Greyhounds Betting: The best is yet to come...

General / Editor / 01 May 2009 / Leave a Comment

The Lord reviews the week in greyhounds racing and picks four more dogs to follow as the Derby gets under way at Wimbledon...

The Regency Final proved a bitter-sweet race following the injury to Capel Wilson, but Lorrys Options really was outstanding in winning for young trainer Dean Childs.

He won the Hove contest within a matter of strides, once turning handy anyway. Very strong, whatever happened behind was immaterial to him and he cruised to victory. Long-term, he looks a Leger dog, but remember his two major victories have been achieved at Crayford and Hove, two vastly different circuits. Don't be surprised if he turns out at Sunderland for their big staying race around the festival there.

In terms of the supporting card, Barrie Draper's comments after Magna Venturer's success in the puppy race were interesting. He talked about a Derby bid for this strapping son of Yeah Man. Was he talking about Shelbourne I wonder?

Either way, he is worth supporting over the coming weeks. He looks above average and is another one to come out of the Midland Puppy Derby (Bandicoot Tipoki, Kinda Ready, Freedom Emma etc).

It is not often that a four-year-old makes our list of surefire future winners, but Westmead Lord was awesome in the sprint. To be beaten only by a potential track-record holder, and regular Hove winner, Moatview Storm, after seven months off the track was an amazing effort for the dog who won the 2007 Derby.

It would be nice if there was a veterans' race at Wimbledon on Derby final night for him!

The six-bend race cut up badly with Swift Ninja tamely throwing away a lead and Mar City Two not handling the track that well. But it was good to see a former dog-to-follow Seamies Gambler come through at a big price.

However, be sure to keep tabs with Greedy Birdie from now on. Okay, she is not the most prolific of scorers and you wouldn't want to take too short a price, but she was closing on a very strong winner in Seamies Gambler and looks about to hit a rich vein of form.
The Other Outlaw laid claim to the mantle of country's leading hurdler with a bloodless victory over the sticks and a re-match with kennelmate Platinumlancelot is eagerly awaited. The pair last met behind Hotdog Jack in the Grand National final.

Magna Dave took a flyer in the four-bend race, but do not discount Silverduf Jet next time despite him finishing well down the field. He almost got to Magna Dave's hind quarters at the turn before checking in behind and out of contention. Next time maybe?

Flying Winner was brilliant and faultless in the marathon. No one is expecting her to do again what she did last year, but there still seems precious little to beat her around.
But in easier company, watch Go Amber Go strike. It will have to be a real test again but she looks a nice eight-bend prospect having just turned two years of age.

Finally, the best is to come with the start of the Derby at Wimbledon. Be sure to catch The Lord's thoughts and likely second-round winners in a few days' time!

Dogs to follow:

Magna Venturer
Westmead Lord
Silverduf Jet
Go Amber Go