Sky Night Reaction / Jonathan Hobbs / 23 November 2008 / Leave a comment

Sky Sports' Jonathan Hobbs on a stunning run at Nottingham that has thrown Wise Thought into the Derby betting.

Was that the performance of a Derby winner? That was the question punters were asking themselves after Wise Thought fairly bolted home at Nottingham in the Eclipse final.

Well-drawn, at no time did he look likely to be beaten and his mix of speed and stamina saw him home. He did what was expected of him, probably no more, but must remain in any Derby portfolio. Remember, he has already run impressively at Wimbledon.

I wonder also how long it will be before runner-up Romeo Maldini is tried over further. He was finishing better than anything and has recaptured his old form, but needs more a test in the best four-bend company now.

So what of the undercard at Nottingham, and those future winners?

We have to start with Ballylea Honcho, who was mentioned here last week after a commendable Newcastle run. He justified all the promise, and some, with a game win in the six-bend race.

Next up could be a match race with Bubbly Totti after a brave shout from trainer Peter Harnden, and there is certainly more to come but will line up a big underdog at Plough Lane if the race comes off.

As for those in behind, Carbarns Tom lost nothing in defeat, not getting the clearest run but finishing second. And but for running extremely wide Hillcross Legend would probably have won. Keep both on your side.

Flying Winner won in a canter, but Vatican Iona will be back winning soon after a good comeback run, while I liked the way Illusionist did his business in behind impressive winner Sunoak Crystal and can go next time.

The sprint final saw Boherbradda Mac suffer his heaviest defeat of the year, but he had no room to manoeuvre and was almost squeezed over the inside rail at the turn. But take nothing away from the winner Frosty Lee, who looks a ready-made sprinting replacement for Perrys Tango in Lorraine Sam's kennel. A testing two bends or easy four will suit this very nice dog.

Hopefully the next time Lochbo Meg and Kilelton Rose meet will be in the Oaks at Wimbledon. And while the winner did exactly as could be expected of a top-class bitch, the latter covered herself in glory with a terrific first sight at Nottingham. I fancy the roles might be reversed at Wimbledon.

Keep with Fear Haribo is any veterans' contests he is entered in. It was another terrific run in all-aged company for Charlie Lister's four-year-old with a good second to Romeo Primo.

Talking of the Romeo dogs, it was a facile effort from Romeo Del Piero in the puppy final and it will be interesting to see how far this son of Premier Fantasy stays. He could be a very nice six-bend dog indeed.