Sky Previews 
/ Darrell Williams / 27 June 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Who will emerge as top dog on another night of Betfair-sponsored action?
"In my mind, because of his defeat the other day, Ballymac Ace now offers plenty of value at around 2.9 and he rates a solid selection"
Loughview Gem's Northern Irish Derby victory was hailed as a shock by many - but not to Darrell Williams - whose six Sky selections at Drumbo on Saturday all won. But the top tipster is expecting few surprises in the Betfair Pall Mall at Oxford where Ballymac Ace is taken to claim the prize.
Not since Fearless Ace achieved back-to-back victories in the first two Oxford runnings of the Pall Mall in 1988/9 has a greyhound successfully defended the title.
Until now that is, as Chris Allsopp's Ballymac Ace has an excellent chance of repeating his 2010 victory.
On that occasion all the pre-race chat revolved around how the sharp railer could muster a run from trap five - but he did - and how, dominating proceedings for a near five length slaughtering of his rivals.
But Tuesday evening's task - live on Sky Sports - will come from the far more familiar surroundings of trap one - a box he has been beaten only once from in five previous red jacket starts at the Cowley track.
That defeat, slightly worryingly happened to be in last week's semi-finals, where a rare missed break ensured the three year old wasn't going to be gifted the race, as he had been when making all in the first round in the fastest time of the year for the 450m trip.
But Ballymac Ace, who came into the event fresh after a recent layoff, battled on well, and although not able to catch improving youngster Pams Tomjo, comfortably qualified in second place.
While I do not envisage 'Ace' missing his start again, he will need to step carefully to avoid his kennelmate and neighbour Brittons Empire, who is awkwardly drawn for the selection in trap two. However I'm hopeful that this equally quick starter will tread a rails to middle route, rather than making a beeline for the fence at traps rise.
The aforementioned Pams Tomjo, the race's only unbeaten finalist, as well as boasting a 3/3 record over the CD, warrants respect, especially with the likelihood of Buzz Doc moving in a little from trap three, while lone wide seed Dromana Max would enter calculations if trapping as he did in the first round.
But in my mind, because of his defeat the other day, Ballymac Ace now offers plenty of value at around [2.9] and he rates a solid selection.
Win machine Union Jak Jakson can take his unbeaten sequence to ten for Kinsley based Andy Clarke in the British Bred race at 21:25 and rates the best bet on the support card. The fact he was sent to Oxford for a minor Open the other week can only be seen as a bonus and he should be backed accordingly.
Oxford have attracted five of the field that contested the Dorando Marathon at Wimbledon on Derby final night, and I expect Lottes Girl to confirm the form (20:50). Stepped up to marathon distances prior to the TV Trophy at Sittingbourne, Heather Dimmock's bitch has won 4/6 over 800m plus, confirming her Wimbledon form with runner-up Killishin Masai at Perry Barr next time - albeit with just a short-head between them on both occasions. Taylors Riviera, spared retirement after a much better run at Wimbledon, is also of interest back in her favourite trap one draw.
Head Iton Jason has a fantastic draw inside slow starting Hee Haws Montana in the 595m race at 21:10 and should complete his own six-timer, although I would have been happier if he'd had a previous look round. Monleek Merc, a brother of Razldazls George and Jayfkay, has been notching up the wins since stepping up to six bends, and is a lively alternative.
Rotar Wing can win an excellent looking sprint (20:00), where his draw inside Sleeping Urban may prove to be key. Derby semi-finalist Fifis Rocket won well enough at Hall Green and rates the logical danger.
Yahoo Jamie pays a first visit to Oxford, but has an excellent record first time up at tracks, and can claim the 20:15 for Charlie Lister,
Selections (in order of preference)
Union Jak Jakson 21:25
Ballymac Ace 21:45
Head Iton Jason 21:10
Rotar Wing 20:00
Lottes Girl 20:50
Yahoo Jamie 20:15
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