Sky Previews: Hail the Hero as Sky heads to Newcastle

Sky Previews / Darrell Williams / 10 November 2009 / Leave a Comment

Boherna Best gets Darrell Williams' vote in a tricky All England Cup final, but it's the supporting card that offers the best bets.

Newcastle's All England Cup final heads up another eight race live Sky Sports broadcast on Wednesday evening, with a competitive contest very much the order of the day.
As outlined elsewhere on this page, Boherna Best, highly impressive in picking off Ballymac Ruso in the semi-final, rates the most likely winner (currently quoted at [3.2]), especially if his trapping comes on again from that previous outing. In fairness, though it's far from a backer's friendly final, with early paced Ballymac Ruso, likely to be looking for the inside from trap six, while Julie Bateson's pair of Target Classic and Ardkill Tunoco are hardly boxed to do each other too many favours either. The latter, however, has an unblemished 4/4 record at Newcastle, and appears the biggest danger.
There are, however, far more appealing races from a punting prospective amongst the supporting contests, with Hurleys Hero considered the best of the night in the 8.50 over 480m. Best known for his six bend exploits, which include victory in the Cock O'The North and a runners-up spot in the Gold Collar, both at Belle Vue, Jimmy Wright's classy performer is nevertheless no slouch over the shorter trip, as his record of 4/6 over the CD clearly shows. A fast trial last week leaves little doubt about his current well being and he looks a must bet.
Swift Ninja has been in sharp form since his return to the card in September, winning three of his five starts, and can claim the 9.10 over 706m. An impressive winner on Sky's card at Wimbledon a fortnight ago, he looks perfectly drawn as the lone wide seed, an advantage he can further enhance by trapping in front. Michael Harris' runner came into form at this time last year, winning the Coventry Leger as well as notching up a seven timer, and looks as if he's not far short of the same level again.
In the absence of Ballymac Well, Droopys Kentucky might be the one to take advantage in the Puppy race at 7.40. Another from the Jimmy Wright camp, he was given little chance at short odds in the heats of the Northern Puppy Derby at Sunderland, but a confidence boosting win at Sheffield should have put him spot on for this.
Cats Whiskers is taken to claim the 8.0, another 706m contest, at the expense of Anfi Pearl. Barrie Draper's runner got within five spots of the Sheffield 720m track record last week and should enjoy a clear run outside slow starting Gabba Gabba Hey, who is struggling to win at the moment. The aforementioned Anfi Pearl, remains on the improve after her seasonal break, and rates worthy of a saver.
Bower Surfer has won five of his eight races since stepping up to six bends, including both the Peterborough Puppy Cesarewitch and most recently, the Midland St Leger finals. While no good thing, he looks the best option in the 8.35, where Droopys Arshavin can give him most to do.