The First Round of this illustrious tournament certainly didn’t disappoint with some remarkable performances from my colleagues. I got very excited through the proceedings as I used to when arriving at the track for work and I wouldn’t have minded getting back in the traps myself! It must be said if I had done so, I would have been bemused at the times that were being published; they seemed well off the mark on numerous occasions and whilst times are for show, it has given an interesting angle value-wise for the Lolly Faithful as the times are surely misguiding! Here are my thoughts on the proceedings this evening for the first half of the Second Round:

Heat 1 – 19:54

If my Irish compatriot Tyrur Sugar Ray could pick a draw, it would probably resemble something like this but his odds are more than reflective of him weaving his way through the field to win. Newinn Rocket showed his class in the First Round and when fit he is a formidable front runner. He can win an early battle with Farloe Calvin (who looked desperate for the line last week) and hang on for the impending challenge from Sugar Ray. Fridays Shane is in the naughty corner for his antics with Shaneboy Alley and his presence could hold up the in-form, strong Hather George.

Heat 2 – 20:10

Sidaz Jack is a dog that could be anything which is often construed as he will turn out to be a superstar. He may do, but until his ability precedes his reputation he is worth taking on and Farloe Trojan showed good pace and determination last week to win if Jack is overrated. Benkaat Nero may be better suited to further and Airlie Impact has a poor draw as he prefers his look in stripes: Trojan can clear him to the bend and get into full gear down the back straight.

Heat 3 – 20:26

Ballymac Vic is too short in this race for me, considering the way he ran in the First Round meaning he will want to cut the bend at the first. Bittles Bar moved markedly middle (to even wide) after a fast break and him and Jolly Bullseye could hold up Vic if he is not really on his front paws from the off. This scenario would lend for Longwood Bound to swoop round the outside and show that he has enough pace to win a messy race if he gets a clear, which is a real possibility. Droopys Pride should be proud of his First Round success but is desperately unfortunate to be drawn in this.

Heat 4 – 20:42

Too much can be made of one race but the performance of the round was South Armagh as he blasted onto the scene with a superb front running performance. Jaytee Hellcat with a clear is one of the fastest around and Armagh nearly held him off. Even I wasn’t fast enough to run down to the bookies to put my treats on the 3/1 opening quote and he has been backed down to a prohibitive mark in terms of value. I still have to side with him due to the impression he left on clearly more observers than just me, but his consistency is a question mark for a 13/8 shot. Garryglass Rodge was very valiant in the First Round and whilst pigeon-holing him is unfair, he is still a railer so 4 is not a box he wants to be coming out of. Carkei Max could make it a race if turning handy and Longwood Fantasy has a knack of qualifying. Armagh could be long clear and gone though and he has been added to Team Lolly in my dogfolio antepost.

Heat 5 – 20:58

Kereight King kicked the tournament off in style and it was crowned off with connections suggesting he is not that forward at all. If that is the case he can lead Bonamassa Rocks and have too much power. One of the questionable times in comparison to others was Laughil George and whilst I might be being harsh to my colleague, King can justify his place as third favourite for the tournament whole by making all.

Heat 6 – 21:15

Farloe Barracuda actually stayed better than I was expecting and my fellow sprinter can build a healthy lead here. He won’t want Teejays Bluehawk anywhere near him for any of the 480m of the Plough Lane circuit and Bluehawk can tuck in behind Bubbly Lucky before showing his scintillating middle and finishing pace. He is another that got carried away after the line but when the hare is going he has been a good boy and can win this heat. Bouncy Bocko could qualify if getting a clear run as he is clearly going to be a force over further.

Heat 7 – 21:32

There were the inevitable disappointing performances in the First Round and one of those was the likeable Droopys Loner. Questions of her gender have been raised on television recently but I can confirm she is a bitch and she may have been offended by the comments. She may be more offended with further media coverage from me as I suggest she is not the bitch that got to the Semi-Finals last year. I think she has lost an edge of her spark and that is too much for a front-running bitch to be considered in the Derby and I think King Nicky can lead the outside here. He will then post a 28:70 (or 29:20 depending on who is timing this evening) and that will be too quick for the rest of the field here.

Heat 8 – 21:48

Many of the Lolly Faithful might not know it but I’m a fan of watching Reality TV on the sofa on a Saturday Night with a couple of pieces of bread and here, for us, it is Chico Time! Bob Hall’s charge has gone under the radar having been quietly impressive after huge trouble at the 2nd bend. Maybe because he was odds-on, humans have dismissed his performance but he has pace and is not a 14/1 shot here. Droopys Jet missed the break (again) and ran creditably but he could have more hassle than last week from the pacey, enigmatic Longwood Warrior. Warrior was disappointing in the First Round but he could turn up at anytime and put in a performance to trouble Jet who will want the rails. That will give Chico a chance to shine and hopefully his career will continue to rise, unlike his namesake.

So there are my thoughts on the proceedings. The 2nd and 3rd rounds are traditionally where the value can be found in the Derby and I’m fully expecting to be dining in style with some doggie treats after the racing. Please comment or tweet if you have anything to say and I’ll bark a rendition of Chico Time. Sadly, you won’t be able to see me dancing as well but I’ll save that for a celebration when a member of Team Lolly is victorious in the final.