Greyhound St Leger Betting: Who's going to contest Joker's crown?

Events / Jonathan Hobbs / 06 October 2008 / Leave a Comment

Jonathan Hobbs looks over the contenders for Wimbledon's October biggie.

The St Leger picture is changing daily, and challengers to the crown many expect to be worn by Lenson Joker come the end of October at Wimbledon are falling by the wayside. And the favourite himself showed his well-being with a speedy four-bend trial at Plough Lane at the weekend.

But in terms of the opposition, first the Irish promised to launch an assault but then withdrew after the situtation of qualifying trials was raised. That ruled out College Causeway, and then Irish Derby hero Shelbourne Aston was taken out. Barnfield Loreto, the Gold Collar winner, is also now a doubt.

However, one or two clues were on offer at Wimbledon this week and, while Big Brett Coal took his chance as you would expect a good six-bend performer should, there was a lot tolike about Wise Maldini in behind.

He was all at sea at the third bend first time out at Wimbledon and is sure to improve for the look. He came with a decent reputation after setting a Swindon track record and, but for checking off wide, Peter Swadden's railer would have finished a deal closer.
One to watch.

The four-bend event was notable for seeing the return to racing of Rossacredibility, Charlie Lister's one-time Derby contender who had to go through clearing trials after being disqualified earleir this year. He came through those, and his return, well.

But it was the performance of IBetx Dot Com in behind that was noticeable. Semingly an out and out sprinter, he was terribly squeezed for room early and should have been tailed off after not dominating by halfway. But he stuck to his task gamely, and another four-bend attempt might just be a successful one if he can lead up in a clean-run race.

Peterborough began to the warm-up to its Fengate Collar gala with trial stakes last week for the main event and the sprint competition.

Me Buddy did not get the rub of the green in his return to the track last week, but will have benefited from the run and the Guys & Dolls winner will likely be the one to be beat.

But two dogs who impressed from their work at Yarmouth last time were Judicial Ace, a good second behind bang-in-form Lenson Express, and Arello, who showed pace and determination aplenty to win his race.

The next major final in the offing is Tuesday's Laurels where 'Team Draper' looks set fair, and Barrie and Trevor will hoping one their three runners strike gold. And while Farley Magic might not be the one, he impressed me the way he went to the bend with a fast-breaking Boherna On Air in the semis. He was just in front at the turn, but lost a length of so running wider.