After the conundrum of the antepost markets and selecting Team Lolly to do battle in this year’s Derby, the attention turns towards the first round heats. Finding the value is tough in the early rounds as the main protagonists are often trained to be brought on later in the competition, with connections hoping they can merely qualify from the First Round and progress from there. Therefore it is imperative to find which of my colleagues are raring to go today and then the value can be found there. Here are my thoughts on the first night’s racing:

Heat 1 – 19:25

Kereight King comes with a lofty reputation from Ireland and a skinny antepost price. He has a good draw to work from here with dual Category One winner, Mags Gamble, preferring a mid-course and so King can assert and demonstrate he is a contender for this illustrious crown. Airlie Impact posted a good trial but is not well-boxed in 5 as he will be looking for the restaurant at the first bend and despite a flashy trial, it is hard to envisage him being up to his impressive Hove form.

Heat 2 – 19:39

Two of the powerhouses line-up in this heat and it looks to me as though Screen Critic has a good enough draw to overhaul the fast-out Farloe Calvin. Aero Tobias has pace but the two who dominate the market could be long gone.

Heat 3 – 19:54

Knockglass Billy is a top-class sprinter from Ireland and has a lovely draw to utilise his early-pace and gallop clear hear. Ayamzaman has early but struggles when he is not at his beloved Romford and will definitely be gasping for air over this 480m trip. He will be looking to move mid-to-wide too and could hinder Laughil George enough for Billy to skip clear. Islas Scolari is powerful but leaves himself far too much to do on too many occassions to warrant support this time.

Heat 4 – 20:10

Eden Star’s infamous devastating pace was on full-display last year in the First Round and the bookmakers seemed to have remembered that quotes of Evens for the First Round last year were misguided: he is too powerful for weaker opposition. Whilst Bubbly Lucky is running well, he will lack the early of Star and could also be hindered by the impressive bitch Silverview Pinky on his inside. Bouncy Bocko looks like he needs 8 bends on his recent form and whilst he is a surprise inclusion, he is unlikely to be anywhere near Star at any point in the race.

Heat 5 – 20:26

An intriguing contest with only 3 qualifying being unfortunate for connections as a few of these have a chance to progress a considerable way in the tournament. Paradise Martini came from Ireland with a big reputation and has ran well up North but he meets track specialist Jolly Bullseye who is likely to be fully-fired up for this. Teejays Bluehawk should always be feared due to his strength but he is bereft of significant early and that should give Bullseye the room to assert ahead of Martini and make-all. Sidaz Jack is an interesting entrant for Lister and whilst he can progress in the tournament, it is hard to back him with confidence in his first race on these shores, especially in this competitive affair. Zoos Caprice is on fire at her local track but will need a career best effort to live with these.

Heat 6 – 20:42

The heat of the first round sees antepost favourite Ballymac Eske with a terrible draw. Of course, he may have the class to prevail and make a mockery of the doubters but this is a value game and he has to be taken on in this race due to the presence of one of his few losses, Farloe Tango, inside of him and the daunting presence of the hugely rails biased Garryglass Rodge on his outside. It is nervous times for connections and whilst there could be chaos on the inside, Isabels Boy has a lovely run on the outside with the mid-moving Bridge Honcho on his inner and the Irish raider can exert his brutal early pace and skip clear. It will take something special to catch him.

Heat 7 – 20:58

One of the weaker looking heats is headed by the fast but erratic and injury prone Slick Santiago. If he brings his A-Game he will win this but that is all-too-often not the case and so recent trials stakes winner King Bradley can capitalise. Bradley has never seemed accustomed to Romford but has shown he can run Wimbledon well and barring traffic from the occasionally fast-away Final McCoy, he can swoop round the outside and not be for catching. It is a good opportunity for the others to qualify but there chances overall look extremely far-fetched.

Heat 8 – 21:15

The top and the bottom look like they are going to have a real battle here and it will give a serious indication of the chances of Shaneboy Alley as Droopys Jet is proven round here having been a Semi-Finalist last year. When I bark proven, I mean he kept qualifying as he never got the curved boxes that we have in the UK last year and for that reason, if he misses the break as he did all of last year, Alley will need no invitation to show his Swindon track-record breaking pace.

Heat 9 – 21:32

By 21:32 tonight it certainly will be ‘Chico Time’ as the unknown quantity of Farloe Chico makes his debut in the UK. At the price of 4/6 he is surely best swerved and whilst he does face a relatively easy assignment, Jaytee Zeus has ran creditably at Romford for a while and the longer run up at Wimbledon will play to his early-pace strengths. He could lead and he will set a benchmark, albeit not a terribly stiff one, for Chico to show if he is as nimble as his dancing namesake.

Heat 10 – 21:48

If Ballymac Vic can put in an error-free tournament then he will be the one to beat in this competition, including Eske, in my dog’s honest opinion. He has yet to go through a tournament without a blip and the fact he faces six rounds here is worrying for any backers antepost. With the rails diving Cu Na Mianta on his inside he can cheat his wide draw here and win comfortably. It is later rounds where he will be worried.

Heat 11 – 22:03

Another dog, like Garryglass Rodge, that you do not want drawn outside of you is Golden Wonder and he is set for a great battle with the ever-improving and likeable Bonamassa Rocks. Rocks shot to fame with a sub-34 seconds run at Romford in an A1 as a very young dog which is seriously impressive speed but will need to shirk off Lister’s rails-lover here. While those two are scrimmaging, Jaytee Hellcat will have the run of the race and he is not one to give a second invitation too. He is also a lively outsider for the tournament as he has the desire to keep qualifying.

Heat 12 – 22:18

The big powerhouse of an early-paced merchant that is Lemon Pluto can show my Irish colleagues that they will not have it all their own way in this tournament. Tyrur Sugar Ray is another you do not want outside of you and although he will be slow-away, he can cause enough hindrance to the Ladbrokes 600 winner, Ringtown Snowy (who beat Sugar Ray in that final), for Pluto to skip clear and show his credentials for the whole tournament.

Heat 13 – 22:35

My old friend Alien Planet lines up again and his favouritism is still questionable when I paw over his overall form. Longwood Fantasy is no mug and will not need an invitation to win this, but he will unlikely not be given one from the all-round pace of Hather George who is in scintillating form over various trips and can win a few rounds of the Derby this year. Young Golden, the Gymcrack winner, will need to step up again but with him drawn next to George it could give Lister’s charge a nice run to the bend and we now know he stays.

So there are my thoughts for Friday’s installment of the Derby. Please tweet or comment me if you have anything to say and I’ll bark back at you with vigour. Eske better be looking right when he comes out of the traps as Rodge will certainly be looking the other way!

So here we are, the Derby begins tomorrow! I’m nearly as excited as when I see a squirrel on my walk and I’m trying to contain my excitement enough to assemble a team to enter the Derby with for the Lolly Faithful. The presence of Ballymac Eske at the head of the market is a justified position but despite the drift to 10/1 recently (perhaps due to his draw in the First Round) he is still making the market for those looking for value propositions: that is the name of the game for me! He is undoubtedly a superstar but there are still negatives surrounding him to not justify him to be as short as he is and connections must have despaired at his draw on Friday.

