from nine starts and a strong record of leading from the front, his ability to dominate early could be pivotal in the final. While his wide draw in Box 8 poses challenges, his pace makes him a genuine contender to disrupt the field and fight for top honours and potentially cause the upset at +750 with PlayUp.
Can Affluent win the Queensland Derby?
 |
9 Affluent
T: John MccarthyF: 17113Career: 23: 6-3-5Prizemoney: $56,810
|
Affluent secured third place in his heat, showing good pace out of Box 1 before navigating early trouble to clock 30.18 seconds. With six wins from 23 starts and a career-best of 29.93 seconds at Albion Park, this black dog boasts strong finishing ability and decent early speed. As a reserve, his participation depends on scratchings, but if included, his capability to lead or sit close to the pace makes him a roughie with potential to surprise.
Queensland Derby 2025 selections & best bets
The $2.15 at Picklebet for Wreck James to take out the Queensland Derby cements him as the top selection. With a scorching 29.70-second heat win, the fastest of the series, and his ability to lead early from Box 2, Wreck James is the clear standout to claim the $75,000 prize.
Italian Stallion at $8.50 provides excellent value for a strong place finish. His explosive early speed, highlighted in his 30.02-second heat win, makes him a genuine threat to challenge the favourite from Box 8.
More Than Money at $3.30 is a reliable pick for the top three, with his professional 29.89-second heat win showcasing his ability to sustain high speed. His consistency and favourable draw in Box 3 position him as a serious contender.
For punters seeking value, Slippery’s Way at $15 offers an intriguing option for exotic bets with the top greyhound bookmakers. His tactical resilience and ability to stay on strongly make him a solid choice to round out the first four bets.
-
2
WRECK JAMES
-
8
ITALIAN STALLION
-
3
MORE THAN MONEY
-
4
SLIPPERY’S WAY
2025 Queensland Derby Best Bet – Albion Park Race 8 – 2/1/25
Queensland Derby Best Bet
Race 8 – 
Wreck James (2)
Form: 31221 | Career: 9 5-2-1 | Trainer: Darren Russell