Greyhound Betting: Sunderland Festival Finals Night

Sky Previews / Darrell Williams / 10 July 2008 / Leave a Comment

Sunderland's Festival finals card, screened live on Sky Sports this evening, is second only to Derby final night in terms of prize money, with the spread of cash race by race making it a must watch, says Darrell Williams

The two major prizes are the £40,000 Classic at 9.45 and the Grand Prix, worth £25,000 to the winner, which precedes it at 9.25. Tony Collett will fancy his chances of claiming the latter with Lenson Joker, and might just be celebrating twice over with Lenson Express in the big one.

Cesarewitch winner 'Joker' was confidently put forward here before the semi-finals, and it's hard not to fancy his chances of completing a clean sweep through the 640m contest. While his draw in trap two would ordinarily not be ideal, the fact he has four wide seeds outside him should ensure the jolly can sit at worst handy in the early stages, although in reality he's more likely to take an early advantage. Should that happen it's hard to see him being dislodged, although Bubbly Totti will be trying his hardest to run the selection down in the latter stages, and Ted Soppitt's runner is undoubtedly the one for forecast or 'betting without' markets.

Ante post choice Droopys Sheehy has made it through to the Classic final, and while I wouldn't be as confident as I was prior to the semis I'm happy to let the bet ride as a reproduction of his heat win, which came remember after a lengthy layoff, still makes him a big player. The layers fancy Me Buddy, who admittedly did well from a wider than perfect draw in the semi-final and the youngster is certainly staying better, but as a further interest I'd rather risk a bit on the aforementioned Lenson Express.

The Derby finalist appeared suited to the red jacket in the semi-final, landing a gamble in the process, and is certainly not to be under-estimated.

Three other finals feature on the card, with the Oaks (9.05) the most intriguing. Pond Shakira is the layers choice, but while her overall card reads well, she represents little value and I'd rather play Lochbo Beg, who should still be improving after a seasonal break and has form over further. The sprint final (8.30) looks tougher, especially after Scurry winner and sprinter of the moment Boherbradda Mac was beaten in the heats, although if push came to shove, I'd still make Harry Williams' runner the pick, while short odds allowing, it's hard not to side with He's A Mystery in the Puppy final (8.0).

Julie Bateson, who sent out Meenala Cruiser to win the same race last year, will fancy her chances of collecting again and her youngster looks set to go trap to line.

In the other races I'm with Barnfield Woody (7.40), whose Classic trial stakes win looks the best form, and whose trainer Graham Hutt can also score with Go Edie Honda in the stayers race at 8.15, while TV Trophy runner up Swift Blackfoot can claim the marathon (8.45).