Sponsors Bresbet have made Antigua Storm their 13-8f to land next week’s 75th East Anglian Derby Final following three semi finals dominated by the leading kennels in the Trainers Championship.
Mark Wallis’ runner clocked the fastest time over c&d since King Elvis’ 27.17 three years ago. A 10-1 chance prior to the semi finals, he has drawn red in next Wednesday’s decider where he will be accompanied by kennelmate Billis Tudor (9-1) in five.
The other two semi finals went to the Janssens’ pair Aussie Captain (3-1) and Bockos Jon Jo (10-3) who set a new sectional record of 5.14. They are drawn alongside each other in the final in a 4R/2M seeding split which is completed by Lylas Boy (12-1) and King Bruno (5-1).
So how does Patrick, who won the event last year with Kilara Lion, see the 2021 final?
He said: “It’s all about leading at the first bend. Jon Jo has a very bad draw in my view; he is too far away from the rail. Aussie Captain isn’t badly drawn at all. He went lame in the Derby and is still improving. I think there is more to come, and if he can clear the field by the bend, I would be surprised if he was picked up. I think 3-1 is a decent price.
“I am concerned that Jon Jo will move left as he comes out. But he isn’t the best trapper, and if Captain breaks at his best and can clear Jon Jo, then Jon Jo could act as a goalkeeper. A lot will depend on how well Mark’s dog breaks on the inside. I thought he ran very well last week too and is the one to beat.
“Whether trap one is an ideal draw at Yarmouth is another question of course”
Though it is worth remembering that Kilara Lion won from the red last year
Videos of the semi finals can be seen on the Star’s Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/GreyhoundStar1983/videos
