Sky Previews / Darrell Williams / 24 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Darrell Williams looks at tonight's Sky-televised Pall Mall card.

Despite the defection of Cabra Fly, Oxford's Pall Mall final - live on Sky Sports this evening - could hardly be more wide open. It's not unrealistic to argue a case for all five runners, and I was tempted to put forward outsider Astral Bound, who should enjoy a clear route as the only wide seed, drawn outside rails favouring Brickfield Class. Given his short-head defeat by that rival in the semi-final, those wanting a bigger price could do worse than include him, even though his overall form is probably not strong enough.

In the end I've plumped for Brickfield Class, with both he and neighbour Drink Up Zorro appearing far better housed now with a vacant box in trap three and Lenson Express (trap two) likely to be cutting in at traps rise. Tony Collett's runner, by the way, undoubtedly has the strongest career form, but appears less effective at this track (one win in five).

In theory the fates of both Drink Up Zorro and Brickfield Class could be decided within moments of the boxes opening, with a lead for either sure to be a massive advantage. The former has been in excellent form winning five of his last six outings and boosts a strong local record which includes victory in last year's Trafalgar Cup, and I'd be lying if I didn't admit he's a big danger.

But Brickfield Class also defends an unbeaten record in this competition, and as Bob Gilling's runner proved in the first round, he's faster than these given a clear run. With a strike rate of 11 wins and five places from 16 starts at the track, it's unlikely any dog runs Oxford better. A finalist in the 2007 Reading Masters, it's something of a surprise that the veteran has failed to win a major prize in a career stretching to almost 100 races, but he may just put the record straight here.

After two of the best cards seen on the box for sometime in recent weeks, it's inevitable that tonight's supporting card looks slightly less attractive. Nevertheless, there are good bets to be had with Freedom Emma (8.15) the best of the bunch. Richard Yeates' bitch beat a decent field to claim the Trafalgar Cup here last month, before finishing third - behind two potentially very high greyhounds - in last week's Monmore Puppy Derby final. The presence of Droopys Cadel, who may benefit from a switch to trap one, should ensure the selection is a backable price.

Royal Warrior made an immediate impact in this country when going unbeaten through the Gorton Cup, and while he was an early casualty in the Pall Mall when going out in the heats, the company he faces in the 8.50 will be far more to his liking, and I expect him to return to winning form.

Miss Lee, one of the country's top sprinters, should win the 8.00, especially given her fast trial over the 250m trip the other day, but for a more speculative interest Praematurus is worth a tickle after making a pleasing introduction at Hove on Sunday.

Droopys Zach (8.35), just denied by Tyrur Rodge at Sheffield last week, is fancied to claim the 645m race, while Wise Maldini looks the safest option in the marathon at 9.25. Pete Swadden's charge, who beat Flying Winner in front of Sky's cameras at Swindon recently, has not raced beyond 740m, but has been found a weak looking contest for his marathon bow.