“In my opinion, her price is based more on reputation than current form.”
A summary of the view of assistant trainer Mark Keightley as he contemplates Roxholme Poppy’s 9-4 chance in the Coral Olympic Final.
The Doncaster Leger winner clocked marginally the fastest time in the second round but she is drawn alongside Kevin Boon’s Sheldan who is currently chasing a five-timer.
Mark said: “I would have thought that with due respect to the others, the four and five have the best early pace in the race. We know that Poppy needs to be at her best to cope with traffic and this is only her second race back. If she was to break in front, she would be a solid even money chance in my opinion.
“But she loves the six box and Kevin’s bitch looks a more automatic starter than Poppy. If that leads, then you can double Poppy’s price.
“But it is far from a two dog race. Magical Icarus has yet to show that he can pass dogs as well as he does at Monmore, but if he does, then he has to be a danger. But you really can’t rule any of them out of it, including the outsiders. There is definitely potential for a shock.”
Betting 9-4 Roxholme Poppy, 3-1 Magical Icarus/Sheldan, 13-2 Goldies Hotspur, 12-1 Aayamzabreeze/Goldies Hotspur
A reminder of the semi finals including video footage.
