Sky Previews: Liz to reign in the Oaks showdown

Sky Previews / Darrell Williams / 14 December 2009 / Leave a Comment

'While most of the leading ante post fancies have made it through, it’s going to take an epic performance from one of the other five if Tyrur Liz is not going to be being crowned champion.
Back in her preferred trap six box, it’s hard to see how she will fail to get the chance to again demonstrate her superior strength and speed.'

Don't miss the last live greyhound action of the year as Sky Sports visits Wimbledon for what promises to be an exciting Oaks final with a favourite that will take some stopping.

Sky Sports sign off another year of greyhound racing, with the battle to be top girl up for grabs in the Oaks final (21.45), live from Wimbledon on Tuesday evening.

While most of the leading ante post fancies have made it through, it's going to take an epic performance from one of the other five if Tyrur Liz is not going to be being crowned champion.

Although beaten in the second round, P J Fahy's Irish raider, already being talked about as a possible future Derby winner by connections, has been awesome in the manner of her victories in the other two rounds. While Cabra Exclusive will probably lead her up in the early stages, Liz Mc Nair's runner was categorically put in her place by the Irish bitch's back straight pace in the semi-final last week, eventually pulling away to win by nearly six lengths. Now back in her preferred trap six box, it's hard to see how she will fail to get the chance to again demonstrate her superior strength and speed.

Cabra Exclusive's kennelmate, Shaws Dilemma, has done nothing wrong admittedly and defends the competition's only unbeaten record. The Puppy Oaks winner has now won four of her five starts at Wimbledon, and looks a high class long term prospect, especially when eventually upped to six bends. However, she has failed to improve her times in the three rounds so far, and may simply not be quick enough to hold Tyrur Liz.

Ante post selection Freedom Emma provides a small trading profit for those who followed us in, and Richard Yeates' bitch ran a stormer when chasing home Shaws Dilemma in the semi-final. Indeed, she was travelling so well, she almost appeared to be going too fast to handle the final bend. Her strong staying style makes her a major candidate for second place.

Wimbledon have put together an excellent supporting card, with Derby favourite Eye On the Storm (21.10), undoubtedly the greyhound viewers will most be looking forward to seeing. Likely to be prohibitive in the betting, it's nevertheless hard to envisage any outcome than a victory.

Barnfield Brooke has her best chance of returning to winning ways since coming back from season as she steps up to a marathon trip in the 21.25. Paul Philpott's bitch, a finalist in both the Dorando over CD as well as the TV Trophy, has won 2-4 over the 872m trip and rates the best bet on the card. Punters are advised, however, to keep a close eye on Droopys Del Sol, stepping up beyond 700m for the first time. Closely related to Bubbly Totti, she could be a marathon star for next year.

Barnfield Rocky could hardly have come back from a short break in any better style, making it three wins from three when beating a high class field on Monmore's Christmas Festival card on Friday. Carly Philpott's dog faces a similarly tough line-up in the 20.50, but could just utilise his early pace to perfection from a trap one draw.

Sky's puppy contest, which opens the programme at 19.40, looks a race littered with potential stars of 2010, but Ballymac Ace, by virtue of his experience, may just be the one to side with on this occasion. Chris Allsopp's youngster ran a close third in the recent Unraced final at Doncaster, and that might be enough to give him the edge.