Local hope Conna Rodger and ante post favourite Me Buddy are drawn in traps one and three respectively, although they would have been happier if it was the other way round.

Conna Rodger is attached to Fengate and trained by Russell Senior at his kennels near Boston.

Senior also trained Jodies Oscar who reached last year's Peterborough Derby final and brought Conna Rodger over from Ireland.

Senior said: "I saw him come second in a race over there in 29.40 seconds. He led all the way until the last strides, and the winner clocked 29.33.

"He knows his way around Peterborough and has won five out of seven races. He's got good early pace, but I'd have preferred trap three to trap one where he's been drawn. But he's in it, so he can win it."

In contrast, Reading hope Me Buddy – the 5-1 ante post favourite – is an out-and-out railer and would have preferred trap one.

With an unfavourable draw, sponsors Stan James only make him 2-1 joint favourite with fast-starting Walthamstow dog Droopys Marcus.

Tonight's winner will receive £5,000 with £500 going to the runner-up, £300 for third place and £100 for the other finalists.

Thirty six of the best young greyhounds in the country (whelped in June, 2006 or after) started out in the heats and Conna Rodger won his opening race before finishing second to Me Buddy in the semi-final.

The first nine races of the meeting will be screened by Sky TV and with big sponsored prizes for the other races – which include three 605m races for stayers, and a 790m marathon – total prize money for the evening is nearly £11,000.

Fengate Stadium marketing manager Andy Barham said: "With the variety of races, a field of outstanding greyhounds, the prospect of big prize money and Sky Television here to broadcast it, we are looking forward to another great night of greyhound racing at Peterborough.

"It is also a feather in our cap to have a national bookmaker of the stature of Stan James sponsoring our Puppy Derby. They have increased their presence in supporting greyhound racing, but they obviously concentrate on tracks with special appeal."

Dave Lawrence, Sky TV's greyhound producer, said: "It's great to be back at Peterborough Stadium.

"It's one of our favourite venues, and everyone is looking forward to meeting the friends we made on past visits."

Garry Newbon will be the presenter, and Jonathan Hobbs from the Racing Post will provide expert views.

Tonight's odds

Trap / Name / Odds

1 Conna Rodger 9/2
2 He's A Mystery 9/2
3 Me Buddy 2/1
4 Drive On Captain 12/1
5 Glenroe Ginger 10/1
6 Droopys Marcus 2/1