You can always tell when the William Hill Greyhound Derby is around the corner by the rising number of Trial Stakes being held at host track Wimbledon.
This Saturday sees the Plough Lane venue stage eight of these races and the highlight must be the appearance of Easter Cup winner Sidarian Blitz in Division G.
Graham Holland’s runner won a trial stake here in 28.15sec a fortnight ago, which was the fastest of the year at the track and can see off Laurels winner Jordans Brianna.
Holland can double up with Millbank Stevie in Division O. The Easter Cup semi-finalist can hold too many gears for Liz McNair’s 28.67sec Trial Stake winner King Alley.
McNair’s can have better luck with Fire Height Tosh, who won last week in 28.67sec after a moderate start, and can take the opening Division R.
Carla Hendy’s Terminal Three, a 28.50sec Perry Barr winner is the selection in Division P.
Division T looks the most competitive of the night with the likes of 28.35sec Swindon winner Coolemore Joe, a 28.64sec winner last week, Lenson Walcott, who won his trial stake in 28.71sec and 28.50sec trialist Ballymac Bocko taking part.
A narrow vote goes to Charlie Lister’s well-drawn Cribb, a 28.59sec trialist, whose fence-side draw could work in his favour.
Lister can double up with Iceman Frank in Division V. He was caught close home last week by Coolemore Joe but can hold the likes of Queen Asia and Jaytee Hawaii.
Bubbly Gold, who was third in this week’s Arc Final, can win his first race this year in Division D.
Kingdom Derby winner Clares Wonder is one of the main big names trialling before racing.
