Derby Night Betting: Cos it's not just about the big one...

Derby Betting / Darrell Williams / 29 May 2008 / Leave a Comment

There's a fantastic supporting card at Wimbledon on Saturday night with a host of the top dogs in the sport running. Darrell Williams leads you through the odds

Apart from the Derby final itself, there are 13 other races to get stuck into at Wimbledon on Saturday night - all of them Opens and six of them broadcast live on Sky Sports. While I'm not envisaging a play in every race, here's my guide to the night's entertainment.

The sprint which kicks things off at 6.50 looks a real toughie and one I'm happy to pass over. The puppy race (7.08), however, is not to be missed with Peterborough Puppy Derby winner Me Buddy perfectly drawn in one to repeat his win from last week. However I'm keener on rapidly improving Wise Thought who might just offer a spot more value.

The six bend hurdle at 7.26 is probably best avoided; Analyse looks the class, but I'm worried about the presence of Amazing Aces drawn on his inside, while Broadacres Dan could improve again after a recent layoff.

The 7.45 looks a real humdinger and one I'm struggling to work out given all the interlinking form lines. Big Brett Coal looks sure to cut in from trap three, although Ballymac Weeshie may be quick enough to avoid him, while Vieris Surprise can also trap smartly. And that's without even considering Shelbourne Merc (in-form stayer) and Bubbly Venus (improving after a break). Help!

I do however strongly fancy Toosey Blue to win the Invitation (8.05). A winner of three rounds in the Derby, I'm still shocked he's not in the final, but he has a perfect make up here with slow starter Bubbly Totti next door, while Barnfield On Air can take care of Seanis Lad.

Highly consistent Aero Blackjack is also for backing in the 8.25 and should get a clear run outside Noirs Wild, who admittedly could be anything over six bends but will find this a lot tougher than Walthamstow.

The Plate (8.45) should be tighter in the betting between Love Tiger, thus the value pick, and Ninja Jamie, although he will need to lead his rival. Plough Lane was a shade disappointing in the heats; Advantage Johnny will like the stripes, but is held by Jamie.

Droopys Mate should take the Ladies race (9.05) with Blonde Jeannie maybe not quite at her absolute best, while the Champion Hurdle (9.25) affords Winkys Don a chance to topple hotpot Hotdog Jack. Again like the Plate, the odds look too one sided although I would have preferred the draw reversed.

The Dorando (9.45) looks a real puzzle. Spiridon Louis should be more forward after his defeat to Swift Jade last week, where he lost 45 spots on the second lap to his rival. It really could go either way and I'll only play if the odds undervalue one of the runners.

The British Bred (10.35) I'm happy to leave alone as I imagine Westmead Lord will be too short, but I'm very keen on Noirs Ted in the Seniors (10.55), who has a dream draw outside local railer Jennifers Spirit, while Legal Major will also be moving in which may hold up Larkhill Jim.

Finally, what a treat to finish with, a second Invitation (11.15) in which Farloe Reason gets my vote to show what might have been in the Derby itself.