Of course, he could ping out in sensational fashion as he has been doing of late and stamp his authority on Heat 6, but if he does not, then it will be a fascinating race. The fact he has only truly pinged out of the Wimbledon boxes once, albeit in his last supreme performance in the Juvenile, suggests he may just miss the break at the Plough Lane circuit. Garryglass Rodge on his immediate outside has shown in the Golden Sprint and numerous races before that when he is drawn any wider than 1, he will dart inside at traps rise: that could put Eske in a world of trouble. This is accompanied with the presence of one of the few dogs that the Draper kennel would not have liked to see drawn next to their superstar in Round One, Farloe Tango, lining up next to him in red. Tango has had his problems and quirks but he showed tremendous spirit to overhaul Eske over the Course and Distance last year and if he fancies it, he will prove a match for Eske. This is Round One we are talking about! This is furthered by Isabels Boy having a very good draw for him in 6 and the Irish speed merchant may be away and gone. Bridge Honcho is likely to follow Boy round and then could we be looking at the possibility of Eske being bumped and coming fifth? Many will think I am barking mad but it is not a scenario I would like my 10/1 shot in a 6 round Derby to be facing in the First Round! He is making the market.

Of the others towards the fore of the market, it is dominated by my Irish colleagues who have been enticed by the 150,000 treats on offer, which is enough for any greyhound for at least one year’s supply. Ballymac Vic is a superstar in his own right and in the clear is devastatingly fast, but his career is a tale of woe in terms of claiming silverware and he has the air of Razldazl Jayfkay about him; capable of breaking any track record anywhere at any given time, but supporters need to hold their breath at traps rise every round. I certainly won’t be one of those! Kereight King is an exciting prospect and has his supporters after some convincing performances yet his price is more than reflective of his achievements and whilst it is hard to see him not going a very long way, there is better value further down. Droopys Jet was a Semi-Finalist last year after clearly angering the Dogs with some truly horrendous draws, yet his efforts in Ireland as a pinging early-paced railer turned into scrappy grinding performances at Plough Lane. I cannot help but feel he just does not understand the boxes on these shores: 16/1 is plenty short enough.

Eden Star is interesting as he showed his liking for Wimbledon last year in the First Round when destroying his rivals for early, middle and late pace but picked up an injury from his exertions that night and it is difficult to come up with a convincing case that he can last all 6 rounds. If he makes it to the final it will take a very good colleague to beat him. Priceless Sky is a likeable sort but that is more than factored into his price and it’s hard to make a case for him on value grounds at 25/1. Further down notable entries are Garryglass Rodge’s best mate Tyrur Sugar Ray as they would both prefer to be in trap 0. The early-paced Money Talks (who missed the break in his trial stakes which is a concern), the strong Screen Critic and the sprinting pace of Knockglass Billy all have a chance too. They all have pace and claims but I am happy to take them on with my team, assembled on behalf of the Lolly Faithful. Here they are:

Shaneboy Alley – 1 doggie treat e/w @ 20/1

The Arc winner has looked every part a Derby contender since he came over from Ireland and catered for a strong Arc field with a track-record performance in the Semi-Finals. He has everything for Wimbledon: early, determination and staying power for the long run-in. Being seeded Wide is a huge benefit this year in my opinion, too, as their is a lack of top quality wides and so he should be treated to favourable draws throughout. He also has shown he can come out of traps 5 or 6 (which was Bubbly Phoenix’s undoing last year) and actually pinged like yours truly out of 5 during that campaign at Swindon: that performance put him firmly in this Derby frame. In Ireland he led Skywalker Puma (the Irish Derby champion) for effectively 480m before being overhauled for the extra yards at Shelbourne and that is a form-line that speaks volumes of this dog’s ability over this trip. He also beat Golden Wonder recently in a trial over the Course and Distance convincingly and Wonder with a clear run is arguably one of the fastest puppies in training. Alley has the credentials and the likelihood of favourable draws through all of the rounds to back him to win this most prestigious of tournaments.

Isabels Boy – 1 doggie treat e/w @ 25/1

This Irish early-paced merchant is drawn in the heat of death, 6, but can lay down a serious marker by surging round the outside and at least coming second to Eske if Draper’s charge pings. His form in Ireland barks volumes about him being a competition sort with 10 wins and 11 seconds and his electric early can see him avoid trouble through the tournament. He was beaten by the rapid Razldazl Luke (who is now sunning himself in Australia) and Camas (who is stuck in less favourable weather in Ireland, although he is breeding so every cloud…) in respective races by a short-head which shows that this dog can run. This is furthered by the ultra-impressive form-line of beating Paradise Madison 2 weeks before Madison set an astonishing track-record at Shelbourne and thus the form is gaining momentum that this dog can go the distance in this tournament. He is trained by Matt Dartnall who knows how to get a dog into a final of this competition with his training performance of Derby favourite, Farloe Ironman, last year being admirable. Boy has been trialling well and can build his stamina as the competition grows and the fact he is a middle seed, with the aforementioned lack of wides, should mean he is drawn in at least 4 for the majority of the tournament. With so many rail-seeking early-paced pingers in this year’s Derby, it will almost certainly be a better place to be drawn wide of the potential chaos for the rails lovers.

Farloe Warhawk – 1 chewstick e/w @ 33/1

Following a sensational campaign as a puppy last year, Warhawk was at the head of the antepost market for a considerable time. Since then, he started the year disappointingly and has drifted dramatically yet this drift is far too much for a dog that has just set the track-record at Coventry. He won 10 of his first 11 starts including an all-the-way, gritty success against Eske in the Puppy Derby over the Course and Distance and he has the prerequisites for a Wimbledon dog in abundance. Superb early accompanied with determination at the bends means this dog can go a long way and make a mockery of the doubters who are over-reacting to his Winter form. The Summer is back now (or so the calendar tells me as I look outside from my sofa) and Warhawk has proven he can do it the hard way too by winning the Laurels from behind against some very useful sorts. He is drawn on the inside of the rails-diving Holborn Junior so should fend him off and then exert his authority down the back straight and demonstrate his credentials.

Lemon Pluto – 1/2 a piece of bread e/w @ 33/1

Another Wimbledon-suited greyhound for the Lolly Faithful here who has the credentials to go a long way. He showed his liking for Plough Lane by winning his trial stakes in authoritative fashion and provided he doesn’t have any mishaps at the traps, can go a long way in the tournament. He is drawn in a relatively tough heat with the very quick Tyrur Sugar Ray and Ringtown Snowy, with the latter turning over the former at odds-on in the Ladbrokes 600 at Shelbourne recently. It was indeed a surprise to see Sugar Ray come for this Derby and his suitability for Wimbledon is a huge question mark. It could be moreso when Pluto is away-and-gone from him in Heat 12. The doubt over Pluto is that he lost the Northern Puppy Derby to the undoubtedly strong Teejays Bluehawk, but it was disappointing to see Pluto give up his lead over 480m to a dog destined for great achievements over further. Indeed, I might be made to regret my bark there but if Bluehawk wins the Derby I will give up my sofa back to my owners. On second thoughts, I just do not think he will win so I will leave it at that.

Holdem Spy – 1 chocolate drop e/w @ 80/1

This enigmatic fellow has been delighting the crowds at Coventry with an unbelievable turn of foot as he swoops round the outside to pick off his fellow competitors. The doubt of whether he is chasing the hare to his full ability or showboating for his adoring following is a question that we will almost certainly find out the answer to during this tournament, but if he is running with his full concentration he is not an 80/1 shot: nowhere near it! It has been more than factored into his odds the fact that he may have other ideas about the game and now he has had a change of scenery and change of track could bring the best out of my colleague. He has the pace to win the Derby.

Judicial Ruling – 1/2 sausage e/w @ 100/1

My tongue has fallen out of my mouth several times about this chap for different reasons. Not seen since the final last year, I thought he had retired for a life watching Pets Do the Funniest Things on his sofa but no, he is back! He is 100/1! An incredible price for a dog who would have arguably been sent off favourite for the Derby final last year barring a very late plunge on Farloe Ironman; he has also surely been targeted for this tournament for a year by connections. Because of his absence he is lightly raced for a 4 year old and the fact he sustained an injury in the Second Round last year and continued to produce superb performances shows his durability for the 6 rounds is there and it will take a good dog to knock him out. Of course, the question is whether he is the same fellow that we saw last year come out of nowhere to reach the final, but if he is 3/4 of that dog from last year he will make odds of 100/1 look very wide of the mark. Let’s see what he has got!

