Save The Don is the one they all have to beat in the RPGTV Scottish Derby – at least that is the view of Shawfield racing manager Daniel Rankin as he views the draw for Saturday’s three semi finals.
The first semi is the hottest and includes the Rosney pair Newinn Yolo and Swift Hoffman plus the fastest first round winner Tynwald Rodney (28.98).
Rankin said: “I would fancy Newinn Yolo and Tynwald Rodney to go through to the final. I thought both of Pat Rosney’s runners were disappointing in the heats. My concern for Swift Hoffman is that in his trials, he flew from six and then cut across at the bend. I can’t see him getting the clear run to cut across his field in this company.
“Cashen Maureen appeared to have every chance in the heats and her best form has been against bitches, not dogs of this class. I don’t know whether la Maqina and Sandyhill Hitman have the class to go through in a clean run race.”
The second semi sees Irish pair Save The Don and Tynwald Bish up against the night’s second fastest qualifier La Cuchilla.
Rankin said: “I fancy Save The Don from that draw. The only reason that I opposed him in the first round was trap four. But he won’t have it all his own way. La Cuchilla will be desperate to take the rails off him and I think they will be the two to qualify.
“Farloe Quest is not without a chance and Tynwald Bish won’t be far away though he struggles to get home. He just held off Blackjack Django in the heats though the form flatters Django because Bish went down a hole early in the race.”
The third semi is very competitive though Rankin reckons the two Buckley runners should both get through.
He said: “Coolavanny Jap did nothing wrong in the heats and he can lead all the way. Kneejerkreaction went well in the heats but I don’t think he can lead Buckley’s dog. As for Lenson Sanchez, he would not possibly break as badly for a second time.
“Greenwell Lark might make it interesting if she produces one of her flying starts, though it is a big ask to clear dogs of this quality.”
