Betfair Official Blog

Kipper all set for Belle Vue three-timer

BELLE VUE 20:25

Ceilidh Bloom (T1) scored among Open Race calibre towards the end of May, over 605 metres at Pelaw Grange. She employs a late-hitting style but this inside berth can be worth a length or two and if there are any mix-ups ahead, she won't need a second invitation.

Colarhouse Boy (T2) hasn't been enjoying the best of fortune over the past few weeks and connections have decided to give him a crack over this extended 590 metres journey. He shouldn't have any problems beating 'Ceilidh' to the punch.

Giddy Kipper (T3) is bound to be the subject of support in his attempt to make it three victories on the bounce. He will be in the thick of the action from the word 'go' and has that wonderful ability of being able to pull out a little bit extra when required. His previous two wins were achieved wearing the red vest, but this midfield location will be no deterrent.

Datona Dandy (T4) sprung a 20/1 surprise last weekend at Monmore Green, picking up more than £7000 prize money in the process. Tonight's purse is a mere £160 in comparison, but his commitment and determination will be no less. He will stalk the leaders around the first couple of bends then press firmly down on the accelerator.

Drumcrow Bonny (T5) was valiant in defeat behind the in-form Giddy Kipper six days ago. She needs another precision getaway and a big, big lead if she is to have any chance of turning the tables.

Brompton Boy (T6) is the second hat-trick seeker in the assembly. He is however, facing a much sterner assignment here and a minor award is probably his best hope. Securing first run will be a top priority and he will refuse to throw in the towel, whatever the circumstances may be.

'Silkey' can produce another smooth success

BELLE VUE 20:55

Silkey Sensation (T1) couldn't have asked for a better arrangement. He has the inside passage all to himself, giving him ample opportunity to make full use of his early-paced asset. An action replay of his all-the-way success over course and distance last week is surely on the cards.

Driving Up Hasty (T2) opened his account at the third attempt in front-running fashion. With plenty of scope for improvement he could be considered a value option - 'Betfair layers' beware! He will be looking for a forward position early in the game.

Knocklasheen Boy (T3) returns to base following his nasty tumble at Oxford last week. He has plenty of A1 winning prize money stashed away and on his day is capable of dipping the 28-second barrier. He emerges with purpose and keeps the momentum going for the entirety of the event.

Spur Hill Kewell (T4) recently cracked the A2 combination at Monmore Green. Like the majority of the opposition, he will be very keen indeed to force the issue. Just the slightest mishap at the trap release and his chance will evaporate.

Fantasy Tiger (T5) has a useful record at Belle Vue, including a sizzling 27:87 triumph last November. On the negative side, he spent April and May in the treatment room, therefore his match fitness has to be a concern. He doesn't take long to slip into turbo gear and the market may be a guide to his prospects.

Zigzag Dipper (T6) appears a banker to bring up the rear during the opening stages of the contest. There is a danger he could become too far detached from the main group though, which would mean his big engine would be out of commission.

'Bird's' flying finish can steal the purse

BELLE VUE 21:25

Halcrow Prince (T1) possesses an excellent strike-rate and it wouldn't be a surprise if he added yet another credit to his tally. He has electric start-off speed, and with a touch of stamina at his disposal, could dominate the situation from pillar-to-post.

Mary Love (T2) was a short-priced favourite last Friday but traffic problems en-route proved expensive. She will have to stay as close as possible to 'Halcrow Prince' during the opening stages, then apply full pressure on the final circuit.

Larkhill Bird (T3) is the most senior member of the assembly but the manner of her recent triumph at Shawfield implies there's still plenty of mileage left in the engine. She isn't always foot-perfect at the lid-rise these days, but there is no quarrel regarding her overall speed. She gets the nod to collar 'Halcrow Prince' on the run-in.

Ace High Zoom (T4) has being doing the business on the graded front over four bends at Belle Vue, but surprisingly a six-bend gold medal eludes him. He could put that to rights if he comes out on top during the initial conflict.

Barrhill Blaze (T5) ended the barren spell last Friday over this stamina-sapping 670 metres distance (finished 1¾ lengths ahead of Mary Love). He has never really mastered the art of trapping, but makes up for that deficiency with grandstand climaxes.

Dum Dumer (T6) scored in S1 grade at Hall Green on April 10th but he's failed to make a serious contribution in subsequent Open Races. He will have to be on his toes from the outset and one thing in his favour, he does have an only-wide-runner advantage.