A number of interested parties have been casting their eyes over the second round draw of the Derby.
Nottingham’s Nathan Corden (current lead in the Tipsters Challenge) said (ht1): “Tommys Panther in one is not a problem for me. We originally suggested to Tony (Collett) that he looked like a railer and he has now come to that conclusion too.
“It looks like an ‘away and gone’ for Knocknaboul Syd who looks well drawn with Lenson Bocko on his heels. It looks a bad draw for Newinn Session.”
Ht2 “I was impressed by Distant Star before the first round and I almost selected him in the Tipster Challenge. I thought he ran really well and will take some beating again. I think its a bad draw for Ballydoyle Valor but he is a strong dog and barring major trouble should still qualify. There are some good finishers in the race though, notably Amka Rofe and King Cash.”
Ht3 “Southwood Jet was excellent in the first round though this is a tougher test and he certainly won’t have it all his own way. Catunda Logan did a good split and could trouble him early and the middle draw suits Look Like Power. Six goes fast to the bend too and I would expect Coolavanny Bani to be running on to qualify.”
Ht4 “Jeerjet Sydney to lead here with Kilara Icon hot on his heels and issuing a serious challenge. The draw seems to have worked out well with Sparta Master out in four.”
Ht5 “I fear there may be some early bumping for the inside three and I would expect Doolin Duke to take the lead. He did everything right last time out. I also have a lot of time for Coolavanny Chick who was bumped the other night and should stay on strongly to qualify.”
Ht6 “I really see this all being about Wolfe who was superb on Saturday. He will be away and gone with Newline Cody looking his biggest danger.”
Ht7 “Glengar Bale out and gone. He did everything right first time out and looks ideally drawn. Six will stay out of his way on the wide outside. I am still not convinced that Bockos Doomie runs Nottingham.”
Ht8 “Easily the most competitive heat of the night for me. It is a great race and I really would struggle to pick out the winner in here.”
Trainer Pat Buckley: “I am very happy with the draws and the way the Derby is going. I am staying with June Harvey who is really looking after us. I have my own kennel block and it is ‘home from home’
“Knocknaboul Syd (Ht1) has a decent chance but will really need to be at the top of his game in the first heat. He is taking on the Derby favourite and last year’s Irish Derby winner.
“There are no two ways of saying it, I really fancy Deerjet Sydney (Ht4). I expect to lead all the way and if we get beat there will be no excuses.
“I wouldn’t put anyone off Doolin Duke (Tt5) though he certainly will need to be at his best. It is a tough heat but I think he is good enough.
“As for Glengar Bale, I think he only has to reproduce his first round performance. He is in superb order and I think he has a great chance from an ideal draw in five.”
Star Sports Martin ‘Lofty’ Chapman: ” I think the seeding panel will raise a smile after the draw! Two of the middles changed to rails drew four anyway, as did a middle who wanted rails.
“Despite Newinn Session drawing T5 we’re happy to keep him as 6/1 fav. He’s won from five at Clonmel and hopefully Lenson Bocko will head the same way.
“Good to see Bockos Doomie draw red and I’m really looking forward to that heat with Glengar Bale and Distant Village. They will be no excuses there, while the wides fans will be happy with their lot. Gonzo and especially Coolavanny Chick backers will be happy. Jazzers Man I thought could shake up the seemingly plotted up Wolfe as well, if handling the first bend better .
All in all looking forward to what should be a superb nights racing and lastly must give credit for everyone at Nottingham for getting through Saturdays card. It wasn’t pretty at times, but the surface held up in almost impossible conditions.”
Note: Star Sports are paying five places on their ante post book – compared to four with everyone else.
