Betfair Official Blog

Knocklasheen can make his class count

Belle Vue 20:25

Our Dog Bod (T1) has just slipped back into losing habits but one cannot fault either his work-rate or commitment. With one of his better departures, he could poach a few lengths lead on the inside passage and he certainly isn't lacking in the staying department.

Quest For Wonder (T2) occasionally shows a touch of opening speed, but he is much better known for his chase-on antics. If he manages to edge to the front at any stage it will take a huge effort from one of the opposition to deny him top honours.

Coolangatta Duke (T3) has really produced the goods for his connections over the past four weeks. He has collected three victories from his last four races at tasty odds of 10/1, 4/1 and 5/2. He doesn't take long to slip through the gears and is as keen as mustard.

Foxtail Houdini (T4) appears to have an awful lot on his plate among this calibre of rival. He may well be in the thick of the action from the outset but there is quite a shortfall on the stopwatch and it's doubtful he will be around at the business end of proceedings.

Townhead Jo Jo (T5) is happiest of all when allowed to bowl along at the head of affairs but, having a tricky draw to operate from, he will have to work cleverly, to avoid mishap on the run to the opening corner.

Knocklasheen Boy (T6) is quite simply a class act and he appears to be the one they all have to beat. He has plenty of sprinting speed at his disposal and keeps the gallop going for the full duration. Being booked for a solo jaunt on the wing a smooth route is virtually guaranteed.

'Rooster' all set for a trap-to-line triumph

Belle Vue 20:40

Rooster Busty (T1) did all the donkeywork on Open Race duty four days ago, but she ran out of steam in the shadow of the pay stick. She will relish this evening's lesser assignment and is strongly fancied to storm into a race-winning advantage.

Aghaburren Jill (T2) has been stripped of her favoured scarlet jacket which is a severe blow to her chances. It is imperative she out-manoeuvres 'Rooster Busty' on the run-up and takes control of the rails position...no mean feat!

Mega Sophie (T3) has suffered heavy reversals in her last five races and will have to increase the tempo somewhat to have any kind of say on the outcome. To be fair she has been plagued with knocks and bumps and the same may happen here, unless she shows more urgency at the trap release.

Proven Suzie (T4) endured severe bashings last Friday and the form is best ignored. It's prudent to use her A2-A1 double previously as the yard stick and she also has a sub 28-second time against her name. As ever, blaze-the-trail tactics will be uppermost in mind.

Pioneer Doll (T5) is a formidable opponent on her day but her style of running (off-the-pace grafter) will always give 'Betfair layers' a chance. If she is within shouting distance entering the home straight, nothing will stop her.

Double Mission (T6) is a strong-running individual and she might just have the requisite pace to see early 'daylight' on the wing. She is however, facing her stiffest test so far and it will be interesting to see how she copes when the contest begins to 'hot-up'.

'Ace High' will bide his time to then swoop

Belle Vue 22:10

On Probation (T1) bounced back from lameness in winning fashion. He possesses a wide range of skills, always looks dangerous but he does have a frustrating knack of losing concentration and throwing away his chance. A run for your money is assured, but he is not one for the faint-hearted!

Dinnys Honcho (T2) is a popular character who has plenty of A1 gold medals locked away in the trophy cabinet. He can do the business from the front and has the ammunition to come from behind, if necessary. He is usually the subject of support and tonight will be no different.

Grindal Shoals (T3) emerges from the starting blocks at full throttle and will probably amass a useful lead. His legs become weary on the final swing for home, therefore will have to really dig deep. Any mix-ups astern would play directly into his paws.

Ace High Zoom (T4) tasted Open Race glory earlier this week, swooping in the shadow of the post. He has an amazing turn of foot passing the halfway stage and if he swerves any traffic congestion en-route, a double is on the cards.

Basic Instinct (T5) is a regular in the premier league these days and he normally picks up a medal of some description. His trapping technique isn't the greatest, but he travels with menace once in full flow along the back straight.

Lagganmore Brett (T6) will have to shave quite a few spots off time from his 28:35 personal best clock if he is to play a major part. On the positive side, the draw on the outside path is as good as it gets but there is no margin for error at the lid rise.