“Sprinters aren’t normally at their best until they are at least two and a half and three.”
“He hasn’t really trapped in his recent races. But I know he can.”
Just two of the thoughts of trainer David Mullins as he views the chances of short priced favourite Shrewd Call in Saturday’s 264 final at Monmore.
The striking white sprinter will be going for a seven-timer and a second consecutive title if he is able to follow up on his unbeaten run through the Colossus Bets Silver Salver. Mullins is as fazed as his dog. (Not in the slightest).
“It doesn’t bother me” he says. “Some people get nervous when they are building up a sequence but I like to keep it going.”
The kennel is not unfamiliar with sprinting success having steered a certain Troy Bella to a Sprinter of the Year title. So how do they compare?
David said: “For a start, neither was bought as a sprinter and Troy Bella wasn’t a consistent trapper earlier in his career. Sprinters take time to mature. Shrewd Call is still very puppyish; he gets a bit excited and should benefit from a few quick runs. But he has a great desire to win. If he avoids injury, there really isn’t a limit to what he can achieve.”
David admits that he can’t wait to test the youngster over the same course on which Troy Bella excelled, the Nottingham 305. Before then though, there is the matter of Saturday’s decider.
“If certainly isn’t the draw I would have asked for” says the Romford handler, “nor can he afford to do what he did last week. With respect those he was up against, he wouldn’t have got away with a performance like that in the other heat. So far he has won from five, four and three. In the final the one is very fast away and (trap) two isn’t ideal. But, as he has shown previously, I think he will go to the bend in a straight line.”
Betting 4-6 Shrewd Call, 7-2 Pull The Trigger, 4-1 Coolavanny Dylan, 10-1 Droopys Lisbon, 20-1 Swift Guard, 25-1 Tip Top Titan
Trainers are reminded: Saturday kenneling 4.40pm a additional second kenneling at 7pm also for any runners in race 7 onwards. Please inform the racing office if second kenneling is required on 01902 456663.