Farloe Tango – 1 doggie treat @ 25/1 (Already Advised)

The Lolly Faithful have been on Tango for a while as we have then watched his antics with astonishment and bewilderment. He may stop at any time if he feels like it. He may jog round the back like I jog in the park (actually I would overtake dogs if I was jogging but you know what I mean!). He may not bother to even get in the traps. Yet, he has shown that when he focuses his talent and ability is superb and if anyone can get him right for a Derby, it is Mr Lister OBE.

So there are my thoughts on the Derby. It is with regret that I cannot go into more detail about why I have left out other contenders who have a chance but I do not perceive them as value. My paws are beginning to get tired as well and I have heard the lead being rustled so I’m going for a walk! As ever please comment or tweet if you have anything to say and I will bark back in my usual fashion! If I had to pick one dog to win the Derby: Farloe Warhawk.

A class assembly of my colleagues line up for the Regency final tonight and I hope they like their paws getting wet! It has been raining constantly on the South Coast today and it may be a question of finding the dogs that have the best doggie paddle to win the races at Hove this evening. It is worth holding back to see how the track is running before dispensing of any of your hard-earned doggie treats but as this is a preview so I have no such luxury. I would definitely be favouring an outside strong sort most of the time in these conditions over a pacey railer. So here are my thoughts for the action provided by my fellow hounds:

19:34 – Hurdles

Lenson Johnny has been highly thought-of since making his transition to the obstacles but he has yet to live up to his billing. He was second favourite for the Springbok earlier in the year and failed to make any sort of significant impact in that competition for novice hurdlers: he is best avoided. Baran Bally Hi has been a class act throughout his career on these shores and the Emerald Isle and can let his class tell tonight. He is normally slow from the start but is a nice jumper and can swoop round the outside of this field to win this. Green Amigo finally gave his relentless backers some respite at Sheffield last week but he has a terrible draw to work from now, which accompanied by his disappointing efforts in previous outings means that he is hard to fancy.

19:49 – Sprint

The market may have overreacted to Droopys Quincy’s devastating display of pace last week on the card before the cameras began to roll. He has his chance in the limelight tonight and the bark around the kennels is that he is not camera-shy so a repeat performance of pace is possible. He went quicker than Farloe Barracuda to set new figures at Sheffield and considering the opposition Barracuda had behind him, Quincy has a great line of form on his card now. Another, however, who has an impressive CV is Billymatt who would not be a 9/2 shot around his beloved Romford. He is a class act in Essex and whilst the draw in 4 is far from ideal as he prefers the stripes, he is too big to power to the bend and remind Quincy of his puppy status. Helenas Sailor has form around the Course and Distance but lacks the consistency and perhaps pace of Billymatt and the Romford raider can show why he is feared by layers on Friday nights.

20:04 – Puppies

The Gymcrack runner-up Droopys Odell takes a significant drop in class, has his favourite trap and the mid-moving Blonde Razor on his immediate outside. Just when you’re thinking I’m going to put an entire year’s supply of Pedigree Chewstix on him though, he has been known to miss the break and whilst he could surge to the front, at cramped odds he is best watched. He will most likely win this in style.

20:19 – Marathon

The figures that Ballymac Swift has been producing over the last month are quite simply staggering and whilst I’ve never been good at Maths, as they didn’t teach me it when I was being schooled, all of these track record displays are hard to ignore. Yet this is an odds game and Michaels Gift has slipped under the radar here. She finished ahead of Swift in the Ted Hegarty in Ireland and ran creditably in the Regency. She now steps up to her optimum distance and this is a long marathon so Swift will have to be careful not to put too much effort into the early exchanges. This is especially relevant as she will likely be joined by Bubbly Capel for the first 6 bends and whilst those two race each other out in front, Gift can turn handy from a good draw and use all of her stamina in the dying strides. Black Lamora is a huge danger if anywhere near at the 7th bend as she will be staying on, arguably forever.

20:34 – Bitches

It’s turning into a night that if the short-priced favourites oblige, the Lolly household will be treatless for a considerable period which will mean constant howling in disgust. Yet, I believe Bridge Ruth is too short here and I am going to take her on (I’d also like to take her out but that’s a different story). She can be poor from traps 5 and 6 (she has lost 4 from the wide boxes) and she seems to be a bitch that likes to have things her own way (on second thoughts, she’s becoming less appealing) and so she is too short at 4/6. If she leads it will be all over bar the barking but a bitch with a great draw and a much more appealing price is Jaytee Jules. She ran well in the Monmore Spring Festival Bitches and is the litter-sister of serious Derby contender Jaytee Hellcat. Therefore, she may be open to improvement and she has the early to turn prominent, perhaps in the lead if Ruth does indeed miss the break, and she can outrun odds of 12/1 on the bunny. Vivendi Blue is stepping up in class but has pace, whilst Sharies Miller has never seemed to take to the Hove circuit. Jules is the bark for me.

20:49 – Stayers

Sometimes a dog can be over-hyped and we have a definite contender for that in Bouncy Bocko. The poor dog has yet to run over 6 bends but is apparently the contender to be the greatest 6-bend dog of all time (OK, perhaps not that hyped up but you know what I mean!). He was subject to a huge gamble in the 3 Steps to Victory but failed to impress over his now apparently inadequate trip and until I see it with my own eyes, I am going to take him on. Holbeins Champ has class 6-bend form and ran really well in the first round of the Regency. He also has a great looking draw with the 3 inside dogs lacking any sort of real early. Of the three inside dogs the danger is Eden Rumble who has the second best name of a dog that I have heard in Gavin, and Gavin is a danger if he turns menacingly. I think Champ will be away-and-gone though and the potential superstar that is Bouncy Bocko will have a real race on his paws and not just a show of good pace to the pickup.

21:04 – Standard

The undoubted superstar of the extended 4-bend trip round Hove is Airlie Impact and he can win this. Whilst his draw in trap 4 looks poor on the surface, it is not that bad as Droopys Ed Moses must have been playing on his dog mobile in the traps last week and Islas Scolari has very little early. Impact dislikes other tracks but here he will be able to use his devastating back-straight pace to win a race that is lacking in depth.

21:19 – Regency Final

Providing the sand hasn’t been washed away by this point, the Lolly Faithful will be barking for Fear Emoski who we are on at 7/2 antepost. In my dog blog for the competition (which can be found in full here: http://is.gd/Y6zbx7) I suggested that in her heat Emoski “can progress to the tougher challenges ahead in the Semis and Final; which I believe she will cope with consummate ease” and that statement is what I stand by: I think she will win this final with “consummate ease”. She has been fortunate with her draw and it will take a ridiculous bias towards the outside or for her to uncharacteristically miss the break altogether for her not to show her supreme middle and put these to the sword. Musical Gaga is in the form of her life, as is the well-drawn Ayamzabeauty who ran a huge race to qualify in the Semis, but neither have the style, grace and power of Emoski and she can demonstrate all three of those attributes tonight. Bubbly Swallow will need to fly from the boxes to be in the mix.

