The semi finals of the Nottingham Puppy Classic dominate interest on Monday night but only two of the three look like betting propositions.
The first qualifier sees the top puppy in training Bubbly Bluebird (T3) likely to go to traps somewhere between 1-3 and 1-4f. The best show on offer by lunchtime on raceday was Betfred’s 2-7f. While betting on pups is reckoned to be the surest way to the poor house, it is impossible to oppose Paul Young’s blue who has already shown outstanding ability on tracks as diverse as Sunderland and Hove and is chasing a six-timer. He goes to the bend like a sprinter, stays 515m with ease and is ‘ambitrapstus’. If he were to miss his break, and if Newinn Blitz was to fly out – nope still can’t see Bluebird being turned over.
The second qualifier is altogether more intriguing. Heading the market at 8-11 (Bet365) is Newinn Shadow who was unlucky to be drawn on the outside of Bubbly Bluebird in the heats or may have turned him over. The obvious danger is All About Class who did nothing wrong including clocking a flying sectional but still only finished three spots quicker than tonight’s main rival after a clear run. The favourite is the selection, but not carrying any investment at less than 10-11. Look out too for Romeo Desperado (20-1 shot for a forecast?) who looks an absolute machine if he can get his act together.
The third heat is the most competitive of the three and features a re-match between Ballinakil Biddy and Truly A Legend who came out of top when the pair met in the first round. Biddy supporters may feel that the reversal of the trap positions will give their bitch the advantage this time out and they can take as much 9-4 as they choose to back up their claim. Legend supporters will expect their January pup to show further improvement and at race time may see bigger than the 3-1 already available. King Kid is next in (4-1) but needs to break the habit of swerving wide at the boxes when he would undoubtedly collect Broadway Scout. Surely though, in terms of value, nothing tops Kildallon Bolt – 29.76 over course and distance and 9-2 with Betfred.
