Events / Darrell Williams / 05 October 2009 / Leave a comment

Sky Sports greyhound team head to Manchester for the Laurels final on Tuesday evening, and while the semi-finals threw up quite a few surprises, our ante post pick Target Brett remains the one to beat for the Category One prize, writes Darrell Williams.

"For those looking at the race as a one-off contest, Target Brett makes plenty of appeal at around [3.0]."

Target Brett's semi-final defeat aside, Julie Bateson's youngster looks a high class prospect in the making and, having already secured the Manchester Puppy Cup over the same CD last month, takes plenty of Belle Vue form into the final.

I'd go as far as to say that for those looking at the race as a one-off contest, he makes plenty of appeal at around [3.0]. Back in trap six, he should have few problems clearing neighbour Iconic Blue, who is far more effective himself in the striped jacket.

Sunoak Crystal, while justifying good support to return to winning ways in her semi-final, faces a tough task from an unfamiliar trap four berth, and her chance rests on her flying the boxes.

Ping The Lids probably also has to live up to this name to win, but trainer Andy Heyes should take plenty of credit in getting him to his third big race final, having also contested the Scurry here, and the Classic final at Sunderland.

Farloe Titan, third in the Steel City Cup final in August, has the form to make his odds of [9.0] look interesting, but he hasn't won in eight starts and may just find one or two too good again.

Best bet on the supporting card could be Global Kipper, who looks drawn to perfection outside five railers in Divison 2 of the Stayers race (8:0). Charlie Lynch's charge, whose consistency cannot be faulted, could hardly be in better form, having chased home Run Of The Hawk in the Ebor final at Sheffield last week and should be supported accordingly.

There are some fascinating clashes elsewhere with Eye Onthe Storm, who has been on fire for Mark Wallis recently, looking to make it six wins on the spin in the 8:15, following a track record breaking performance at Hall Green last week. He should oblige, but don't be too dismissive of Target Classic, who was second favourite for the Laurels prior to his exit last week, and the pair look nailed on for the forecast slots.

Likewise, Barbies Man and Corrig Vieri can serve up an excellent match in the 9:10 over 590m, with it's hard to see anything else keeping them out of the first two. My marginal preference is for Julie Bateson's first-named, even though he is stepping up beyond four bends for the first time. Winner of the Ladbrokes Gold Cup, he was another surprisingly eliminated at the semi-final stages of the Laurels, and can use his course experience to keep Arc winner Corrig Vieri, who is untried at the 'Zoo', at bay.

The top division of the Stayers race (9:25) can fall to Droopys Zach, ahead of his bid for the St Leger in the first round at the weekend. Mark Wallis' charge, who has won almost half his 30 races this year, faces a useful line up with Eden Dom unexposed over six bends of particular interest, but is fancied to come out on top, despite a lack of local knowledge.

Tags: Belle Vue, Darrell Williams, Greyhounds Betting, Sky Greyhound Nights, Target Brett, The Laurels Odds