So here are the recommendations for the Lolly Faithful:

19:49: Billymatt – 1 doggie treat @ 9/2

21:04: Airlie Impact – 1 chewstick @ 13/8

So there are a dog’s thoughts on the proceedings and as ever, please tweet or comment if you have any thoughts yourself. I’ll promise to bark back at you but I’m going on my walk now and am fortunate enough to own a nice leather jacket so I won’t get too wet, and I’ll look fashionable at the same time. My colleagues will be getting wet this evening though and it will most likely be in vain in the Regency as Emoski is a fearful prospect.

My colleagues return to Sky Sports this evening with the final of the intriguing contest that is the 3 Steps to Victory being supported by a classy undercard. The Lolly Faithful currently have their treats riding on Romeo Recruit at 16/1 each-way antepost and the question is: will he stay? Whilst I’ll be barking at the screen like a lunatic in the final stages as my colleague is gasping for air, I think his breeding and his running style suggest he will just about get there. More on that later but let’s first look at where the value is for the Lolly Faithful as that is the name of the game:

19:34 – Puppies

Teddy The Legend has a lot to live up to given the nature of his name but he should not dent the credibility of his self-proclaimed Legend status by winning here. Indeed, there is a certain arrogance about this litter with Golden Wonder believing he owns the rails and Young Golden waiting until a final to win in style, but these brothers are blessed with serious pace and ability. Droopys Odell was runner-up in the Gymcrack and has a decent draw but The Legend can make-all and begin his quest to gain legendary status like some of us.

19:49 – Hurdles

Whilst I was sunbathing today on the lawn I briefly rested my eyes, which I’m sure you will agree is acceptable for a dog to do in his retirement, but my problem is that when I awoke this race has been put to SP and so I must have missed something. I’ve been pawing all over the internet and I have heard a rumour that my colleague in trap 4 is a non-runner but there is no barking at the kennels about this so I am confused. I assume all six run. As we are trying to find value, it is therefore a non-treatworthy race but I expect Soviet Military to dominate on the outside. A lack of a look round is a concern as he will not know if he is on a 12 or 13 stride pattern between the hurdles, but us dogs are more adaptable than humans and he can swoop round the outside. Mash Mad Snowy has pace but is a dog without a distance (and now seemingly discipline) and Green Amigo is a former A1 competitor here but is struggling to get his head in front at the crucial time to win a race.

20:04 – Stayers

The reason I took my first nap this afternoon instead of the usual 3 naps in the morning is that I have been busily getting my doggie treats on this race. Aghaburren Paddy at 4/1 and now 7/2 (the bookmakers must have got tired of converting money into doggie treats to pay me) is huge value for this versatile dog who is extremely hard to beat on the bunny over any distance: he can lead these. Farloe Kyle has early and determination in front but he is a railer and lacks consistency, so I am willing to take him on and therefore Paddy can gain a cheap lead. He also has a good run with Hather Sherlock and Granard Bound lacking early and if either of those can get themselves close in the final stages they will pose a threat. Paddy will have too much power for them.

20:19 – Standard

It is great to see the return of Bucks Blade this evening and a tilt at the Derby looks the call for this classy individual. The Lolly Faithful were on Blade last year in the Derby and he ran very creditably to get to the Quarter-Finals, beating very useful sorts on his way to the last 24. He had a poor draw that night and just could not turn handy. That is a different story today. He is unbeaten at this track (3 from 3) and only has to confirm fitness issues to land this race and he looks very generously priced considering his calibre. Longwood Fantasy is an admirable sort who always gives his all but would not be joint-favourite with Blade this time last year. Phanters Capri is running well and so it would be remiss for me not to bark about her credentials, but Blade is a different class to her and these.

20:34 – Marathon

Now this is a marathon! I’m pretty sure we were not bred to go this far but here my colleagues will grind out a very long 8 bend trip and stamina will be a great issue. The remarkable comeback of Bubbly Capel for the last Sky meet was a great story for the Champagne Club and this bitch can gain a hold on this race in the first half and not be for catching. Whether Aero Rebel actually stays this far is questionable and her antics away from Romford are not encouraging: she is worth avoiding when away from home. Storming Coco is a terrific local bitch but is priced accordingly considering Bubbly Capel is a classy sort when right.

20:49 – Sprint

It must be said that this is one of the best dashes I’ve seen in a long while, probably since I was running, with all of these colleagues possessing serious 2 bend speed. The Golden Sprint winner Farloe Barracuda is still hard to get away from and whilst I would have given him a race to remember, these will probably struggle to cope with his explosive early. He will head to Wimbledon for the Derby soon and will be a player if he stays, which is of serious doubt after Droopys Loner nearly caught him in the Golden Sprint, but that is for another day and we can admire this dog’s pace in extremely good company today.

21:04 – 500m

Farloe Warhawk came back to form on Sunday just at the perfect time for a tilt at the Derby and his brother, Many Are Called, can show why he is heading to Wimbledon with his sibling by winning here. He fluffed his lines last time out but that is excusable, and the longer run to the bend over this trip will be ideal for his early to surge to the front. Whether he is in the same class as his brother is questionable but he can beat a decent field here. Longwood Bound ran well in the Arc before being outclassed in the final and a repeat dose could be on the cards here. Airlie Impact needs a galloping track for which Sheffield is arguably not and so he is best watched before returning to his beloved Hove; he does have a good draw, however, and is always a danger with his ability and pace.

21:19 – 3 Steps to Victory Final

The Lolly Faithful could once again be dining in style this evening with our antepost bet on Romeo Recruit and it is hard to envisage him not being at least in the melting pot around the final two bends. Then it is game on! My antepost analysis still remains (it can be found in full here http://is.gd/NlcpIj) that in his heat over 480m “Recruit will be laying down a marker here and if his breeding as a stayer is confirmed, he is worth siding with in the tournament at 16/1” and the fact his litter-brother has won over 6 bends bodes well for us tonight. If Welton Arthur can turn handy he is of course a huge danger but Jazz Tilly should have enough pace over the first 5 bends to give Arthur something to think about, which he has been prone to before, and that could be enough to seal it for Recruit. It is hard to make a case for Hather George over this trip now after his Semi final performance where he was being reeled in by Arthur and I would be backing Recruit to beat him over 4 bends in any case. Bubbly Jaytee will almost certainly stay this distance but has struggled in top-class company, which he has been pitched in all too often in his career.

So the recommendations for the Lolly Faithful are:

20:04: Aghaburren Paddy – 3 doggie treats @ 7/2

21:04: Many Are Called – 1 dog bone @ 5/2

So there are a dog’s thoughts on the proceedings and as ever please tweet or comment if you have anything to say and I’ll bark back at you in my usual fashion. They will need to come and catch the Recruit today and in all likeliness, he will not be for catching.

Enjoy the racing,

Jimmy

One of the highlights of the year for the stayers begins tonight and the list of previous winners has the feel of a who’s who of 6 bend champions of the past. Therefore, to find value in this tournament it is imperative that the top of the market is treated with great respect as at Hove over this long 6 bend trip on a galloping circuit, the cream of my colleagues normally rise to the top.

One potential superstar of the 6 bend scene is Fear Emoski who has turned encouraging 4 bend form into devastating displays of all-round pace and determination in her 2 wins over 6 bends to date (from 2 races). It really is hard to ignore her at the head of the market and those lucky enough to have been on her at an opening price of 9/2 really have found some value. For those unlucky enough to miss that price, which includes myself as I was having a nap at the time, the 3/1 still available still looks worthy of one of our beloved doggie treats. She has a great draw in the heats with the reopposing Crinkill Jewell being the only realistic challenger this evening and Emoski can progress to the tougher challenges ahead in the Semis and Final; which I believe she will cope with consummate ease.

