Links Maverick is a best priced (4-5f Coral/Betway) for the ARC Northern Puppy Derby Final at Newcastle this evening.
Tom Heilbron’s black youngster has won his last six and there appear to be few issues in the draw that could barely have worked out better for all connections. But this is a particularly inexperienced field, only Kilara Scottie boasts a line of Irish form, and that was just one race.
John Marriott’s Fearsome Quest (4-1) will probably start as second favourite, and looks tremendous value having recorded a faster calculated time in the semi finals. John doesn’t overschool his pups and they continue to improve beyond the norm. A 28.30 run does not look beyond her.
Watchall Sid, who already has a Cat One win in his locker, is rated an 8-1 chance for Carl Jackson. In all honesty, his Newcastle form isn’t a patch on his Oxford record. Despite his 13 races, he is the youngest in the final and possibly the worst drawn. He has only raced from trap five twice and was beaten in both, though they were right at the start of his career.
White Clover is also on the 8-1 mark which looks great value considering he was only three spots behind his kennelmate in the opening round, roughly the difference in their sectionals.
Kilara Scottie is 10-1 and with time to find on the favourite but only has seven races on his UK card. In a race dominated by early pace, he looks a strong type though may prefer a slightly longer trip.
Much the same could be said about Swift Regina (16-1). She is definitely showing potential to want further and definitely left time on the track in the semi finals.
Here are our reminders of the semi finals.
