It might only be the second East Anglian Derby that Yarmouth Racing Manager Lee Smith has presided over, but his view – that Coolavanny Shado is as fast a greyhound as he has seen at the track – goes back a lot further.
He said: “I have worked at Yarmouth, with various breaks, for most of my life. I started out working in the bars, did various other jobs, was doing the camera, along with Marcus (Westgate- former racing manager) until I became his assistant. There have been some great Derby winners over the years. I thought Swifth Keith’s (2014) was very emotional and I have some great memories of another local dog, Do It For Twiggy (2015).
“But I have to say that Coolavanny Shado is just exceptional. The track isn’t as fast as some years which I think is a good thing. The Derby is run during ‘hock season’ but the lads on the track have done a great job keeping it to near normal going. But even then, if Shado breaks anywhere near his best, I think the track record could go.
“He has taken a few runs to get used to the place, a bit longer than I expected to be honest. But if he reproduces his 5.15 sectional, I don’t see the others getting near him.
“Overall, it has been a really good Derby. We had some new faces among the trainers entering, which is always good to see.”
Lee says: “I think (last year’s IPA Sprint winner) Ballymac Slapup is the one they all have to beat here. Kildallon Prince is capable of better than his recent form shows though I would probably have Roman Arch as the main danger.
Lee says: “There isn’t a lot of form to go on here among the pups. But I think Miss Clausey would appear to have loads of potential and went very well in trials. Buzz Magic would be my idea of the danger.”
Lee says: “This is the tougher of the two sprints and I am just going for the local bitch Quagos Peggy. Decoy Parker was a regular here and won a lot of races from five and six. But Kevin insisted that the dog was a middle runner so he’ll be happy with the draw and he looks the danger.”
Lee says: “Zara Rosie is probably the best bitch at the track. She was quite badly injured when the hit the inside rail at Towcester. She badly skinned herself and the local vet did a fabulous job of patching her up. She seems to be back as good as ever and is my selection. I thought Bettys Book had a chance in the Derby Purse but she didn’t break. She has lots of ability and is the danger. I know John (Mullins) always thought a lot of Ohalabamaslama though I don’t think he has really lived up to expectations.”
Lee says: “Marcianos Punch (originally A4 at Romford) surprised everyone when he first went over the distance and clocked (FOY) 40.69 for Ricky (Thom). I thought he would go well in the Purse. A few of the others aren’t proven over the distance and Mollys Princess apparently wants further so I would have to make Ragtime Storm the danger.”
Lee says: “Super Nova is one of the best dogs at the track and I thought he could do well in the Derby. He knows the track well and would be my fancer here with Derrinasafa Boss as the danger.”
Lee says: “This is a very good final with the three on the outside all capable of winning. If I had to go for one though it would be Shrewd Call who remains a class act even though he is getting on. Between Getouttamaway and Quagos Jack I would probably just edge it to Mark’s dog for second.”
Shrewd Call Getouttamyway Quagos Jack
Lee says: “I’m very happy with the quality of the field but I think the draw has worked out well for Blue Tick Jenny. She will need to trap as well as last time but if she does she can lead all the way.”
Blue Tick Jenny Farneys Chloe Tinks Boy
Lee says: “I just can’t see past Coolavanny Shado. Before the competition started I thought most of the runners were pretty much on par but he looks a level better. Ideally, I think he would have been better drawn on the rail. Of the rest, Hopes Paddington looks the likely danger. He will probably have to come from behind and should be finishing well. Maxi Twister is not at his best at the moment; he is a better dog than his recent form. He likes a middle draw on the straights but will move to rails on the bends. Gracias Lorenzo is possibly the best local runner, along with Super Nova and Zari Rosie. He will be okay from six though if I had been grading them, I would have probably reversed the traps with Carols Legacy. Both Cahill runners are in the final on merit. This is an event they have tried so hard to win and sooner or later I hope they achieve it. Both Seamus and Teresa (otherwise known as The Sand Fairy, after she went sprawling across the track) are hugely popular here.”
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