Michaels Gift is an intriguing bitch from Ireland and it is hard to gauge how impressive her facile win last week over the course and distance was as it was basically a trial for a bitch of her class. I think the market may have overreacted and so the value is not there at a best priced 10/1 for me. In a similar fashion, Musical Gaga has been backed having caught Bubbly Swallow last week but Swallow is an enigmatic bitch and it may have flattered Gaga that she was able to get on terms and overtake. Droopys Xavier is the nearly-dog of the 6 bend division and only appeals as each-way value in competitions like this: odds of 14/1 look cramped and unappealing. The aforementioned Swallow is in my opinion, and I am only a dog, a bitch without a distance and the fact she was picked up having led last week reaffirms my belief that she should be feared in any race but not to be backed at short odds. Dural Bound nearly found himself on my most prestigious of lists that I recommend to the Lolly Faithful, as he is a game sort and could be a force over the next year, but he is priced accordingly with Killieford Khali: they could both be very good but it will be a brave human to back them at the moment as they need to progress.

A dog that does not need to progress to win this is Swift Signal who is arguably not the force of old, but that is more than catered for in his odds. He is a powerful, determined colleague and is capable of raising his game back to the heights of last year and winning this tournament, if Emoski was to fail. He has a good draw to work from tonight being drawn next to the slow-away Dural Bound and the disappointing Freedom Cache and can march into the Semis. He is slightly draw dependent as he likes the rails but he normally has enough early to turn prominent against most 6 bend sorts and without many early-paced merchants in this tournament, he can turn handy against virtually all of these entries. Blonde Reagan is starting to get down to a price where he will be backable as he is capable of reproducing his all-conquering form of last year at any point, but preference is for Signal at similar prices as his form has not dipped as far as Reagan’s has.

So here are the recommendations:

Swift Signal – 1 dog bone broken in half @ 18/1

So there are a dog’s thoughts on the proceedings. As ever please comment or tweet if you have anything to say and I promise to not howl at you like I do when my food is being prepared. Fear Emoski looks a potential star for Charlie Lister and claims of “she will never be beaten over 6 bends” that I have heard being barked around the kennels, will be put to the test in this high class affair: she can pass this test.

Enjoy the racing,

Jimmy

A tournament that has been surrounded in controversy concludes this evening with the feeling that anything could happen being the only realistic prediction! It would be harsh to chastise my colleague Longwood Warrior too severely as his antics in the rounds of the tournament have come completely out of the blue, but whether he will be chasing the hare or the other dogs this evening is a question that will hopefully be the former. He is certainly quick enough. I never really knew if the dogs behind me were chasing me or the hare because they never got close enough for that to be an issue. Anyways, on to the card which has quite a few tricky races to call with the standard being especially high in some of the contests. As ever, I will find some value for the Lolly Faithful in amongst the intriguing undercard:

19:34 – Bitches

Regular readers of the dog blog will know that I’ll be lying on the edge of the sofa with my eyes firmly glued to this one as I enjoy these races with classy bitches involved. Butts Mott rose through the grades at Monmore rapidly, which is a fair standard, but was a no-show in the Arc and if she repeats those antics, it could set the race up for Forest Mollie to pinch an all-important lead and reverse her course-and-distance loss to Sharies Miller. Miller is a game bitch, of which I have a particular fondness for, but she will need to avoid trouble and with Mollie being drawn inside her this evening, she might not be for catching. Forest Dot is formidable on the bunny but will be needing the rails. I’ll be looking forward to watching Tarty Toes in the parade due to the lure of her name, but she looks outclassed.

19:49 – Sprint

This has the feel of a two-dog race and the question is whether Guinness Sky will take to the track having his first look round. If he doesn’t it will most likely be a procession for Chester Lad. He is, however, a fast but beatable sort and at the prices it is worth backing Sky to build on his impressive young career to date. His latest race can be forgiven as he had no sort of draw to work from whatsoever but today he should be able to lead the gutsy Lord Save Us and then prove too pacey for the well-drawn Lad.

20:04 – 509er

The Arc trip was probably on the short-side for Ardkill Star but those sighters will be a benefit today when he returns to this more adequate trip. He has drawn his favourite box and can steal a march on the track-record holder Crusty Crab. Despite being lightly-raced, it must be remembered that Crab is now a veteran and whilst my creaking bones are reserved for a jog in the park these days (albeit a very fast jog), he cannot be trusted to rediscover the blistering pace of his youth. Gemstone Jack has pace but often gives himself too much to do and can get into some trouble too often for my liking.

20:19 – Stayers

Ding Hero sadly did not make it through the first round of the 3 Steps to Victory for the Lolly Faithful over his inadequate trip but he can demonstrate his class over 6 bends here. He can come out of any box so trap 4 is not a problem and he should assert from the off and not be for catching. Navarone was an expensive purchase and is slowly recouping some of that for connections but is a bang railer and the stripes will not benefit him at all; he looks the chief threat, however. It is difficult to envisage Hero not producing a facile success here and is worth backing with a doggie treat for those who like a flutter with their food.

20:34 – Standard

The three inside dogs in this affair have all shown early in their careers and are classy colleagues of mine. They all have question marks over them though and look worth swerving. Scolari Express is making his UK debut for Paul Sallis, whose kennel strength is growing for the Derby, and so he may take time to settle with a dog that he beat in Ireland, Ladbrokes Star, also taking time to get used to the British way of life as an example. Farloe Iceman, full-brother to the Derby second Farloe Ironman, looks a slight shadow of his former self which showed in the Semis of the Arc; he looks as though his best days are behind him and a career of the breeding paddocks and the sofa watching Pets Do The Funniest Things beckons. Taranis Rex is a star of the Swindon circuit on-and-off the track but he did not take to his draw out-wide at all in his last race and he will have to clear the two early-paced merchants on his inside. Incidentally, Rex has taken to Twitter and so may be interested in a career like myself as a Freelance Journadog after his racing days conclude. The possibility of those three tangling could lead to the well-drawn and likeable Tyrur Willyjoe pinging out like he did in the heats of the Arc to only be caught in the dying strides. He may be too far ahead today to be caught and he is worth a treat from anyone’s cupboard at 10/1.

20:49 – Super Stayers

The remarkable statistic that Ballymac Swift went under the track record for 4 bends when going on to record an impressive track-record over the 8 bends at Coventry is hard to ignore in this contest. The barks from around the kennels are starting to suggest that my colleague Aero Rebel is a one-track specialist and as she is the only realistic contender to Swift here, it looks like this will be a matter of how far.

21:04 – 509er

Arguably the classiest race of the undercard here poses some real questions into the outcome. Will Longwood Fantasy lead? Is Ballymac Cryan as good as last term? Can Slippery Patch turn handy? Was it a freak run in the heats from Tyrur Andy? When am I getting fed (sorry I got distracted)? Anyways, my heads starting to hurt more than when I used to get patted on the head vigorously after winning. I’m going to side with a stalwart for the Lolly Faithful in Sawpit Sensation regaining his form as Airlie Impact will go for his usual visit to the restaurant and back during the race to give Sensation enough room to challenge. He may even lead. He’s a truly top dog and I doubt his trainer would run his superstar if he was not totally fit.

21:19 – Arc Final

Some real Derby contenders come into this contest looking to build some momentum before heading to Wimbledon. Longwood Warrior’s pace was frightening to pick up Jolly Bullseye in the Semi and whilst he was a naughty boy on the run-in, he still got his head in front and could do so again today, although the likelihood of a photo-finish is more of a possibility. Longwood Bound could be hindered by his kennelmate and the fact that Jolly Bullseye will be looking for room on the inside. So whilst those three tussle on the inside, I think that Shaneboy Alley will be able to lead the outside as he did last week and not be for catching. He has thrived on his racing since arriving from Ireland and if he wins tonight, I’m sure Rab McNair will be asking “what price the Derby”? He looks to have too much early and too much pace for these and can show that tonight.

