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Scottish Derby Betting: Pair of Tyrurs threaten to dent Barnfield's tilt at glory

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Darrell Williams briefs you ahead of Wednesday night's Shawfield semis

After all the tribulations experienced during the first round, the Scottish Derby suddenly looks like the exciting competition we were all expecting it to be.

Following Sunday's quarter-finals, the quest to be crowned champion at Shawfield on Saturday will partly be down to survival of the fittest, with some runners completing the four rounds in just ten days! Naturally in situations like this, some will cope better than others, but it's noticeable that of Wednesday's semi-finalists, eight had run their first round at the re-scheduled Thursday meeting, perhaps suggesting that, while not ideal, a quick schedule is easier to cope with than the exertions suffered on the all too testing surface last Tuesday, even allowing for the extra recovery time.

Barnfield On Air is still difficult to weigh up after last week's nightmare first round. Many, myself included, almost expected to see him withdrawn before the second round, but with the Derby treble such a wonderful dream for both connections and the sport in general, I was delighted to see him continue. However, by all accounts he was put in his place by Tyrur Laurel, whose incredible consistency will always make him a potent threat wherever he runs. The Irish dog is now marginally preferred in the outright betting, and if anything it's a surprise that BOA's price is not a shade bigger. That said, it's still impossible to write him off, and I pray that he does at least enough to make the final. However, as far as playing his semi-final goes, I would have to side with Tyrur Kieran, who has taken to the track really well, and while understandably in the shadow of kennelmate Laurel, looks an improving type. With Loyal Honcho also sending out mixed messages, Paul Hennessy's runner could just take advantage.

Way back early last month. I also suggested an ante post bet on Blenheim Dubh, at almost [30.0], which is now starting to look big after Julie Bateson's dog equalled Tyrur Laurel's fastest second round time. He has a terrific draw inside that rival in the semi-final, and could easily gain perhaps a winning first run; only a spate of bad luck will prevent him from at least reaching the final six.

Over at Wimbledon, the elimination of Hotdog Jack from last weekend's Grand National has done little harm to our chances of collecting via Kildare Lark, with the selection now disputing favouritism with kennelmate Comans Joe ahead of Friday's semi-finals. While Kildare Lark will have to work harder from trap three (8.45), especially with quick breaking railer Smooth Turbo in four, he should prove good enough.

My other long pick Analyse has a nice draw in five in the same heat (only two qualify), and while he will need to jump better, I'm still hopeful of him getting through. Comans Joe having survived a nightmare draw last time looks the bet in his semi-final (8.30), while the best wager of them all could be in form veteran Jills Fault, who has hit a new lease of life, and looks perfectly boxed in trap one in the first semi at 8.15.