The Premier Greyhound Racing Puppy Derby takes place tonight with a record £20,000 first prize.
As always, there has been quality, excitement and drama in equal measures leading to tonight’s decider.
There was no better example of this than in the first semi final:
Churchfield Syd (T6) was quick away with Crossfield Riley (T1) and Aero Arran (T2) also well away though Riley was about to move to middle causing early crowding
Churchfield Syd is well clear the split, his 4.26 being half a length quicker than anything else on the night. Eventual winner Bradys Bullet (T4) is trailing the field for no obvious reason
At the first bend, Clona Uriel (T3) moves off taking Aero Arran (T2), who is already on his outside, with him. Crossfield Riley and Slick Saratoga (T5) are badly hampered. Bradys Bullet (T4) has a clear run on the rails
Going into the third bend with Churchfield Syd seemingly on his way to victory.
The leader has gone lame and as he slows up, Clona Uriel (T3) leaps over him. Bradys Bullet (T4) is ready to seize his chance.
Bradys Bullet (T4) comes home in front
Onto the second semi final
Links Maverick (T4) is quickly away with Rioja Joey (T1) with eyes on the hare. Havana Top Note (T2) is slow into his stride.
At the sectional it is Links Maverick from Fearsome Quest (T6). Those 13 spots will be reduced to 2 over the next circuit
Minimal trouble at the turn with Quest running wide and Rioja Joey (T1) seeing an opportunity on the rail as Quest (T6) takes the scenic route
It is still T4 from T1 at the third bend with Havana Allago (T3) under pressure from Fearsome Quest (T6) who is now on the rail
Coming off the last, can the leading pair hold on?
A great late surge from Fearsome Quest (T6) but she fails by a neck with Rioja Joey (T1) a similar distance off a place in the final.
Semi final three saw ante post favourite Droopys Fidget drawn in trap two.
A good break from Cooliogold (T4) with White Clover (T1) also decently into his stride. The favourite (T2) is already up against it.
Cooliogold (T4) continues to dominate though Untold Zloty (T6) has moved into second place.
Reasonably clear run at the bend and favourite backers already know their fate.
Going into the third bend as White Clover (T1) makes his play for a qualifying spot.
Off the last and nothing is going to catch the early leader
Crossing the winning line and a comfortable victory in the fastest time of the night for Cooliogold.
So onto the final for which Links Maverick will probably go to traps as favourite – currently trading at around 5-4. The Northern Puppy Derby winner is going for a remarkable 10-timer.
The obvious danger is Cooliogold, a 2-1 chance. Both are front runners and interestingly, a ‘halfway’ sectional provided by Mark Pierrepont gave Links Maverick a half length advantage (18.25/18.29).
Bradys Bullet is the 9-2 third favourite. It is worth remembering that he was a 27.87 first round winner but cannot afford another 18.94 ‘halfway’.
British bred Fearsome Quest (18.65) is the sole middle seed and has drawn trap six – given her running style, hardly a disaster. This doesn’t really look to be her ideal track or distance but she clearly has a touch of class about her and an excellent strike rate. Currently available at 5-1.
On all known form White Clover (18.52) is his kennel’s second string, as he was in Newcastle Cat One final. The near 40 kilo giant looks a strong running type but looks well priced at 12-1.
At 20-1, Clona Uriel (18.78) is the complete outsider of the field. On form to date, he appears to face a significant challenge in what is a very high class juvenile final.
