Wimbledon Betting: Puppy Derby Preview

Wimbledon Racing / Darrell Williams / 25 July 2008 / Leave a Comment

Can anyone beat Shadyid on Saturday? Darrell Williams doesn't think so.

Even before the arrival of highly-rated Shadayid into his kennels, Seamus Cahill was always going to have a strong say in the outcome of this year's Puppy Derby - which kicks off with six first round heats at Wimbledon on Saturday - with unraced Droopys Quinta, Droopys Marcus and Cool Cashin also amongst the other leading ante post shots!

But it's Shadayid that has been making all the headlines, with his move from Sam Poots only part of the tale, after he appeared in the 'Dogs For Sale' column in Thursday's Racing Post. Despite so-called concerns elsewhere about a moderate trial at Wimbledon the other night, his form on the Open race circuit is red hot, and it is with little hesitation that I put him forward as the most likely winner of the three round event. Performances at Hove, including a rapid 2973 last week, plus a fast Belle Vue win earlier in the month, undoubtedly make him the one to beat.

Cahill's second string, Droopys Quinta, hasn't even raced competitively yet, but such has been the impression she has created in two trials over the 460m trip that the April 2007 whelp, still only 15 months old - the minimum age allowed to race - is next best in the ante post list. She could be absolutely anything, and with fast sectionals to match her electric times, she must not be under-estimated, but realistically her price is just too short outright for one so inexperienced, even against fellow puppies.

The third runner from the Cahill camp, Droopys Marcus has drawn a favourable heat (9.15), and if mustering a clear run from an excellent trap six draw should win on the night, although his tendency to find the trouble spots limits his appeal outright.

Cahill's domination of the ante post odds is completed with Cool Cashin (9.30), although a tricky trap three draw for the wide seed won't help, and neither will the presence of Gymcrack finalists Goldcrest King and Eye On the Brave berthed on his inside. The big race experience of the Mark Wallis pair should serve them well, but I still harbour doubts as to whether either rates a potential winner.

Long range however, I am happy to include London Waiter, a lightly raced March '07 baby from the Dean Childs' range, who looks open to bundles of improvement after a good trial last week. He has undoubtedly drawn the toughest heat (9.45), with Gymcrack semi-finalist Mountjoy Gold, plus the aforementioned Shadayid amongst the opposition, but his early speed should ensure he plays a part. Kennelmate Deanridge Fury might also be worthy of inclusion - he certainly rates the tip in the 9.0 heat - after a decent spin the other day, and that on the back of a layoff that stretches back to his time as a grader at Shelbourne in February.