Into the second round of the Derby and arguably the lesser card – only Romeo Command, from the top six in the ante post betting will be running tonight, and he may not even start as favourite. (7-1 joint favourites Clona Duke and Swords Rex return tomorrow)
But it is certainly a big meeting for his handler Patrick Janssens with Command joined by kennelmates: Lautaro, Romeo Top Gun, Slick Saratoga, Deelish Frankie, La Conquistador and Fabulous Azurra.
Defending champ Romeo Magico is one of three runners for Team Holland.
Latest betting: 6-4 Whyaye Man, 11-4 Signet Goofy, 7-2 As I Say, 12-1 Hopes Rhino, 14-1 Antigua Bigun, 25-1 Bubbly Cooper
WHYAYE MAN headed over to the kennel of Mark Wallis with a lofty reputation and he confirmed that with a super first round performance leading all the way to win by 5 lengths in 2896. He’s going to have to be sharply away once again in a race containing much more strength in depth with the likes of Brendan Matthews As I Say likely to not need any second invitation if the selection isn’t fully alert at trap rise. Matthews youngster landed a huge punt in the first round with odds as high as 6/1 down taken about him and with improvement likely he shouldn’t be too far off the selection at the finish.
Latest betting: 1-1 Lautaro, 11-4 Romeo Top Gun, 8-1 Bubbly Gizmo, 14-1 Innfield Billy, 16-1 Links Top Gun, 25-1 Dapper Larry
Patrick Janssens LAUTARO is laced with quality and particularly loves it around this Towcester track. He suffered no luck at all in running last week but showed he lacks nothing in the way of toughness to claim the third and final qualifying spot in this week’s second round. He can lead by the turn before kicking clear for a comfortable success and a place in next week’s third round draw. Tom Heilbron is double handed in this heat with both Innfield Billy and Links Top Gun representing the kennel but preference of the pair falls with Top Gun who can chase the selection home in second place.
Latest betting: 4-6 Maree Champion, 13-2 My Girl Mia, 7-1 Doghouse Dazzler, Tommys Boss, 11-1 Slick Saratoga, 16-1 Chelms Paul
Seamus Cahill’s MAREE CHAMPION was superb in landing last week’s first round heat impressively in 2894 and though he’ll be priced short enough there is little to suggest this week’s result will be anything different than another comfortable success. Just an August 2021 pup he is very much heading in the right direction and with surely plenty left to come he warrants respect in any race which he currently lines up.
Latest betting: 9-4 Ballymac Bronze, 7-2 Romeo Command, 11-2 Candolim Monsoon, Havana Allablaze, 10-1 Burj Khalifa, 12-1 Bellmore Lola,
Liam Dowling’s BALLYMAC BRONZE (9-4 with Betfred) had to play second best to Clona Duke last week but given that he went down by just 4 lengths in a new track record time of 28.73 the run must have been a pleasing one. He’s no certainty here in what is a very competitive heat but given a fair break he should turn closely behind Liz McNair’s Havana Allablaze who once again looks sure to lead. He was only just picked up close home last week by last year’s finalist Savana Beau but he may have been flattered a little by that given that Beau almost certainly needed the run and made slightly hard work of getting up. If Bronze does turn close expect him to reel Allablaze in with a little more ease.
Latest betting: 5-4 Cryptopunk, 3-1 Fabulous Azurra, 6-1 Ballymac Johnjo, 13-2 Hurry Up Jordan, 7-1 Blackhouse Harry,
FABULOUS AZURRA could only finish second in last week’s first round heat but it does warrant noting that she missed the break badly after having to be removed from the traps after they failed at the first attempt. That wouldn’t have done her any good whatsoever from a breaking point of view and a better start is anticipated this evening. That said she will definitely need one with Graham Holland’s Cryptopunk in opposition. Punk landed a good few bets last time and the result was never in doubt after a flashy start. He’s not always so quickly away though and if he does give Azurra a start he’s unlikely to also give her a beating.
Latest betting: 7-4 Romeo Hanzo, 11-2 Droopys Google, La Conquistador, 6-1 Ballymac Walt, 15-2 Brinkleys Magic, 10-1 Super Nova
Graham Holland’s ROMEO HANZO was impressive in landing last week’s first round heat easily and I fancy him to repeat the dose here. He can lead all the way but he does need to keep one eye over his shoulder as Patrick Janssens La Conquistador for one rates a huge danger if getting a clear run to halfway.
Latest betting: 11-8 Undulation, 9-4 Romeo Magico, 7-1 Ninja Kerry, 8-1 Savana Top Cat, 16-1 Hot Throttle, 28-1 Wolf Moon
UNDULATION landed her first-round heat in great style for the ‘Newry Maestro’ Brendan Matthews and duly landed a number of significant bets in the process. A talented lady she won with ease recording 2912 off the back of a more than decent 405 split. The bitch reaches 16 weeks post season this weekend and should be coming forward with every run. Romeo Magico last years Derby Champion had to battle hard to land his first round heat and given that he’s once again surrounded by pace he may well have to show those battling qualities again to safely navigate himself into a qualifying place in next week’s third round draw.
Latest betting: 2-1 Deelish Frankie, 5-2 Arkady, 7-2 Boylesports Gift, 13-2 Drive On Lad, 12-1 Signet Otis, 18-1 Late Bolger
A real tough race filled with quality from top to bottom to end Friday nights heats with but the selection is Paul Hennessy’s BOYLESPORTS GIFT who looks well enough drawn on the inside. He come on massively from his trial effort and with further improvement likely he’ll take some stopping with anything like a clear run. Patrick Janssens Deelish Frankie is the obvious danger whilst David Mullins Arkady will need a flyer from out wide if he’s to qualify although that is far from unlikely and is something he produced to great effect when landing the Juvenile here from the same box.
