/ The Lord / 07 April 2011 / Leave a Comment 
The Betfair Blue Riband kicks off at Hall Green on Friday.
"Express Shuttle was nabbed late on by Droopys Greg at Monmore and now tops the betting for the Derby."
Classic contenders prepare for Betfair Blue Riband, Scottish Derby reaches semi-final stage and the battle of E17 hots up (again)...
Eyes down for a brilliant Betfair Blue Riband which kicks off at Hall Green tomorrow (Friday). Always a natural stepping stone to the Derby, a number of leading Classic contenders are in the field for the 36-runner event over 480 metres.
These include Racing Post Juvenile Championship winner Blue Artisan, Ten Large Down, Westmead Guru, Jolly Poacher, Ballymac Ace and Express Shuttle.
Express Shuttle is the dog that was nabbed late on by Droopys Greg at Monmore and that now tops the betting for the Derby so Wimbledon is very much in the minds of punters as well.
The first three in each of the Betfair Blue Riband first round heats qualify for the final on Tuesday with the final live on Sky on Tuesday, April 19.
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Racing-wise, it's the busiest time of the year with the Scottish Derby reaching the semi-final stage on Saturday.
The Shawfield Classic enjoyed huge Irish interest this year and there is a real twist to the event with favourite Farley Blitz formerly trained in Ireland by Owen McKenna who has his own major chances in the shape of Farloe Force and Pablo Supreme.
Farley Blitz, who followed up his impressive first round victory in Tuesday's second round, is trained by Barrie Draper who tends to send his dogs to McKenna when sights are set on the major Irish races. Thurlesbeg Bound and Boherna Best are recent Draper dogs who were sent to McKenna.
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Romford kicks off its Golden Sprint on Friday with the headline name of Ardbeg Mentor topping the list of entries. Ken Tester's defending champion runs from trap three in the second of six heats at the Essex track.
Fifis Rocket, who as King Lee broke the track record in the event in the semis last year before Ardbeg Mentor bettered that still in the final, is also in the line-up.
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CPO is the new watchword for the Save Our Stow campaign as the battle for E17 hots up.
The tug-of-war between SOS and owners London & Quadrant looks set to take yet another twist with the news that a compulsory purchase order is being talked about for the iconic site.
This requires the full support of the local Waltham Forest Council and local MPs and Save Our Stow supporters are meeting to talk over the possbilities.
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Razldazl Jayfkay has been clipped in the Derby betting after greatly impressing clockwatchers in a trial around Shelbourne Park last Saturday.
Quicker than any of the Easter Cup second round heat winners, Dolores Ruth's always well regarded sort has plenty of experience of Plough Lane and remains on many judges' shortlists for the Classic.
One onlooker said: "He's not had a lot of racing and getting knocked out of the Easter Cup was a real blow as Dolores Ruth (trainer) tries to get some experience into him, but the trials show he has all the ability in the world."
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The countdown is under way for the TV Trophy which kicks off at Sittingbourne later this month.
Three heats will be staged as part of the BAGS card on Saturday April 23 ahead of the final on Wednesday, May 4, which is live on Sky.
It is hoped Midway Skipper, winner of the last two TV Trophys at Newcastle and Doncaster, will aim for an unprecedented third straight success in the competition at the Kent venue.
One of the most recognisable faces in the sport could lift its biggest trophy...
The Lord has finally caught his breath after an evening of pure excitement at Wimbledon. Here he reflects on a thrilling Betfair Trainers' Championship 2011......
The Lord is salivating like a hungry hound at the prospect of this Tuesday's 2011 Betfair Trainers' Championship......
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