Racing Post Juvenile night - I've found a Reason to take on Ballymac

Wimbledon Racing / Darrell Williams / 05 February 2008 / 1 Comments

Darrell Williams looks to Tuesday night's Sky-televised action

The decision to move the Racing Post Juvenile back a month is undoubtedly the right one allowing the contenders the chance to be properly prepared should they have been gifted a winter break - although as it is only Farloe Reason comes into this race straight out of a layoff.

Charlie Lister has realistic Derby hopes for his Northern Puppy Derby winner, and while naturally most of the attention will be on Ballymac Under - understandably given his unblemished eight from eight record - the champion trainer's runner, who has won eight of his own 10 races and been second in the other two, should not be underestimated.

It's a shame in a way that Farloe Reason has ended up with the worst of the draw, stuck away in trap five in a field of five railers. Given his excellent trial, on what was his first look at the track, he must be considered the biggest threat to the favourite. Indeed, were he taking on virtually any other greyhound I would fancy Farloe Reason strongly, but Ballymac Under is not just any greyhound, and after slaughtering all aged rivals in the Birmingham Cup final it's impossible not to stick with him, especially when you remember it was around Wimbledon that he first got everyone talking. At around [1.7] he represents a fair bet, with Farloe Reason a must for forecast wagers.

The clash of the Oaks 1-2 Blonde Jeannie and Broadway Sizzler is undoubtedly the other highlight, with both bitches making their first starts since the Classic final just before Christmas. Both have a good record 'fresh', but on this occasion I just favour Broadway Sizzler to get first run and claim a small spot of revenge on her big race conqueror. Sean White did fantastically well with his runner in the Oaks, far better than I expected, and given her excellent record of winning one off Opens at Wimbledon, often straight from a layoff, I just give her the edge, although it's bound to be close.

Elsewhere, there looks to be a spluttering of solid bets on the card with Kildare Lark, the reigning hurdler of the year, taken to make it eight wins on the bounce in the 8.15. Recently his early pace has been exceptional, with his last two visits to Wimbledon particularly impressive, and he can comfortably account for Grand National winner Jos Cigar, who has plenty to prove on current form. Kildare Lark currently trades at [1.65].

Ninja Jamie, currently [1.59], is a brother of Farloe Reason and will be the all the rage for the puppy race at 8.35. I firmly expect the Lister runner to return with a victory. He has been given plenty of trials, with fast times at Monmore and Nottingham, in preparation for this race, and you can guarantee his trainer will have him spot on for such a high profile contest.

Droopys Nelson ([2.2]), who turned over Spiridon Louis here in December and did us a favour at Perry Barr last time, can maintain his progress by winning the Stayers race at 9.10. His early speed can keep him out of reach of rails moving Heavy Weather at traps rise. I'm also siding with Toosey Blue in the British Bred race at 8.00. John Mullins' runner put in an excellent trial here last week, and the Blue Square 480 third should have too many guns for his rivals.

Comments (1)

1. The Glimmer Man | 06 February 2008

   Hope you didn't lay it for too much. Just seen the result. Slow away, crowded 1st, took it up at the 3rd.

   I trade off in running whenever possible, no matter what I back. Backed a 4/5 shot out of trap last week in a 6-bender. The race had a total of £275,000 traded, including 'in running'. The jolly shot clear at the start and was 5 or 6 lengths clear until the last bend. I traded out at 1.1, but it did go as low as 1.05, and got caught on the line by the red jacket. Thank god for Betfair.