6.56 Glenanore Ace has been to sprint traps on 11 occasions in his UK career and won 10 of them including the ‘Bresmed’. Ace has occupied trap one twice and won both. Is there anything to catch him? Possibly – or at least there will be some value about some very fast hounds including Bresmed third Suirside Leah and recent Supersprint winner Uluru Candy. Or what about the defending champ Ballybee Brewery who landed the Derby night sprint a year ago from the same box?
Sel 3-1-5
BALLYBEE BREWERY Photo: Steve Nash
7.11 There is a fair bit of comparative form going on here and an what we have seen so far, the selection has to be Bockos Alfie. He cut across and bumped Razldazl Brian when they met last time but then destroyed the field with a brilliant exhibition of early pace. Droopys Missouri was in the same race and box and can repeat the run with a clear run around the outside.
Sel 5-6-2
7.26 Three Derby semi finalists and three quarter finalists go to traps in the invitation. The inside three met in the same quarter final when Southfield Jock made best use of a draw inside Shaneboy Freddie. On times Jock has 28.20s on his card, Freddie has time to find. But Jock would need a clear run for those type of runs and Freddie can virtually match him to the bend. California looks badly drawn and Ajlo Legalbeagle could secure third
Sel 1-3-6
SHANEBOY FREDDIE
7.43 Spa Road Piper, who, in the earlier part of his career had one win in 16 races, is the dog in form and the recent edge of Cat One winners Billys Bullet and Fizzypop Buddy. Of the trio though, Buddle was particularly badly bumped and recovered brilliantly to finish second. Local supporters will be hoping for a big run from Illseeyouagain who is chasing a five timer with a switch to six bends, but on Towcester S1 form will need to improve.
7.59 There is lots of early pace in this ladies race where the draw, a middle and three wides has complicated issues. The selection, based on the fact that she should get first choice of the inside rail is Quivers Camps. There will be plenty of pace on her right shoulder with Ballymac Shirley and Crossfield Molly also keen to dominate from the front. Huarache Finn would prefer stripes but will be running on and could be a big danger
Sel 2-5-3
8.16 If this was boxing it would be labelled an ‘exhibition’ not a ‘contest’. Barring any type of injury – God forbid – or any of the other five growing another leg, nothing can seemingly stop the track record holder from retaining her Dorando title. Last time out she seeming closed her eyes and counted to ten before setting off after the field and then caused an outbreak of pneumonia as she shot past them.
Sel 6-3-5
ROXHOLME MAGIC sets a new 894m track record 55.09.
Wimbledon 24th May 2016.
Photo: Steve Nash
8.33 Three middles take on three wides and it will be the conduct of the inner three runners that is the hardest to guess. Kakantu appears to have as much pace as any in the field but is a slightly hesitant jumper. Of the three wides, Razldalz Raidio looks more and more a complete hurdler and given the lay-out of the race, looks the runner most likely to secure a clear passage.
Sel 5-3-2
8.51 Not the sort of race that a racing manager would admit to grading. It looks impossible that there won’t be trouble. Four and five would both prefer stripes. The only dog who appears well suited to his coat colour is red. He will be hoping that Lenson Santi gives him a bit of room to prevent him running off at the turn and he can then reproduce Derby form with Charity Buster.
Sel 1-3-6
9.08 Maybe it’s the occasion getting to the dogs, and the connections, or the Derby roar, or simply the culmination of five weeks of racing, but Derby Finals seldom go to plan. Fast breakers fail, non-breakers ping. On all known form 1,2, 3 and 6 will be happy enough, 4 & 5 would prefer to be nearer the rail. The narrow selection, based on the fact that he tends to get it right when it matters is Droopys Roddick.
Sel 3-1-6
9.24 A few Derby hard luck stories in this one where the selection is last year’s finalist Making Paper. Diane Henry’s black invariably has to pick off dogs with more early pace and his recent Nottingham form suggests he is in great shape. Ballymac Brogan can never be left out of a trio while the big striding Barricane Bullet looks destined for big wins on bigger circuits.
Sel 4-5-6
9.40 Roswell Iceman was unlucky to be drawn in a ‘two to qualify’ heat and then be eliminated in a three-way photo finish. He has since come into form and looks well placed to reverse from with the Lister runner. Barricane Tiger can run on for third.
9.57 There is still some talent among the golden oldies and few had more than 2014 Arc winner King Dec. The kennel love a winner or two of final night and you can be certain that Dec will be on the money. But several of the opposition have recently contested the Derby and look in great shape too
Sel 4-6-2
10-14 The Derby card often seems to fizzle out after the big race, but not this year. Track record holder Eden The Kid leads a star studded field of British bred stars. The selection has to be the Kid with Old Joe Golden and Castle Henry both occupying their favourite traps.
Sel 5-6-1
