Sky Preview: Derby favourite can win Grand National???

Sky Previews / Darrell Williams / 29 June 2010 / Leave a Comment

"In theory, if Tommaline Jack gets out it’s surely as good as over, if he doesn’t then we may have a race on our hands – live on Sky Sports tonight at 2145.
However there’s little in the way of value to be gleaned in backing Dolores Ruth’s runner at around [1.6], so for those looking to get involved it makes more sense to play selections around Nebuchadnezzar and Plane Daddy"

The idea of Epsom Derby winner Workforce one day running in the Grand National would and could never even enter our minds, but tonight Toomaline Jack bids to win the greyhound Grand National just weeks after going off as favourite for the Derby final says Darrell Williams.

Of course it's far from an orthodox route even for a greyhound, but given Toomaline Jack had broken the track record in the Irish Grand National semi-finals, before being withdrawn injured before the final, it certainly makes sense.

The fact he was then able to break the Wimbledon hurdles clock in an emphatic first round Grand National victory was therefore no surprise, but it was his ability to still be able to win his semi-final after fumbling the break that is even more meritorious.

In theory, if he gets out it's surely as good as over, if he doesn't then we may have a race on our hands - live on Sky Sports tonight at 2145.

However there's little in the way of value to be gleaned in backing Dolores Ruth's runner at around [1.6], so for those looking to get involved it makes more sense to play selections around Nebuchadnezzar and Plane Daddy.

Lorraine Sams' Nebuchadenezzar is admittedly far happier at Hall Green than he is Wimbledon, but having finished third in last year's National it was very encouraging to see him gain a first Wimbledon win (on his ninth attempt) in the semi-finals - and in a much improved time.

Plane Daddy just failed to hold Toomaline Jack in his semi, but given he has returned from a lengthy absence in much better form, he might be the one to take advantage early on should the favourite again flop at the traps.

Personally from a betting viewpoint it's probably a race best watched, but small win stakes on Nebuchadnezzar and Plane Daddy with forecasts on both to finish second to Toomaline Jack should yield a profit.

After salivating strongly about last week's Oxford supporting card - hope you backed all the winners - the back-up races here look slightly less appetizing from a punting perspective - although in terms of quality they are very strong.

Ministry Magic however can give Lorraine Sams a victory regardless of what happens in the National in the preceding four bend race at 2125. I fully accept it's a wide open affair, but the Anglo-Irish Invitation winner on Derby final night has improved markedly in recent weeks and looks worthy of support.

I'm also quite keen on Rockburst Megan (2050) albeit in another wide open affair. Matt Dartnall's runner has only just returned from season, but flew round the old track behind Ardbeg Kate when she set a track best last December and looks well drawn to get a run outside railer Droumeragh Kai.

Carden Bert would have a great chance in the opener (1940) on his run behind Yahoo Jamie in the Derby Plate heats and is again attractively priced, while Officer Donagh can beat old rival Jimmy Lollie in the sprint (2000). Chris Allsopp's dog is thriving on his racing right now and did well to get a run before winning at Oxford seven days ago.

Droopys Oscar (2015) looks the obvious pick in the puppy race, although if Blonde Fletch is a big enough price I might be tempted, while Matching Amy could be value for a place only wager against hotpots Midway Skipper and Taylors Riviera in the marathon (2110)

Selections:
Ministry Magic 2125
Rockburst Megan 2050
Carden Bert 1940
Officer Donagh 2000