Shawfield racing manager Daniel Rankin gives a low-down on the first round draw of the RPGTV Scottish Derby.
Heat one
I think there could be a bit of trouble here. Lenson Sanchez moved to the middle in his trial and Mossjoe seems to want the rail. I think three has the early to lead but we don’t know whether he is good enough. You could nearly say the same for the six. I am not convinced that Metro Jack runs the track. He was KO’d here last year and his trials were nothing special. Romeo Big Time is probably good enough to qualify.
Heat two
Indigo Jack looks the one they have to beat here and probably the best of the Cronin dogs. Save The Don trialled well but looks badly drawn. Cashen Maureen ran here before and although she improved since, she lad and didn’t stay. I could imagine Calzaghe Vet running on to qualify.
Heat 3
This looks made for Coolavanny Jap in two. Oddysey (T1) is slow away and I can see Pat Buckley’s dog getting the rail early on. La Maqina would give him a race on his trial run, but his race was disappointing. Opus Sky wants the rails and has plenty to do to find them. Bowline Bullet is not without a chance, nor is Greenwell Ace who is very lightly raced due to a broken hock but is improving with every run.
Heat4
Anything could happen here. Farley Champ ran off in trials, Sandyhill Hitman cuts in and Salacres Pele is not a great place. Nadurra Tar is a local runner up in class and the six looks like a decent class A1 runner from Newcastle. Tynwald Bish in the interesting one. I expect him to lead, the question is can he stay?
Heat 5
I can see La Cuchilla leading up Newinn Yolo in here though I can’t see Pat Rosney’s dog being beaten. I think he will get a decent run with Tyrur Arthur running off at the bend. Cuchilla beat Greenwell Lark when they last met though she didn’t break on that occasion. El Flutter looks a decent enough dog and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get through.
Heat 6
I was surprised that Swift Hoffman ran so many solos. I think you get a better idea on whether a dog in mixed trials so I would oppose him with Paradise Silva in one. The race could be eventful. Bowline Bolt and Kneejerkreaction don’t stay. Farloe Quest swung off the track and even ran over the hare rail at the first bend. I don’t know whether Ascot Woodie is this class.
