Greyhound Racing Preview: Winner should fly on historic Doncaster Tuesday

Sky Previews / Darrell Williams / 23 June 2008 / Leave a Comment

While its horseracing neighbour has been famously staging the St Leger for over 200 years, Doncaster greyhound stadium will enjoy the biggest night in its history this Tuesday when Sky Sports cameras come to town for the Television Trophy.

It's a race steeped in history, and if the heats are any guide it's a prize that should be heading the way of Flying Winner. Already victorious in the Regency at Hove this season - she got up in the dying strides to beat Ballymac Weeshie - Chris Lund's bitch overcame early trouble to comfortably win her heat, a race run in a far quicker time than the two other qualifying races.

A switch to a trap one draw can only help, although it's highly unlikely that Flying Winner will make her own running, as her forte is very much in the stamina department. Having talked up Midway Skipper before the heats, I'm delighted she ran so well behind the favourite, and it wouldn't be the biggest shock if she again chases her illustrious rival home given that Henry Chalkley's bitch remains unexposed over this sort of trip.

Swift Jade has to be respected of course, given her current sequence of five wins, including the Dorando marathon at Wimbledon where she beat Bubbly Kate and Swift Blackfoot. While admittedly 'Jade' found early trouble in her heat, she still has plenty to find with Midway Skipper on the clock, and Swift Ninja, potentially well drawn outside rails moving Swift Blackfoot, makes more appeal as an alternative in wagers without the favourite.

Aside from Scurry winner Boherbradda Mac who should beat Boherduff Monti to win the sprint (8.0) and continue his rich vein of form, which includes the two fastest times for the trip this year, most of the other races on the card look very competitive.

I fancy Cortsway Giants could have the race run to suit in the British Bred contest at 8.15. Ron Nelson's dog was a Derby final night winner at Wimbledon, and given that he has had a couple of 590m runs at Belle Vue since, he should have too much stamina for his rivals, most of whom like to sit close to the pace. Being drawn as the only wide seed can only help his cause, which is further assisted by the presence of inside moving Jethart Jackie being berthed in trap five.

Killough Belles has been in scintillating form of late, gaining a much deserved win at Perry Barr last week after bridesmaid spots in both the Northern and Yorkshire Oaks and can use a handy draw outside railer Chakalak Paris to her advantage in the 'Ladies' race at 8.50.

I'm also with Pond Astronaut in the four bender at 9.25, who I'd expect to be well placed to wear his rivals down, and a decent CD win last month confirms his liking for this circuit. At a bigger price, I'd also suggest a small interest on Selecta Moon in the 'Super Stayers' at 8.35, who looks over-priced particularly on his recent Monmore form.