We have our first five-runner field after some over active invitation sending by the editor.
But rather than going with one plus a reserve, we thought a bookie v bookie battle had a certain ‘bloodsport quality’ about it. Representing Star Sports in the latest member of the team, former Sittingbourne RM Jess Packer. Representing himself is Towcester bookie Brian Hoggard of BG Racing.
For the owners, we have Belle Vue’s own James Rowley. For the media, we have our second snapper of the year, Towcester’s David Yanez, and for the trainers, we have the sport’s most famous deputy, Rab ‘The Bolt’ McNair.
The rules remain unchanged – the placing of a fictional £100 on the SKY card, singles or multiples. We quote early prices, but make winning calculations based on SP.
Full form is below tips
JESS PACKER (Star Sport bookmakers)
7.59 – King Elvis: He has got to be the nap of the night. He looks unstoppable at the moment and should win with a bit to spare.
9.08 – Forest Chunk: He is drawn on the inside of the favourite, just as he was in the first round and I can see a similar result with the fancy getting first run and returning at decent odds.
PUNTING: £60 win King Elvis (5-4) £30 win Forest Chunk (9-2)
BRIAN HOGGARD (BG Racing – bookmakers)
9.08 – Savana Donie: I am going for a £50 each/way bet but with Skybet who pay the first three. I can see the middle runners crowding each other and Donie getting a decent run on the rail.
PUNTING: £50 each/way Savana Donie (7-1)
JAMES ROWLEY (Owner)
8:33: – Swift Hansel: I think Swift Hansel is a class act and will take all the beating tonight. Trap to line
9:08: The Other Ben is owned by my good friends THEN THERE WERE FIVE SYNDICATE and Is a greyhound whom I’m convinced is improving all the time ..
PUNTING: £50 win Swift Hansel (7-4) , £25 each/way The Other Ben (16-1),
DAVID YANEZ (Media)
8:16 – Slick Strauss/Ribble Atom: I am going for a Towcester forecast double with Slick Strauss to beat Ribble Atom. Strauss has trialled well and has a massive heart.
8:33 – Jetstream Lynx: I can see the three hampering the four in the early stages and Lynx is the only wide runner who should be handy from the second bend.
9.08 – Forest Chunk: I think he has the run on the inside of the favourite to the corner and can go on and win from there and confirm his considerable potential.
RAB MCNAIR (Trainer- assistant)
I am going for two of our own runners and a couple of others who I expect to win.
7.26 – King Eden: He trialled well and must have a chance in this company.
7.59 – King Elvis: I think the world of this pup? Is he ‘the real deal’, I don’t know but I would like to think so. I am not sure he will see out the Towcester 500 metres for the Derby, but he has done everything we have asked of him so far.
8.33 – Swift Hansel: I like his draw, back in the three box after the semis, and think he can pop out and lead all the way. He strikes me as a better dog when he is in front, and I am sure the same thing has occurred to Charlie. I expect a big run from the dog in the final.
9.08 – Droopys Buick: I am siding with Droopys Buick because I would love to see him win for my old mate Jimmy (Wright). But looking at the odds, and I was betting with my own money (spoken like a Scotsman – Ed), I would be very tempted by Forest Chunk at 4-1.
PUNTING: 4 x £25 win singles: King Eden (betting 5-1) King Elvis (betting 5-4), Swift Hansel (betting 7-4), Droopys Buick (betting 11-10)
