Greyhounds Betting: Windy Millar to blow big guns out of Scottish Derby?

Events / Darrell Williams / 31 March 2009 / Leave a Comment

Darrell Williams believes that this year's Scottish Derby will be dominated by two trainers. But which dog does our man fancy to triumph North of the border?

The search for the Scottish Derby winner has to start with Charlie Lister's entries, closely followed by those of Irish handler Paul Hennessy. Between them the two high profile handlers have provided the winner in six of the last seven seasons, with Lister responsible for no fewer than four of those victories.

Not surprisingly, Lister's big guns, long established high class brothers Ninja Jamie and Farloe Reason, dominate the market. Both have enjoyed an excellent start to the season, each providing their trainer with an emphatic victory as part of his overwhelming Trainers Championship winning squad and have each recorded a fast trial around Shawfield in preparation for the four round competition. Victory for either would come as no surprise and my only slight surprise is the discrepancy in odds between the pair, especially as Ninja Jamie [4.6] has been drawn in a red hot heat against both Windy Millar and Irish Puppy Derby winner Slip The Lark. Farloe Reason [8.0], while facing Irish National Puppy finalist Ja Mann, looks to have an easier task and it is with that in mind that I just prefer him. However, I would also include Ninja Jamie, at worst as a saver, in any ante-post wagers.

Hennessy faced something of a dilemma in deciding which dogs to send to Scotland, and which to keep at home to contest the on-going Easter Cup, but it's worth remembering it was his lesser fancied Tyrur Kieran, rather than highly touted Tyrur Laurel, who went onto win the competition last year. The race subsequently provided an excellent guide to the Derby itself, with 'Kieran' finishing second to Loyal Honcho at Wimbledon, who had been third in the Scottish final.

Tyrur Laurel, a semi-finalist last year, has been struggling to win races (just one victory in his last 16 starts), and I'd be keener on Hennessy's Tote Gold Cup runner-up Daleys Buzz. Both have been drawn together in the first round and face All England Cup runner-up Dotland Hit Man, who has not raced since December.

In terms of bets however, I'd recommend an interest on Windy Millar (20.0) despite his far from ideal draw alongside Ninja Jamie. I've also recently backed Pat Rosney's dog for the Derby [60.0] after his excellent run behind Thurlesbeg Joker, when that rival clocked a mind boggling 2850 at Sheffield on Trainers Championship night and he looks too big in my book. Thurlesbeg Joker is also in the competition, but has drawn an even tougher heat against Irish Derby third Ballymac Ruso and well regarded Irish hope Cabra Cool, although I do believe the last named is too short in the market (14.5)

My final ante-post hunch is Crown Rover, who looks one for back to lay purposes at [40.0]. Third in last year's Northern Puppy Derby, he has had little racing since, but has posted a brace of good trials and should at least qualify from a weak heat. I did also consider Kylegrove Top (75.0), a finalist in both 2007 and 2008, and drawn in the same heat, although his two trials suggest he's not back to his best.