Since launching their ante post list, sponsors BresBet have cut favourite Signet Ace from 4-1 to 7-2 with Candy Man at 6-1, Droopy Dazzler at 8-1, then its 10-1 bar.
The eye is drawn to Candy Man (9-1 ante post) in this first BresBet Steel City Cup heat. Carol Weatherall’s runner made the final of the Gain 3 Steps To Victory at the Owlerton venue and, while 660m looked beyond him then, this 500m trip certainly suits. A brilliant last-gasp winner of the M Lambe Birmingham Cup at Perry Barr, a subsequent trial at Sheffield shows he’s in great heart. Cold As Ice (28-1) is better known as a top-class six-bend performer but if handling this inside draw will be picking up any pieces. Ballyboss Baz (20-1) bolted home in a trial stakes here on Tuesday so respect is due – especially if hitting his stride early again. Duke De Janerio (11-1) trialled well, stays strongly, and continues to mix it in top company. Sels: 5-4-2
Kevin Hutton’s kennel landed this famous competition last year with the much-missed Headford Ranger and, judged by a strong entry, are keen on repeating the feat this year. Kevin’s Headford Flash (12-1) goes here and this half-brother of Ranger should go well. However, might Acomb Jenny (20-1) get first run at a price? Kevin Ferguson’s terrific bitch is a solid sort in front and could surprise these from the off. Diane Henry has given Savana King (25-1) plenty of chance with two trials and he will improve, although countering an early move from the strong Easy Warrior (40-1) will be the first port of call. Brynoffa Lloyd (11-1) has huge scope for improvement after just three races and has real pace at both ends. Sels: 4-3-2
Nipsey Hustle (20-1) could improve Carol Weatherall’s night still further with victory here. He looked really unlucky in the Champion Stakes heats at Romford and, while this 500m trip might now be on the sharp side for him, the two-year-old is showing enough early speed to secure a pitch – especially with slower trappers potentially inside. Adeles Duke (10-1) is having his first run from new trainer Diane Henry and will look to dominate from the get-go. He has posted some impressive efforts at Towcester and Perry Barr recently and looks to have prime draw outside. Potent Touch (12-1) has a decent strike-rate and his chances could be boosted by a decent effort from kennelmate Brynoffa Lloyd in the previous heat. Sels: 3-6-4
This fourth heat of the BresBet Steel City Cup looks good for Droopys Dazzler (8-1) to cut loose. Angela Harrison’s Newcastle raider returned to winning form on home soil recently and could double up – improvement is more likely after a recent spell off and we know a first-bend lead at Sheffield can be a huge advantage. Bandicoot Sammy (16-1) has been in cracking form for Ken Dobson, the Sunderland handler, and has won four of his last five starts so arrives in great form. He has also landed back-to-back wins over C&D and has thrived since his Towcester Derby campaign for Robert Gleeson. Sels: 2-3
Probably the best Steel City Cup heat. Not ideal for Kevin Hutton with both Signet Ace (7-2) and Forest Gold (12-1) in – and being drawn side by side – but nevertheless the kennel could dominate here. Both the Hutton runners are brilliant early pacers, with the Ace dog already winner of the Select Stakes and Winter Derby winner and with every chance to dominate matters given a draw inside his kennelmate. Dualla Prince (10-1) has scope for better given he’s lightly raced and will improve for a 480m trial. The draw suits, although a snappy exit inside is definitely needed with top rivals next door. He was, however, subject of the first bet struck with BresBet when the ante-post prices were posted on site earlier this week. Sels 2-3-1
The sixth and final BresBet Steel City Cup heat and Save Me Paddy (40-1) will look to make the most of what looks a plum inside draw. The Gary Ferguson-trained runner has trialled in well and appears plotted given a slower starter next door. A sharp start is needed, however, with the speed of Hardy Rebel (12-1) down the midde. He roared home last time over C&D, beating Ballyboss Baz, and another decent exit puts the Newcastle dog in the picture. Pacemaker Ted (14-1) lines up as the Northern Flat winner and, while caught latest here, will improve after a spell off. Cascade King (20-1) won well in a BresBet Steel City Cup Trial Stakes on Tuesday and could go well. Sels 1-3-5
