"Barrie Draper has a mightily strong hand but while Ballymac Eske will be the obvious choice of his two, kennelmate Farloe Warhawk should not be under-estimated, given his far superior record over the CD and the likelihood that he will lead"
Three months after the Oaks final, greyhound racing returns to Sky Sports for an intriguing Juvenile shoot-out which is sure to have a major bearing on the Derby, supported by a riveting Springbok final as the novice hurdlers do battle. Darrell Williams is across the best of the action.
21:19 Juvenile
T1 Alien Planet
Exceptionally fast win in the puppy race on Derby final night shows what he is capable of. Unraced since November and mixed record after a long break. Connections unsure about the trap one draw (two from five record). Winner of only one of his last nine races.
T2 Teejays Bluehawk
Will have to do it the hard way judged on previous trial form (yet to race at this track). Beaten at odds-on on his seasonal return at Hove and has won only one race in his last seven outings.
T3 Ballymac Eske
Derby favourite but yet to win in three starts at Wimbledon although only just touched off by Farloe Warhawk in a riveting Puppy Derby final. Fast trial last week but unraced since December. Would prove hard to beat if poaching an early advantage.
T4 Farloe Warhawk
Ran unbeaten in the Puppy Derby here last summer and has won 12 of his last 14 races. Capable of very fast starts here as confirmed in last week's trial although overall time suggested he needed it. Without a race for four months but can go well fresh. Chance depends on getting clear of his kennelmate.
T5 Jaytee Hellcat
Still to see what he is truly capable of but a fast winner here in November and confirmed that run with an impressive trial last week. Likely to enjoy plenty of racing room and chance is better than his odds might suggest.
T6 Lenson Champ
Has a fitness edge on most of his rivals but even a 'flyer' is highly unlikely to prove good enough judged on his previous moderate Wimbledon record.
Verdict:
Barrie Draper has a mightily strong hand but while Ballymac Eske will be the obvious choice of his two, kennelmate Farloe Warhawk should not be under-estimated, despite obvious signs of needing his trial last week. The two fought out a tremendous buckle in the Puppy Derby - where Eske had actually led - but given Warhawk's far superior record over the CD and the likelihood that he will lead he offers slightly more value over his rival and earns the slimmest of votes. Value seekers could do worse than include Jaytee Hellcat, whose trial last week confirmed his ability and he could surprise granted a likely clear run.
19:34 Sprint
King Scotty would be fast enough to win the 'A' division on his best form here and rates the night's best bet in a far from strong line-up. Comeragh King is at least winning races and rates best of the rest.
19:49 Ladies
A belter of a contest but Oaks third Forest Mollie (yet to win in four here) may struggle to hold in-form Lughill Valerie early on. Bridge Ruth is improving with each race here and is preferred to fast starting Jaytee Cuba who has Britania Joan to clear.
20:04 Marathon
Aero Rebel will be popular back in marathon company as will Black Lamora, who looks well drawn as the lone wide tag, but Buglys Billie has been in excellent form this season and can make it six wins in her last nine races.
20:19 Springbok final
Rockview Royal defends the competition's only unbeaten record and has won three of his five races here, but his chance depends on leading early, which may prove difficult alongside Westmead Meteor, who went fastest in the semi-finals. Both jump well, but Ricky Holloway's runner is also stronger and could prove hard to handle even if only handy early on. Lenson Johnny beat the selection in the first round but may struggle to clear the inside pace of Druids Abouttime and Durrow Lark.
20:34 Sprint
Aero Joseph makes some appeal after his good trial and fast Romford win last month but Lil Risky has a good record here and is the logical choice. Ballymac Jones has won his last five races from trap one but his trial was poor.
20:49 Standard
A great match-up between Bubbly Phoenix and Loughteen Blanco but one which Blanco is expected to win given his likely lead ability claims and excellent current form. Derby semi-finalist Phoenix, beaten on his comeback, is faster at his best but is also far more effective from trap six.
21:04 Stayers
Leger winner Blonde Reagan has an excellent draw outside five railers and should make it four from six over CD. Bubbly Swallow is capable of fast times here but may struggle to enjoy a clear run from trap five. Droopys Xavier (third in the Leger) is still to win here from five tries and may not clear middle favouring Ballymac Pen.
Recommended Bets
King Scotty 19:34
Loughteen Blanco 20:49
Westmead Meteor 20:19
Farloe Warhawk 21:19
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