Sky Greyhound Betting: Stick Fern, Ted, Tommy and more in your notebook for punting pleasure

Sky Night Reaction / Jonathan Hobbs / 15 May 2008 / Leave a Comment

Jonathan Hobbs on the dogs to watch after the Peterborough Puppy Finals night

There is no single night's racing better than what graces Wimbledon on Saturday. Eight heats of the Greyhound Derby means third round night, and for us purists it gets no better.

Okay, it lacks for the variety of Derby final night or the series of finals boasted by Racing Post Festival finals night, but for sheer top-quality action and Classic excitement, it wins hands down.

Cue Darrell Williams for your best bets on the night in his regular tipping column, but (never able to resist!) watch Tyrur Kieran's relentless progress to the Derby, likewise Tyrur Laurel. Two likely finalists who might just land a double for Paul Hennessy at the weekend. As for the nap, let's just say punters should head for Peru in the second last! But to all greyhound fans out there, just enjoy.

Looking back to Peterborough on Tuesday, and it was great for Matt Dartnall to put behind Derby disappointment by sending out Me Buddy to win the Puppy Derby final. He handled trap six in the semis, trap three in the final, but remains a tight railer who clearly has bundles of pace. The Sunderland Festival is a real possible for Me Buddy, whose early dash will continue to win him plenty of races. Tuesday was just his fifth race!

Blonde Fern did this 'winners to come' column a favour by winning the opening bitches race well. Impressive at Hove, she really outclassed her rivals on Tuesday after a fine start and should continue to be watched. She could well be an Oaks bitch by the end of the year.

Noirs Ted was unlucky not to win the veterans' event, cutting the corner at the wrong point and taking a knock, but how he managed to get back up for second is testament to his pace and ability. Now four-years-old, of course, he is nevertheless lightly raced due to injury as a young dog and should continue to pay his way.

Not surprisingly, a 'Westmead' gets the nod as a progressive sort to watch out for. Westmead Tommy starts and stays and is from a talented litter by Toms The Best out of that legendary dam Mega Delight. Bred by Nick Savva, he is learning his trade with Sittingbourne handler Spencer Mavrias, but no doubt in time will return to Dunstable and looks a real tool, as does the entire litter!

Kooga Kid won the 605m race well enough, but sneaked round in front after Ballymac Rita looked a shade unlucky after motoring up the inside but being baulked at the turn. She remains in good heart, but also give another chance to Cuil Magic. He just made the turn in front before being bundled out of contention. He will get clear soon again, and do a nice run.

Elsewhere on the card, was it Primitive Way or Genesis Alix who was toying with the other over 790m? I am minded to give them both the benefit of the doubt and watch them both rack up the wins over six bends (Primitive Way) and eight bends (Genesis Alix). Both are in really good form just now.

As for the final itself, Me Buddy's performance was faultless. However, connections of Glenroe Ginger will feel a shade unlucky not to make the bend in front themselves and this youngster, with three runs under his belt - and blue blood in terms of her 'Farloe' background - is definitely one to keep an eye out on.

Drive On Captain eventually finished second and really did motor up the home-straight, not being that far off Me Buddy at the line. It was purely by accident that Julie Bateson's dog ended up in the competition as six bends is being considered. Either over four, or an easy six bends (Gold Collar type), he should well and truly pay his way over the coming weeks.