The Lord's Dogs Column: Storm warning from Classic contender

General / The Lord / 29 November 2009 / Leave a Comment

"Farncombe Power went clear of a fair field in the style of a nice dog, and he’s one whose progress should be followed."

One eye might be on Romford's next Sky meeting on Tuesday, but the other is still studying the fallout from Nottingham's cracking Eclipse card on Thursday, writes the Lord.

What a great run from Eye Onthe Storm, who looks a Classic contender of the highest order after a brilliant show of all-round speed. Only Jordansoilutions in behind managed to lay a challenge down to the winner, and we're sure to hear about both in 2010.

But on to the winners, and future winners, and The Lord's fans will have been sweet on TV scorer Uncle Ollie, who flourished over the shorter 480m after not being disgraced over 500m in the Eclipse. He still remains one to keep on the right side of.

But the first name in the 'dogs to follow' hat is Farncombe Power, who impressed on debut for local Notts trainer Lynn Cook. He went clear of a fair field in the style of a nice dog, and he's one whose progress should be followed.

Tearaway John caught the eye again when running up to kennelmate Jimmy Lollie in the sprint final. It was a great effort from Seamus Cahill's team, his one-two putting a team of four from David Pruhs to the sword.

But Pruhs might have the last laugh in the Oaks, as his Plan was desperately unlucky in the bitches' event but goes to Wimbledon for the heats on Tuesday in good heart. Can anything keep her out of the frame?

Farloe Lee has never been the most lucky in the major events and good races, but he was desperate over 500m at Nottingham in the race won by Eye Eye Pickle. He got no sort of run, but finished close up.

And while Midway Skipper won the marathon cosily, Greedie Bridie put up an excellent effort in defeat. She has always been something of a 'chaser' but who have to stay 905m to 'chase' for that long! Her time will come over eight bends.

Equally, in the same race, Supreme Pace ran a great race on debut over the extended trip. The real gamble of the race, Stuar Buckland's dog got detached quickly but wasn't beaten that far. Again, his time will come.

At Nottingham, earlier in the week, Paula Timmins unveiled a nice type in Kingtone Fantasy, who made all in a heat of a maiden four-bend event, while Vatican Zanni was noted staying on well in his qualifier.

At Romford, Rio Venturo was beaten when fancied, but showed great gears in behind and with more experience could develop into a nice type.

At Swindon, Jolly Poacher showed great gears to win a sprint. He looks ready to mix it with the best again. After winning for fun at Oxford, Richard Yeates's dog suffered a couple of reverses before winning again at Swindon. He has his confidence back and can tackle tougher opposition again.