So there are a dog’s thoughts on the proceedings. Please tweet or comment if you have anything to say about what I have barked and I promise I’ll try and avoid any puns on the Warrior name of Longwood Warrior if at all possible. It has been a real battle to do so, so far.

Enjoy the racing,

Jimmy

A fantastic renewal of this unique tournament begins this evening. Whilst German and Spanish humans run around chasing a ball, the action at Sheffield is sure to be far more exciting! Just why the humans don’t jump on the ball and rag it when they have caught it is beyond me but there you go, we are all different I guess. The tournament was won by 25/1 outsider Clerihan Gold last year in a race which turned into a bit of a mess and that is often the case in this competition because of the 4 bend dogs not being able to stay in the final and then getting in the way of the genuine stayers! To be honest, if I was to run a 3 Steps to Victory it would be over the 225m at Romford, the 258m at Hall Green and then the 305m at Nottingham with that long run-up proving critical in me showing my devastating early-pace. Anyways, enough reminiscing and on to finding some value for the Lolly Faithful. Here are my thoughts on the proceedings:

19:58 – Heat 1

This tournament looks perfectly suited to Hometown Honey if she can qualify tonight but she is often best when dictating matters over a longer distance and whether she will be afforded that luxury tonight is another question. She is also potentially hazardously drawn next to the wide Mill Whiskers who has yet to fulfil the potential that he once showed around Sunderland. Kilmeen Bill has pace and a raider from Newcastle must always be respected these days so I think he will lead round which should set the race up for the classy 6-bender, Welton Arthur, who is a live runner in this tournament although his 4 bend pace may prove his downfall in the semi-final if he is not as well-drawn.

20:13 – Heat 2

If Hather George stays, which he has shown brief glimpses of, he would be a clear favourite for this tournament. This looks a penalty kick for him (can you see a football theme emerging?) and he is well worth backing at odds of 5/4 for tonight. It is hard to see how any of these will live with him over this normal 4 bend trip so he should kroos to victory as he is in the form of his life.

20:28 – Heat 3

This is arguably the most competitive of tonight’s heats and is a tough one to call, even for me. Future Gem has shown a great deal of pace but Jazz Tilly has enough early to live with that and should be able to assert from a good draw with Gem moving off at the bend. Sidelight is a runner in this tournament at a big price if she can qualify over this shorter distance as she struggled when fancied in the Bags Track Championship over 4 bends, particularly at Hall Green. Savana Roberto is hard to catch right but he definitely stays and if he qualifies for the final he could be away-and-gone in a messi final and not for catching.

20:43 – Heat 4

There has been a serge of money for Bouncy Bocko antepost based on some flying trial times and people seem to be making too big of a song and dance about him. We all now know that trials are for show and races for dough so he looks far too short now at a best priced 6/1. I obviously prefer the tastier version of dough instead of money but I can advise the Lolly Faithful to be against him tonight and side with the impressive Rewind Express, who has been showing great speed at Hove on RPGTV and can lead the inside to make-all tonight.

20:58 – Heat 5

After a nap this morning I was reading my copy of Dante’s Inferno when I logged onto the computer and nearly fell of the sofa when I saw the price for this dog. Romeo Recruit at 5/2 is barking mad! I will certainly be having many doggie treats on him and when he wins I’ll be buying a villa in Barcelona to enjoy my retirement even more! With a great run with Tibetan Skies not showing the level of form that he did in Ireland and Aghaburren Paddy being a dog more suited to leading 6-bend fields, Recruit will be laying down a marker here and if his breeding as a stayer is confirmed, he is worth siding with in the tournament at 16/1.

21:14 – Heat 6

Bansha Mo has a chance in this tournament but is an in-and-out sort of bitch and she is worth taking on having lost her last 3 races. Lode Vanquish could still a march on the outside and will not be for catching if he does so but I am more inclined to side with the ever gritty Ding Hero to be robben a late lead and stealing this heat. He is too big at 20/1 for the tournament too as he can overtake, he chases and has enough early to qualify for the final and perhaps be the victor.

Here are the recommendations:

20:13 – Hather George – 2 doggie treats @ 5/4

Ding Hero – 1 piece of bread cut in half @ 20/1

So there are a dog’s thoughts on the proceedings tonight and hopefully I’ll be munchen on some doggie treats later this evening. As ever, please comment or tweet me if you have anything to say and I’ll bark back with the enthusiasm I show when a squirrel runs out on me on my walk. Ding Hero should be gritty enough to qualify for the final and I am definitely forming an allianz with Romeo Recruit to win this tournament.

Enjoy the racing,

Jimmy

P.S. If you are playing Football pun bingo, there are 10. 😛

The Golden Sprint always lures a top quality field and this year is no exception. The Lolly Faithful were on Blonde Snapper last year at 8/1 who subsequently went on to win the Derby, and there is definitely some value to be found in this year’s collection of my colleagues. The Golden Sprint for me is a relatively simple conundrum in that unless you are in the first 2 or 3 greyhounds at the first bend, it is hard to envisage you being able to compete for this Category One prize. So here are my thoughts on the antepost market and a couple of overpriced dogs in the heats:

Borna Monty has just about assumed outright favouritism and it is without question that this dog likes the track and trip: he is on a six-timer tonight. He has yet to prove himself on a regular basis against top quality opposition (which is in abundance in this tournament) and he is now on the short-side of a price where it would be worth parting with one of my beloved doggie treats. Droopys Loner is an admirable bitch and it is hard to not like her; the Derby semi-finalist from last year will surely go close as she warmed up with an emphatic victory last week so she is feared, but not value for me. Farloe Barracuda is a rising star for the Draper’s impressive kennel and this is definitely a warm-up for the Derby for him. It is hard to see him not going deep in the Derby if he takes to Wimbledon as a sprinting type normally goes far (King Lee, Droopys Loner and of course Blonde Snapper) but he is unproven around Romford and he has shown he does not like certain tracks. The value in the assortment of favourites is to go with the proven dog over this Course and Distance: Ayamzaman.

Ayamzaman has failed to discover another track that is to his liking, perhaps because he doesn’t get the 462m at Yarmouth, or perhaps just because he may be a “one-track dog”. I, for one, liked every track (even Wimbledon in the end!) but for Ayamzaman he is definitely a dog who’s home form is far stronger than his away. In his quest to find another track he likes, his form looks scratchy, but he was the joint-most winning greyhound last year because of his ability at Romford and he can win perhaps the easiest of the heats tonight to lay down a serious marker: this is his territory.

Of the rest of the field, if Slick Santiago stays fit he is a very fast hound but he is more injury prone than that human Darren Anderton (showing my age there in retirement) and so cannot be trusted in an antepost market for me. Glanmire Lad has put in some very suspect performances this term and so if he brings his best to the sand then he will be a force, but he is plenty short enough considering the consistency of Loner, for instance. Cluxtons Free bolted up in the Monmore Puppy Derby but that was with a very favourable draw and the nature of Romford being a tighter track to that in Wolverhampton concerns me, as does his draw in 4 tonight.

So then we get down to the other recommendation for the loyal Lolly Faithful for this year’s competition. Loughteen Blanco is too big at a standout 16/1 as he has the early to turn at least second or third even if he meets some of the sprinting types. He is a hugely likeable dog and was subject to a terrible draw on Trainers Championship night so had little chance in that race after the chaos unfolded. He can be forgiven that as he doesn’t choose his box and whilst the red box is a concern tonight, he has a great draw to work from as Yahtzee will be moving out mid-to-wide, as will Santiago and Borna Monty: Blanco can move middle-to-rails and muscle his way round the inside. He is worth backing tonight at 4/1.

