Open Race Round-Up: Dogs to follow from Grand National night

Sky Night Reaction / Editor / 10 April 2009 / Leave a Comment

The Lord assesses the fallout from a great night at Wimbledon.

Wimbledon produced the goods again for a Sky card on Tuesday, a terrific series of races - and performances - supporting the Grand National final.

And we'll start with the main event, won by Hotdog Jack. A cracking effort from a dog who's had his problems, his never-say-die attitude on the inside saw him shrug off challenge after challenge. However, had the Irish dog Distant Legend jumped more fluently then it would have been close!

In terms of future winners, Farloe Orchid is worth keeping tabs with. Inexperienced showed in her defeat by Plassey and Blonde Fern, but Shawn Gresham's bitch was far from disgraced and will come on for the run.

Also, I wouldn't discount Blonde Fern's Blue Riband chance either. She has become tough to win with, but is still clearly capable and Hall Green plays to her strengths.

Back to Wimbledon and a cracking puppy race was won well by Aughacasla Jesse. But there is no doubt the race changed complexion with the non runner in three, and the winner was allowed the luxury of moving middle to the bend.

But the dogs to take out of it are Bush Paddy and Goldies Destiny. Bush Paddy is a real tool and any more of a test could bring out the best in him, although still young the extra 20 metres of the Derby might be too tempting a proposition to resist. He could well go a few rounds.

Goldies Destiny might not fly that high but this lightly-raced sort fairly tore to the bend and, but for swinging wide, would have finished closer. With more races under his belt, he looks a nice early-paced sort.

King Edward's cracking early pace is a joy to behold, but his tendency to run wide off the second bend will cost him dear in the highest class. But in a weaker contest than the one won by Eye Eye Pickle, as they straighten up, he could well stay in front.
In this race Lavey Vieri tore after Eye Eye Pickle and is always going to be tough to keep out of the frame, while the Mark Wallis-trained winner is held in high regard and, with more gains, could be a Derby dog.

Highlight of the rest of the card was the exceptional effort of Jesters Nap. Trap like that throughout the Derby, and Jim Daly has the Derby winner. Things, of course, don't work out like that but his all-round ability should see perform well in the Classic.

As for the six-bend race, Capel Wilson ran a cracker to hold off Lorrys Options, who could never strike a blow. But the way Danbury Dodger stepped up to the plate in this top-quality affair to finish in the places suggests that a tough six bends or eight bends, as was the case at Oxford recently, is well within her compass.

Elsewhere, Sherries Boy stayed on with purpose in a minor four-bend open race at Sittingbourne on Thursday and could be ready to step up in trip again.

Dogs to follow: Farloe Orchid, Bush Paddy, Goldies Destiny, King Edward, Jesters Nap, Danbury Dodger, Sherries Boy