Events / Darrell Williams / 19 October 2009 / Leave a comment

The latest big race at Wimbledon looks intriguingly poised, luckily Darrell Williams has opinions on the likely winners

"If Masterful gets away he might be able to give Crown Rover a run for his money, and the pair look nailed on for the forecast, but by virtue of a better draw and his proven determination, Crown Rover has to be the choice"

Despite the loss of some of the big battalions such as Midway Skipper, Flying Winner and Hurleys Hero, this year's St Leger, which continues with the semi-finals on Tuesday, still remains a high class, not to mention very competitive, affair.

The second semi-final (8.51) looks particularly open, with Masterful, one of my original ante post picks at around [24.0], and Crown Rover both defending unbeaten records in the event.

Jimmy Wright's Crown Rover made many of the headlines after his second round win over Kinda Easy, fighting back to regain the spoils when many other dogs would have considered themselves beaten. The fact the race took place before the bowser had been round, which usually improves times by at least a length or two, is further testament to his performance in clocking a fast 4066 (going +15). Undoubtedly he will be a big player again in his semi-final especially with railer Swift Messenger drawn on his left.

Masterful has seen little of his rivals in his two victories to date, having secured early and ultimately unassailable leads, and while Westmead Wings, drawn on his immediate inside, has early speed himself, I am taking John Millard's runner to lead him up. If Masterful does get away he might be able to give Crown Rover a run for his money, and the pair look nailed on for the forecast, but by virtue of a better draw and his proven determination, Crown Rover has to be the choice. Strong running Seamies Gambler may take the third qualifying position.

One dog I do recommend adding to the ante-post portfolio is Lorrys Options, who looked right back to his best after an easy second round win at the expense of Jaytee Holly.

Dean Childs' runner had me leaving Wimbledon thinking he has to be a major candidate for the Classic, having fought his way out of stacks of trouble and showing excellent track-craft in the process. The winner of both the Golden Jacket and Regency - the fact those competitions came at Crayford and Hove, two tracks as different as chalk and cheese outlines his versatility and is further testament to his cause. The fact he has only just returned to the track after a lengthy absence suggests there could be plenty more to come. At [6.6] he's a must for an ante-post wager.

I'm also taking him to win the first semi-final (8.34) with Kinda Easy expected to chase him home. Mark Wallis' dog was eventually put in his place by Crown Rover on Friday, but he still ran an excellent race, and easily looks the biggest danger to the selection, especially as Jaytee Holly aside, he's unlikely to have too much competition for early supremacy. Third place appears up for grabs, but Capel Smiley, from that same Crown Rover second round heat, may just be good enough to take it.

Tags: Crown Rover, Lorrys Options, St Leger