Lil Risky just does not seem the force of old when I used to battle it out with him (I say battle it out but there was only likely to be one winner), and whilst he can be forgiven for losing to a track-record from Barracuda last week, he is missing the break more than he did in his prime and he is suitably priced now. Dusseldorf is an all-or-nothing type and the ex-Irish raider has not shown enough of his “all” style to suggest he can be a player in a tournament on these shores. Nans Turbo and Sharons Return are stalwarts of the Essex track and are respected at bigger prices, although they lack the class of the top of the field by some way. Turbo can however capitalise on Cluxtons Free’s draw and claim his heat at a juicy 10/3.

So here are the recommendations:

Antepost:

20:18 – Loughteen Blanco – 1 piece of bread @ 4/1
20:34 – Nans Turbo – 1 dog bone @ 10/3

So there are a dog’s thoughts on the proceedings that begin in Essex tonight. As ever, please comment or tweet me if you have any thoughts and I’ll bark back at you like I’ve just seen a squirrel up a tree. Not many have come to Romford and beaten Ayamzaman and ayamza believer in him for this tournament.

Enjoy the racing,

Jimy

An intriguing renewal of the Trainers Championship awaits us tonight with the gamble on Charlie Lister gaining momentum throughout the week. It is not a forgone conclusion, however, for the Yarmouth specialist and anything can happen in this slightly revised format for this year; Nick Savva’s remarkable victory last year shows that it is possible for any of the trainers to have a good run and claim the title. It is a shame that Barrie Draper has been forced to effectively bring a reserve squad due to a congested racing schedule, but even though he is the most unlikely to take the honours, he should not be ruled out completely. Lister does have some plot draws for his high class ensemble of my colleagues, hence the gamble, and without further ado let’s look at the racing and find some value for the Lolly Faithful:

19:34 – Puppies

The first of Lister’s well-drawn dogs is arguably the best drawn dog on the card due to his running nature and we should see Golden Wonder in full flight tonight from his beloved rails. Glenpadden Post lost his way and fancied a table for one in the restaurant in a trial so will probably give him room and almost inevitably hinder the rails favouring Garryglass Rodge who has a terrible draw. Islas Scolari has pace but looks a natural for further and Cluxtons Free could be anything, but the Monmore Puppy Derby winner was probably flattered by his draw in the final of that competition, especially considering Golden’s not so wonderful sequence of draws in that very tournament. Lister can get off to a winning start here.

19:49 – Standard

This is poised to be a great race. Kowloon Conner has just about enough early to make the corner, probably with Hather George, but then it is questionable whether either will be able to hold Droopys Reason or Jaytee Hellcat. Preference is for the latter who is turning into a really likeable sort, as he showed by gamely staying on in the wake of Ballymac Eske’s ridiculous pace in the Juvenile; he can win tonight with a similar performance. Reason also faces a tough draw to get to the rails and may have to contend with Daddy Knowsbest, who seems to have forgotten the idea of the game. If Knowsbest turns up he will make odds of 14/1 this morning look very big but his brief hurdling career suggests connections are running out of options for him as his jumping left a lot to be desired. Who invented these hurdles for us to jump over anyway?

20:04 – Bitches

Bridge Ruth is beginning to show the form that made her into a heroine in Ireland and in this classy bitches race, it is still hard to oppose her. Express Flame has shown she has a great heart but needs to sort her trapping out (maybe I should give her some private tuition, there’s a thought) but she could be faced with Jaytee Jules moving across her today to deny Flame a run. It has taken time with Ruth but she seems to have settled from her dog lag or whatever it was, and is worth keeping on side from here on in.

20:19 – Stayers

The prices for this race perturb me. In a pretty similar fashion to how loud noises perturb me, these prices scream out at me at being off the mark. Fear Emoski put in a tremendous trial, without question, and looks like she is a natural for the distance but a maiden bitch can surely not be as short as she is in this highly competitive race. The bookmakers are slowly realising the state of play with Blonde Reagan now and quotes of 3/1 are about right for his unfortunately erratic performances these days, if he turns up he will beat anything over this distance but it is hard to justify backing him with confidence at just 3/1. Bubbly Swallow is still a bitch without a distance but will not need a second invitation and she looks big, although her draw is of concern. Yet one dog who is nowhere near the price he should be is Farloe Kyle. He should not be 12/1 in any race over this distance. Yes, he is a dog that arguably needs to lead. Yes, he is known for throwing in an absolute shocker. But if he gets on the bunny tonight which is a realistic possibility with Emoski not being a prolific trapper and Reagan missing the break almost religiously these days, Kyle could lead these. If he does he will not relinquish his lead easily and I for one, will have a doggie treat on the 12/1 with that lad called Brokes.

20:34 – Sprint

Another race tonight that is all about the draw. Farloe Barracuda is not known as the best traveller and he certainly will not enjoy his work in East Anglia tonight when he realises Lil Risky is on his inside. These two could cause chaos for each other. The fact that the red box for this trip is the worst statistically in the country (0 wins from the last 29 races) does not bode well for my arch nemesis and it is wise to go for another of these sprinters. I’ll quite happily take the 6/1 on the Scurry Cup winner in Drumna Ice. He has not run since December but he has ran well fresh before and is as fast as Risky and Barracuda in my eyes, and they are the eyes of a sprinter. He will have to outtrap Dreams of Glory who is a live outsider also, but he would prefer to be in 6 and seems to need just slightly further (like the 305m at Nottingham and perhaps the 400m at Romford would suit) as his trapping is not blistering. Drumna Ice can remind these dogs and people alike who he is tonight.

20:49 – Stayers

How far is this colleague of mine going to be clear after the first 4 bends? A question that seems to have been answered nationwide as ‘a very long way’ by him being backed like he can’t lose tonight. Farloe Tango only has to confirm Lister’s belief that “he will stay” and that will be that; if he does then what a prospect we have in this division after he goes for his very realistic chance of winning the English Derby. Questions of whether he will get distracted seem a bit harsh on him to me. He stopped at Coventry where he fell in a race there previously and so understandably, has not been round the track since and he looks as genuine as they come to me. This is a dog that overtook Ballymac Eske at Wimbledon over 4 bends. People that saw last week’s coverage will struggle to comprehend that. When looking at the competition that will arguably not be able to see the hare for a vast majority of this race, the ensemble is one of dogs and bitches that are questionable in their efforts when they don’t lead. Good luck to them doing that tonight.

21:04 – Dogs

Huge early in this race could set this up for a dog staying on at the end. Couple this with Loughteen Blanco not being entirely comfortable wide on the bends meaning that his early battle with Ayamzaman could end in trouble for both of them at the first bend, could make this race into a scrappy affair. Regular readers of my dog blog will know my thoughts on Alien Planet being overrated and whilst if he wins the Derby, I will have a considerable amount of egg on my face (which I will of course lick off with huge joy), he could set up the race for the finisher in the field, Teejays Bluehawk. He looks big to me at 8/1 in a potentially scrappy affair and whilst he is being kept at this distance for a Derby campaign (of which he could go very deep into with his style), he is destined for a longer trip and all of that stamina can lead to him swooping late to pinch this off these early-paced merchants. Ballycowen Dave has been dismissed in the market but he has a good draw and should be feared if he flies round the outside of any trouble. Bluehawk is better value to capitalise though for me.

