SUNDAY ROUND UP

Top three in the Jacket but not Crowing about it

The MWD Partnership have the first three in the ante post betting despite the defeat of favourite New Destiny (1-4f) in Saturday’s first round.

Quickest on the day was kennelmate Coonough Crow who was the only hound to break the significantly important 45.00 barrier. Treble chasing Bellmore Sally also made is safely through to next week’s semi finals.

Here are the thoughts of trainer Mark Wallis and his trio.

Latest bettings: 9/2 New Destiny, 11/2 Ballymac Taylor, 7/1 Coonough Crow, Haka Carlow, 10/1 Havana Lover, 14/1 Dazl Rolex, Havana Top Note, Queen Pink, 16/1 Bellmore Sally, Breton Molly, Bubbly Scorcher, Savana Jazz, Tuono Bella, Bubbly Inferno, Lamorna Amaze, 50/1 Droopys Flotilla, Homestead Anna, 66/1 Shes Loves You

Bussey Semi final 1 Semi final 2

Hot Winter Derby

We might still only be in the early part of 2024 but there will surely be fewer better quality finals in the next 11 months than next Saturday’s Ladbrokes Winter Derby.

That was all encapsulated in the first semi final won by Greyhound of the Year contender Links Maverick – one of four Category One winners in the line-up and the first leg of a double for Tom Heilbron.

The second leg, which went to All England Cup finalist Bogger Rambo was only a length slower.

The quickest of the three qualifiers went to King Capaldi who has made his fourth Category One final having finished runner-up in the English Puppy Derby, third and in the Produce and was withdrawn off colour from Sheffield’s British bred Derby, won by Queen Joni.

Assistant trainer Rab McNair said: “I’m told that there was a little dig in Muttley yesterday suggesting that one or the other might not run this time. Just how cocky do they think we are?

“Queen Joni slipped after she came out of the traps and ran a great race but didn’t qualify. You would have to be very sure of yourself to withdraw a dog unless you really had no choice. You only need to look at the quality of the final to see that there was no room for mistake. It is a fabulous final, as good as you will ever see.

“It isn’t the draw that we were hoping for with Capaldi out in five, but these things happen. It was a public draw and you take these things on the chin. I was moaning to Tony (Williamson RM) that the draw should be held in the paddock and not in the grandstand, but I was out of order. It was held in public which is all us trainers can ask for. All trap draws should be held in public. With modern technology, there is no reason not to do it.

“Anyway, I don’t think five is the worst draw because some of those on the inside of us aren’t the tighest railers anyway and I think there could be some crowding.”

Latest betting: 5/2 King Capaldi, Links Maverick, 9/2 Chruchfield Syd, 5/1 Bogger Rambo, 8/1 King Sydney, 10/1 Aero Sacundai