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Oaks betting? I'll take the Blonde...

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Darrell Williams takes an early look at the females' classic where Jazz Hurricane (pictured) is the early favourite

The William Hill Oaks, to determine bragging rights amongst the girls, is still more than two weeks away. The first of four rounds takes place on Tuesday 4th December - but with prices already available it's worth an early look to try and eek out some value.

A fortnight ago I suggested Blonde Jeannie as an early pick for the competition - the final of which will be live on Sky Sports on 18th December - and the more I look at the potential field the greater she seems to appeal. A competition bitch of the highest order, John Mullins' star performer importantly reached the quarter-finals of the Derby and boasts a four from five record at Wimbledon over the Oaks trip of 480m.

Her biggest run of the year however saw her take the runners-up spot in the Reading Masters while she also successfully went through three rounds of the Irish Derby. A recent victory in a valuable Invitation race at Sheffield has taken her tally of Open race wins this year to 16 and with confirmation from her trainer that the Oaks has always been her target, this surely makes Blonde Jeannie a major player.

Of the remaining likely major candidates, Westmead Tina, a sister of Derby winner Westmead Lord and recent winner of the Sussex Puppy Trophy at Hove is currently engaged in the Racing Post Puppy Stakes at Walthamstow having run well behind Rio Quando at Wimbledon on Leger night.

Last year's third Jazz Hurricane, who was stepped up in trip for the Leger, clocked a fast 28.54 over the trip back in the summer, and looks another live hope, although any bets on her old rival Cleenas Lady should be resisted for the time being as the 2006 runner-up is currently in season and may not run. Broadway Sizzler remains a fast bitch - she beat Jazz Hurricane over CD last month - but I still have my doubts as to whether she can reproduce that level in a four round competition.

While the Springbok for novice hurdlers is still a few months away, Wimbledon racegoers caught sight of a potential candidate on Tuesday night, even though there were no hurdles in sight! Calling the race for the track, I was convinced John Simpson's Old Glory had jumped over a rival to avoid a collision turning into the first bend in the A4 and a review of the video duly confirmed my initial thoughts. While greyhounds have to take evasive action to avoid others in their path from time to time, it was the manner of how he took off, fully clearing the dog directly in front of him that took the eye.

Last Friday's meeting was delayed for almost an hour due to a tote malfunction, with the first two races eventually being run without the facility. While the on-track bookmakers were naturally delighted to take a few extra bets, I doubt whether they were that impressed by the weekend crowd's requests for £2 place bets on the favourite!

The A1 last Friday saw a highly impressive debut performance from Tony Taylor's Glendan and he is taken to follow up, despite the tougher looking opposition in the feature race on Saturday (22:00). While it won't be easy with quick starting Droopys Kiowa given the striped jacket and useful Lilywhite Paddy also in the line up, it should ensure we get a reasonable price. I take Craggyman to win the S1 on the same card (10.15) and confirm recent form with main rival Pigalle Lady, while on Friday Larkhill Dipper's stamina could prove the vital asset in the A1 at 10.0.