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/ Darrell Williams / 13 July 2011 / Leave a Comment "In Nyla Fantasy Michael Walsh has a rapidly improving greyhound. Coming into the event as a first-timer over six bends, she has quickly made a big impression, clocking the fastest time in what was undoubtedly the toughest of the semi-finals, and from her handy trap one draw is taken to claim the big prize"
Sunderland's Greyhound Festival concludes live on Sky Sports this Thursday evening with both feature Classic and Grand Prix finals wide open - but Darrell Williams believes both prizes could be heading to Newcastle!
Sunderland's big night of the year looks a belter with four finals up for decision, but solving the two major puzzles, the Classic and Grand Prix, is far from easy with both races overloaded with in-form greyhounds.
Undoubtedly a victory for Blonde Snapper in the feature Classic final (21:45) would be the 'fairytale' result with Mark Wallis' charge having fought back from a lengthy injury to reach this stage unbeaten. His credentials look spot on, having clocked the fastest semi-final time, and having reached the Puppy Plate final over the CD last season, the track certainly plays to his strengths. But with early speed, in the shape of sprinter Lampard on his immediate inside, and the unthinkable threat of a further setback - as his trainer has stated 'we have to manage him' I am reluctantly forced to pass him by.
Newcastle based Jimmy Wright is chasing a third consecutive Grand Prix victory and with two representatives will fancy his chances, but it's his Magna Buddy that makes most appeal in the Classic. Having enjoyed an excellent early season sprinting campaign, which included victory in the Northern Sprint at Sheffield, he has taken the step back up to four bends in his stride, and can utilise his excellent early speed to claim the big prize.
A winner of 11 of his 16 races this season, Magna Buddy looks well drawn inside the speed in trap three and can dominate over the 450m trip where he boasts a four from five record. Strong running Derby runner-up Westmead Guru looks well housed in trap one, but may find reeling in the speedy Magna Buddy beyond him.
Both Wright and Wallis also hold strong chances in the Grand Prix (21:25), with the former dually represented with Droopys Hester and the more obvious claims of Droopys Luisao. Runner-up in the Northern Puppy Derby, Luisao is one of three unbeaten finalists, further illustrating the strength of the race, and having only stepped up to six bends for this event looks open to ample further improvement.
Wallis' Blonde Fletch has been setting the standard over six bends this summer, most notably when winning the Regency back in May, and his versatile style has helped him to win 13 of his 18 starts over six bends. In a red-hot final, Regency and Leger runner-up Bower Hawk's strong running style also makes him a threat in a race packed full of early paced types.
However, in Nyla Fantasy, Newcastle handler Michael Walsh has a rapidly improving greyhound taken to beat them all. Also coming into the event as a first-timer over six bends, she has quickly made a big impression, clocking the fastest time in what was undoubtedly the toughest of the semi-finals, and from her handy trap one draw is taken to claim the big prize.
There would be no more popular winner on the support card than reigning Greyhound of the Year Jimmy Lollie, who rates the nap in the Festival Flyer final (20:45). Returning from a three month injury with victory in the heats, Seamus Cahill's charge can successfully defend his crown, as well as his unblemished 5/5 record over the 261m trip.
The Puppy Plate final (21:05) looks wide-open, and a race I'd be quite happy to swerve, but for those looking for a play I'd recommend Skywalker Teddy, who despite having been a beaten favourite in each of his last three outings, looks well-berthed as the only railer in trap one.
Cloncunny Magic, just outside the sprint clock the other week, is fancied to spring a surprise in the supporting sprint (20:15) for local handler Ann Lagan, where big names Rotar Wing and Fifis Rocket are amongst the opposition. Both however can be opposed, with 'Wing' having won just one of his last five outings, while 'Rocket's previous Sunderland form has been woeful.
Yahoo Jamie looks solid in the opener (19:40), but I'm struggling to split Head Iton Jason and Anfi Gem in the 20:00.
Selections (in preference order)
Jimmy Lollie 20:45
Cloncunny Magic 20:15
Nyla Fantasy 21:25
Yahoo Jamie 19:40
Magna Buddy 21:45
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