Last week the first round promised to be a must-watch occasion for the greyhound enthusiasts among us, and so it transpired. A blistering performance from English Derby gamble, King Capaldi. A high, wide and handsome swoop from Diane Henry’s Burj Khalifa, and a textbook lesson on how to run Monmore from Queen Joni.
The best of it all?
We get to do it all again this week!
Semi Final 1
Well as if you needed reminding just how bursting with talent this competition is, look no further than trap 1, in semi final 1, Links Maverick. I’m sure trainer Tom Heilbron would have been satisfied with Maverick’s comeback run last week, and he looks sure to strip fitter for that race – his first since going lame in the first round of the Arc Classic at Sunderland. What surprised many, certainly me, was the fact he was outpaced to the first corner by King Capaldi however, not something we’ve been accustomed to seeing during his career. That said, the lack of race sharpness could have been the reason for that, and it’ll be no surprise to see him back to his brilliant best Saturday Afternoon.
Trainer Richard Rees is triple handed in this, and assistant trainer Charlie Rees was in good spirits when I asked him about his reaction to the draw, “Have three, shit or bust!” Indeed it is! Undoubtedly his best chance lands at the paws of Churchfield Syd though. He’s at his best when able to dominate, and with a flash break from Queen Joni last week, that didn’t happen. He ran gamely for 3rd though, just holding off the late charge of Aayamza Sydney. If ripping the bars down like we know he can, he’ll be in the mix. Kila Detail and Drive On Lad both ran well to qualify for this, but on what we’ve seen so far, it’s going to require a big effort for them to qualify.
Where to start with Coolavanny Shado! An absolute machine on his day, but as predicted last week, a missed break put paid to his chances of winning his heat. The draw in 4 might not be as big a negative as first glance suggests though. Yes, he will go left out the boxes and on the run-up, but with Drive On Lad on his immediate inside, he might be able to cheat that. In his recent runs at Monmore, trap 4 produced his fastest split time of 4.34, and in the past he’s recorded a 5.20 at Yarmouth from the middle box, so it’s not an issue to him. Ultimately though, it’s down to him and what he does at the boxes. If he traps level he’ll win because he’d blow anything away to the first bend. If he misses it, he’ll likely get knocked out. Answers on a postcard if anyone can work him out, please!
Bluejig Baron came out of the clouds last week for Dave Lee, and with the recent announcement that the great Laughil Jess has had to be retired through injury, it would be a great pick-me-up for Dave and his team if he could qualify. He’ll likely be coming from off the pace again, but any trouble up front and this fellow will be there to pounce given the chance.
Verdict – I don’t think we saw the best of Links Maverick last week. I think we saw a pipe opener to something that promises to be much better this week, and the way he went to the 3rd bend in round 1 really suggested to me he’s in fine fiddle. He can show an extra couple of lengths on the run-up that we know he’s capable of to make all. Churchfield Syd can show gears out wide to steer clear of trouble and qualify in 2nd, while Bluejig Baron runs on through beaten dogs for 3rd.
Prediction – 1-6-5
Semi Final 2
The first pairing in the quartet of McNair qualifiers to show their muzzles, is King Sydney in trap 1 and Queen Georgia in trap 3. It was a successful afternoon for the McNair battalion last week, and more of the same doesn’t look out of the question. Sydney looks far more suited to Monmore than Georgia does, and he would be the one most likely of qualifying from the pair. He showed good early pace to tuck in behind Aero Sucandai at the first bend last week, before going on to assert at the 3rd bend. His all round speed looks difficult to keep him out of the top 2.
Betsys Bullet next up for Belinda Green, and while she ran well to qualify in 3rd at 18/1 last week, it looks really difficult for her to be troubling the top 2 positions in this. A smash break though, and she’d give herself the best chance.
Bogger Rambo fills trap 4 for Tom Heilbron, and while last week he won from there, I mentioned it was a tricky draw but with the right dogs inside him. This week, I’m not sure that’s the case. It looks as though he could carve up the inside, potentially allowing King Sydney to get a clear crack at him, and chuck in the classy Droopys Eddie who starts and stays, he could be vulnerable late on to those two. He will have to smash out again, and hope he can find at least 2 more lengths on his time to hold off the challengers. He’s more than capable though, and you wouldn’t want him getting too loose out front.
Droopys Eddie I touched on, and he’s really coming along nicely for Maxine Locke – a trainer in form after qualifying both her runners in the Northern Puppy Derby semi-final at Newcastle on Thursday night! This lad could easily secure another final spot for the Romford handler. He’s got a mix of early pace and strong staying ability. It’s almost like he’s still deciding on what running style he wants to adopt. I think his future will lay over further, perhaps a short 6 bends, but while he’s doing 4.31 sectionals at Monmore, I guess you let him keep doing his thing! He’s a classy sort, still putting it all together. He’s properly in the mix here.
Skywalker Pele claimed heat victory for Ted Soppitt last week, but he’s going to have to be at his very best to replicate that here. He would have to lead Droopys Eddie to the corner to be winning, though I’m sure connections would take 2nd now given the chance. He’s not without a chance, but I’ll repeat myself, only his very best will suffice.
Verdict – I think Droopys Eddie is a really likeable type for Maxine Locke, and although I don’t think he’s the finished article by any stretch, I think he can get first run on King Sydney here, and that might prove pivotal as he’s not stopping at the line. King Sydney himself is strong, and can clearly take 2nd place to qualify. In 3rd may go to Bogger Rambo, the possible early pace setter.
Prediction – 5-1-4
Semi Final 3
The second of the McNair pairing feature here, and they’re two very prominent players. Queen Joni in trap 1 and King Capaldi in trap 2. Without any confidence, I think given the choice connections would switch the boxes over for these. Such is the draw though, and class can always prevail. I’m not sure how you split them. One thing is for sure though, the connections of the other 4 runners will be hoping for a bit of crowding on the run-up, because if these go around the first bend cleanly, it’s all over! Last week’s runs were poetry in motion from them both.
In trap 3 is Derby Plate winner Whyaye Man. He faced the re-opposing Burj Khalifa last week, and although hitting the front, couldn’t hold off the strong finishing white. He perhaps finds 480m a bit on the fast side these days and would appreciate more of a galloping 500m. It’s hard to see him qualifying, but if the gaps open, he won’t be afraid to fill them.
The exciting Richie Taberner trained, Aero Sacundai was a shock defeat last week, but was beaten by one of the performances of the round from King Sydney. He doesn’t have a nice draw in trap 4 here, and it looks really difficult for him to lead up the McNair pair on the inside, which as an out and out front runner he’ll have to do. He’s speedy enough, but the draw looks to have beaten him this time.
Getup Me Boy is another with a lot to do in here, and it’s not because he’s an average dog at all, it’s just because the ability of the opposition is so good. He would need one his best performances to date, and something like his personal best of 28.29 to be troubling these top 2 positions.
Burj Khalifa powered home last week for Diane Henry, and secured a heat win. He will need to improve on that again to be troubling the principles in this race, but out wide, out high, any trouble and he’ll be there. A Derby semi-finalist for a reason, he can really run. Perhaps seen to better effect over a stiffer 500m in time though.
Verdict – This could go to either of the McNair duo, but only based on the draw I’ll go with Queen Joni. If she comes away like last week, nothing will be coming around the outside of her. I think kennelmate King Capaldi will take the final qualifying spot in 2nd, and Burj Khalifa will be rattling home for 3rd.
Prediction – 1-2-6
