Romford Greyhound Racing / Darrell Williams / 26 November 2008 / Leave a comment

The Essex Vase continues with three semi-finals at Romford this evening, with Darell Williams wondering how effective Bubbly Totti will be around the track.

The Leger winner had to work hard on Friday before eventually coming through to win his first round heat, and trainer Ted Soppitt fully expects his charge to improve for his first competitive look at the circuit. Certainly tonight's race [8.53] should be run to suit him with three front runners potentially ready to set the race up for a stronger finisher. But I for one still have my doubts about his effectiveness at Romford and certainly if he's [1.6] or [1.7] as seems likely, I'd rather take him on.

Brickfield Dream really shouldn't be good enough, but then who expected him to win the other night? And at [26.0] he's certainly worth a throw away wager. His draw outside rails favoring Ullid Amy and inside Bubbly Totti should give him the chance to run his race. Admittedly fellow front runners Saucy Jim (doesn't stay) and Westmead Tina won't make it easy, and realistically if you're taking on 'Totti', Westmead Tina is a more obvious pick. Her first round win came via a first look at the track and at [11.5] outright I've added her to the ante post portfolio.

Bet of the night is undoubtedly fellow Nick Savva inmate Westmead Pal in the first semi [8.35]. He ran riot in the opening round and can lead fellow railer Bomber Blue, while outside neighbor Droopys Carvalho will edge right. Anything above [2.5] looks fair, but I'm hoping for bigger with Sussex Cup winner 'Carvalho' likely to help make the market. The latter was one of my original ante post picks and I'll be disappointed if he doesn't also qualify from a relatively weak heat.

The other semi-final is a minefield [9.09] although I would love to see Vatican Jinky run a repeat of his opening round effort. Included in the long term bets before that race at well over [21.0] on his first start for nearly a year, last year's third has an excellent chance on that run, but trainer Pat Rosney has already highlighted that he bounced on his second run back in similar circumstances last year and I'm tempted to lay a bit back even at this stage.

The fact it's an all railers affair certainly doesn't help, but tentatively I just favor Sherries Boy, whose off the pace style may prove decisive.
The Romford Puppy Cup Final on Friday looks a match to me between Deanridge Ammo and Confident Kermit; with the former by virtue of an inside draw getting the nod. A reproduction of his first round heat would make him a good thing, but 'Kermit' was quicker in the semi-final and will be suited by the middle draw. However the presence of inconsistent but classy Droopys Quinta next door must be a worry, and Paul Young's runner, who is equally at home on or off the pace, can take advantage.