Greyhounds Betting: Draper the bet in absence of Fear Zafonic

Events / Darrell Williams / 16 March 2009 / Leave a Comment

Darrell Williams believes that the Trainers' Championship is a perfect contest for in-running betting....

After what seems like weeks of anticipation, the Trainers Championship finally takes place at Sheffield - live on Sky Sports - on Tuesday evening. The concept, which brings together the top six trainers of 2008 to compete in eight top class races on a points scoring system, is an excellent one - and is, of course, ideal for in-running wagering.

Until early Monday afternoon, this piece was going to be all about how you had to back Charlie Lister, regardless of price, to capture his fourth victory in the event since 2001. That was until the dramatic news broke that Fear Zafonic, Lister's highly impressive recent Racing Post Juvenile winner was out of the event, and what's more the maestro was not employing a substitute.

I actually still believe Lister will win. Ninja Jamie (8.50) - should soon lead and make most - looks a banker for ten points, while I believe Farloe Reason (9.45) can also overcome Boherna Best for another maximum. Elsewhere, Tullymurry Kiara (7.40) in the puppy race and Tyrur Hestor (8.0) in the sprint are also strong candidates to score big. But the ten points that appeared destined for Fear Zafonic (9.10) look most likely to be claimed by Thurlesbeg Joker, trained by Lister's biggest rival to the crown Barrie Draper.

That in effect, could mean a 14 point turn around in Draper's favour, if like me you believed that dog might have been second to Fear Zafonic. That's a huge swing in Draper's favour, and suddenly makes the competition a whole lot more open. I originally had Lister ahead by maybe as much as 20 points, now I'd suggest there might only be 6 points in it, and while that means Lister is still the most likely winner, the bet has to be Draper at [3.25], while a saver on Mark Wallis (7.0) - whose Roswell Startrek (8.15) looks plotted up - is also worth considering.

It's also worth noting that Draper is likely to score well in the late legs, which could make it worthwhile going in again in-running, even if Lister is seemingly in a good position.

For Draper, Thurlesbeg Joker, as already highlighted, should capture the 9.10. The former track record holder would have had solid chances even if Fear Zafonic had run, and can account for Eye On the Brave, who needs to clear Paradise Santana and Windy Miller, has not previously raced at the track. Draper should also score well with Cats Whiskers (9.25), although I personally expect Butterbridge Ali to claim the ten points here for Mark Wallis, while Boherna Best should take at least six points for Team Draper in the 9.45.