Greyhounds News: Lister the man to beat in Betfair Trainers' Championship

Greyhounds News / Editor / 09 March 2010 / Leave a Comment

The Betfair Trainers' Championship takes place at Doncaster on March 23

"Charlie Lister remains the trainer punters either want to back or lay for the Betfair Trainers' Championship at Doncaster on March 23."

All the latest news from down the dogs including new Wimbledon to be unveiled this Friday, Lister leads the way in build-up to Trainer's Championship and a Class call for the Derby.

Wimbledon is in the process of re-qualifying its entire kennel strength ahead of the switch to the far side for this Friday's first meeting at the 'new' Plough Lane.

The current grandstand has been closed, a new winning line and stewards' box erected and the Mick The Miller stand (formerly the popular side enclosure) revamped and refurbished to the tune of £400,000.

"It will be a completely different experience coming to Wimbledon, for sure," said one insider. "The atmosphere in the 'new' stand should be tremendous, although with just one four and six-bend distance being used [480m, 687m], punters have to be careful!"
Wimbledon's graded distance was 460m with the old 480m distance used for the Derby and one-off opens. "The dogs that were just holding on over 460m will find it a lot tougher. Form students following the trials, or knowing whether certain dogs will stay or not ,could take an early advantage," he added.

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Charlie Lister remains the trainer punters either want to back or lay for the Betfair Trainers' Championship at Doncaster on March 23. The former champion trainer, who won last year's trainers' meeting at Sheffield easily, will again be the handler to beat and, in trials and races leading up to the big night has given his team plenty of experience at Doncaster.

The likes of Bandicoot Tipoki and Jordansoilutions will lead his four-bend team, while Fear Zafonic, last year's Derby second, is also waiting in the wings. Lister takes of Mark Wallis, Seamus Cahill, Chris Allsopp, Barrie Draper and Dean Childs in the eight-leg shootout on Sky later this month.

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With a number of surprises in last week's heats, including the elimination of track-record holder Farley Blitz, the Midland Puppy Derby has a competitive look to it ahead of Thursday's semi-finals.

Millies Hawk, trained by Carly Philpott for Martin White, was one the most impressive heat scorers and tops the market at 8.2, along with kennelmate Ballymac William.

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Another team of potential backers for the new stadium is expected through the gates of Walthamstow Stadium in the next few days. Key meetings will be held ahead of a possible bid for the site, which continues to be the subject of a power-struggle between its housing association owners, the local electorate hoping for a return of greyhound racing there as part of a multi-leisure arena, and Save Our Stow campaigners.

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Newlawn Class continues to top the betting on the Derby, despite defeat in last week's Juvenile at Wimbledon. The dog, trained by Pat Buckley, was the subject of a £75,000 bid from the Champagne Club, who have since pulled out of the deal after the Irish raider found trouble in the race.

"They have made inquiries for one or two other dogs, and are anxious to get a 'Bubbly' dog running for them in the Classic. But it has to be the right one for their members' interests," said one insider.

Eye Onthe Storm is next in the betting, while movers this week include Ten Large Down and the Irish raider Scolari Me Daddy after a weekend trial.
See market.

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Henlow's decision to resurrect the Grand Prix was rewarded with a high-class entry for Monday's heats. The event, for years staged at Walthamstow, is Henlow's first Category One event and good prize-money even attracted two Irish raiders from Paul Hennessy's kennel.

Hello Hippy struck for Hennessy in one of the heats, but the standard was set by a record-breaking run from Dazzle Special, who stopped the clock in 42.02sec
See market.