TV Trophy Betting: Spiridon has it all to do...

Events / Darrell Williams / 16 June 2008 / Leave a Comment

Darrell Williams looks ahead to the 50th running of the TV Trophy where Spiridon Louis attempts to reclaim his crown

Traditionally one of the most eagerly awaited competitions of the year, the TV Trophy celebrates its 50th anniversary with Doncaster staging the prestigious event for the first time. Originally an integral part of the BBC's Sportsnight broadcast, one of the attractions of the race was that it moved around the country, and the decision two years ago to once again put the race on the road has restored an extra element of excitement to the competition.

Defending champion Spiridon Louis - the race was staged at Yarmouth last year - will hopefully take his chance, although a few niggling problems will not have helped his preparation. They also explain a rather lacklustre run behind Swift Jade in the Dorando Marathon at Wimbledon on Derby final night, and with that rival drawn in the same heat, (9.10) plus a far from ideal trap four draw, qualifying - remember only two go through from each heat - might be the best 'Louis' can hope for.

Darryl Porter's Dorando winner meanwhile has enjoyed a tremendous year having also won the Pepsi Max Marathon at Walthamstow, as well as reaching the finals of both the Regency and Golden Jacket amongst a haul of 12 Open race successes already in 2008. Tuesday's heat looks hers for the taking, but the real interest lies in whether she can topple warm favourite Flying Winner in the expected showdown in next week's final, live on Sky Sports.

On the formbook there was only half a length between them in the Regency final, albeit over a far shorter trip, and at the outright odds Swift Jade is arguably over-priced, but the feeling is that Chris Lund's bitch could just be something exceptional, particularly over true marathon trips and it's hard not to see her emerge as the eventual winner. Regardless of how well she runs, there has to be another qualifier from that heat (8.53) and Midway Skipper looks the one for trading purposes. Henry Chalkley's bitch has only just stepped up to marathon trips, and while a track record run over this specially introduced trip might not mean much, you get the impression she will thrive beyond 800m and I take her to chase home Flying Winner.

Although untried over extreme trips, Swift Ninja can claim the other heat (9.27). Michael Harris' dog has already set track bests at Perry Barr and Sheffield this year, and given a fast run over 709m here back in April, one of 10 OR wins he has mustered this term, he gets the vote in the expected hope that he sees out the distance.

Crayford stage semi-finals of both the Vase and 3g Hurdle tonight. In the former I'm plumping with Eye Onthe Veto for outright honours. A dual winner of the Essex Vase, tight tracks suit him down to the ground, and after two quick runs over CD he looks a shoo in this evening (8.02) ahead of next week's final, where Barnfield Slippy, winner of the Spring Trophy over this trip, looks the obvious danger.

I take Stevensonsrocket to get first run and beat Champion Hurdle winner Morell Warrior in the first semi-final of the 3g Hurdle (8.18) before going onto outright glory. Be All, who has drawn by far the easier heat (9.23) looks another set to justify short odds.