21:19 – Standard

Those who have gambled Lister will be relying on this progressive dog to bring it home for them and it is hard to envisage the race panning out any other way. Lemon Pluto should lead the whole way here. Guinness Dusty lacks a touch of top quality class but has pace and knows the track so could be a danger if he skips clear, especially drawn against a bitch that might as well be 500/1 unfortunately. Bubbly Lucky has been impressive at Hove but looks a sort that needs a galloping track and not the tight turns of Yarmouth, and it is ard to see how the 4 dog could live with Pluto’s early if they break on terms.

So here are the recommendations:

Farloe Kyle – 1 piece of bread @ 12/1

Teejays Bluehawk – 1 chewstick @ 8/1

As ever, please comment or tweet me and I’ll gladly answer any questions on what I have barked here. I have a gut instinct (and it’s not because it’s near feeding time) that we are going to see something a bitch special from Farloe Tango tonight; hopefully not a dance halfway round the track if he gets bored.

Enjoy the racing,

Jimmy

A welcome return for my colleagues to the Sky cameras this evening as the Juvenile and the final of the Springbok are shown live with a quality supporting card. I used to love having the cameras turn up to see my wins, I always tried to give a nose to the camera before the race to please my adoring fans: the Lolly Faithful. The racing looks highly competitive tonight and with competition normally comes some great value and the Lolly Faithful should be benefiting from it by 9:30p.m. tonight! Here are my thought’s on the card:

19:34 – 273m

Not the highest quality of sprints to get us going but there is definitely value in a dog to rediscover his old form, which would beat these. He once went off at 33/1 when he lost to me round Wimbledon but I’m pretty sure most dogs were priced at that when they raced against me so that should not be of concern tonight; the value is the well-drawn King Scotty to sweep round the outside and take this. Comeragh King is no doubt fast-up and with a clear run will be hard to beat but he is drawn next to the equally pacey Murlens Crash and so for me, these two could get in each other’s way and set it up for Scotty to take the debut race for the new coverage.

19:49 – 480m

A quality field of bitches here and believe me, I like a quality field of bitches. The concern for the favourite, Bridge Ruth, is she did not run Wimbledon well at all in the Oaks and looks like she prefers a galloping track: she is worth taking on at her price. Cases could be made for them all here really, but the value if I had to pick one would be for Jaytee Cuba who is showing signs of returning to form having ran well at the Spring Festival at Monmore. Hopefully tonight she will show why the Lolly Faithful backed her antepost for the Oaks last year, albeit ill-fatedly.

20:04 – 894m

This is a true marathon distance around Wimbledon and the danger of Buglys Billie turning anywhere close to a menacing position on the first circuit is a huge concern; she is a truly admirable bitch and seems to have forgotten her owners are retiring her when she comes into season. The best value on the card tonight though is in this race in the form of another bitch as it is hard to envisage how she does not lead by a long way after 6 bends and she definitely gets this stern trip. Backing Aero Rebel with some doggie treats will lead to us dining in style tonight. The 5/2 has gone as I fell asleep on the sofa this morning and missed it, but the 9/4 is still far too big for this in-form bitch. She sometimes does not take to a track well but she is proven around Wimbledon and that is good enough for me.

20:19 – 480mH

The Springbok Final is sadly lacking in the Lolly Faithful’s antepost selection, Droopys Lorenzo, but this is a decent ensemble of my colleagues this year and there are many ways the race can pan out. Druids Abouttime looks a big price given he is drawn next to two tardy starters but that also plays into the hands of Lenson Johnny, who can go some way to fulfilling his potential over the hurdles if he is to skip clear around the first bend today. Westmead Meteor has jumped well but my thoughts have not changed from what I barked in my antepost write-up for this competition (http://is.gd/eYSbu3) when I suggested he “jumps well but this is a dog who could not win an A1 at Hall Green; it is hard to envisage him competing no matter how well he goes over the sticks”. He could go on to prove me wrong and he was clearly value when he was backed pretty heavily antepost, but that value has now gone and he is plenty short enough, certainly considering that he may make a mistake over a hurdle as he has only been jumping for 5 weeks! Johnny can let his experience tell here.

20:34 – 273m

The quality for this sprint is better and yet there is a dog who is being underrated as a potential sprinting star of the future. He is worth backing today to out-trap my old nemesis Lil Risky as he did at Monmore in the Winter Festival over 416m: the value is with the lid-pinging Andlyns Asabat. Kim Billingham’s dog has put in a decent trial at Wimbledon and is one of the most reliable trappers I have seen over the past year; he will no doubt miss the break tonight as my colleagues can be pesky but he is value to beat Risky as he was in front of him for at least 273m at Monmore in December. Aero Joseph (ex-Millridge Blue) is useful without being spectacular and the same can apply for the dog on his immediate inside, Guinness Smokie, with those two likely to cause each other more problems than the judge at the winning line.

20:49 – 480m

It’s pretty obvious that whichever of my colleagues wins this race will be shortened for the Derby in May, which is a testament to the quality of this line-up. If Bubbly Phoenix was in his beloved stripes, then he would be well worthy of some of my doggie treats but those with a better memory than a dog’s (I had to watch the race again) will remember how he missed the break terribly from 5 in the Derby Semi-Final in May. If he comes away I think he has more overall pace than Loughteen Blanco but it is worth siding with Blanco on this occasion with the potential of Phoenix missing the break again too risky to go with him. Jolly Bullseye is no doubt pacey and is flying around Plough Lane, but has class questions to answer if Blanco leads him up.

21:04 – 687m

Well, Blonde Reagan has been throwing form students some curve balls recently and whilst he returns to his happiest of hunting grounds here (and hunting rabbits is what we are best at!), he cannot be trusted to rediscover his trapping boots at such a short price. He has created value in the market without question. That value for me comes in the form of Droopys Xavier who is developing into a classy sort, especially on the bunny, and he has the best of the draw to work on with Swift Signal and Bubbly Swallow both looking awkward from their berths. Xavier chased home Reagan twice in the St. Leger but not by a ridiculous distance and if he gets first run today, he is value to get one over the Stayer of the Year.

21:19 – 480m

If I had a hat, and believe me I would if my ears didn’t prick when I get excited and it falls off, I would be saying “hold onto your hats” in this race. This Juvenile is going to be a belter, almost regardless of the outcome. The least likely eventuality is Teejays Bluehawk swooping late but it is hard to envisage unless there is ridiculous trouble in front, and these two year olds are too classy to all get involved in a completely chaotic race. Alien Planet is not exactly ideally drawn in the red box and whilst Lister might find a yard or two more pace out of him, he was, and remains overrated in my eyes. Jaytee Hellcat has been flying around Wimbledon and arguably has the best draw considering Lenson Champ is looking outclassed realistically; Hellcat could set a serious bar for the others to aim at. Ballymac Eske is arguably the fastest dog in England when he has a solo but his performances around Wimbledon must be a concern to his backers and he may show why he is no value at all for the Derby at his current price; it goes without saying if he gets a clear run he will go at least close. The value, and surprisingly not favourite when all considered, is Farloe Warhawk who’s draw is not of as much concern as some circles are making out as Eske does not have his early and Hellcat will likely hold his position. Warhawk has shown his class on the bunny, from off-the-pace and generally his desire to win being one that should seriously worry my colleagues this evening. If he leads, which is very realistic, it will be all over bar me barking from my sofa.

So there are a dog’s thoughts on the proceedings. It should be a quality night’s entertainment to show that there is a place for dog racing on Sky and that the decision to promote basketball instead is ludicrous. Maybe my colleagues for the Springbok would be most suited to a career change to the NBA but tonight, they will show why greyhound racing is a much better sport to watch. If you haven’t already, get your doggie treats on Aero Rebel, I don’t lose them lightly I promise.

Enjoy the racing,

Jimmy