Post by Deleted on Jun 14, 2013 15:15:40 GMT
Unmissable RP trainer columns Fridays in June
BY RACING POST
Every Friday through the William Hill Derby trainers Charlie Lister and Mark Wallis give their views. Below is an excerpt from Charlie's latest Friday column.
IT’S a good Derby this year, but I don’t agree there are any number of dogs who can win it. I’d say there are just half a dozen with realistic chances and, as far as my three are concerned, I’ve just got to hope they keep qualifying. You can never tell what is going to happen in finals.
The three I like best are Tyrur Sugar Ray, Ballymac Vic and Farloe Warhawk. Tyrur Sugar Ray, who is staying with us, has got tremendous pace. He’s a very strong-running dog, and will be difficult to knock out. He’s top-class, no doubt about that.
Barrie [Draper] has two good chances with Ballymac Eske and Farloe Warhawk, but if I had to pick one as the more likely to win a Derby then it would be Farloe Warhawk. I was impressed with him last week. His early pace is well suited to Wimbledon, and he seems back to his best.
Ballymac Vic has also taken the eye. If he keeps coming away then he’s going to be a difficult dog to beat. I like the way he races. He makes it appear so effortless.
My three are all in good form, and have definite chances of progressing. Farloe Tango (8.04) has obviously been helped by the withdrawal of Knockglass Billy, who was drawn alongside him in heat three.
I thought Farloe Tango ran well last week. He was in front of Ballymac Eske at the drop, which didn’t surprise me at all. Don’t forget, he beat Ballymac Eske at Hove as a pup, and has changed his style of running since.
I’ve always liked Farloe Tango. He’s a stayer, and the way he powered past good dogs in the second round was great to see. Along with Fear Emoski, who won the Regency at Hove for us last month, he’ll give us strong claims in the St Leger later in the year.
As long as he doesn’t get too far behind on Saturday, Farloe Tango must have a good chance of qualifying, and the format of the competition will now favour his running style.
I always think the three quick runs over the next week suits the stronger type. The early-paced runners can get tired, particularly when the semi-finals come around. I remember Ningbo Jack, who was a fine sprinter, going particularly well until the last couple of rounds when his exertions began to tell.
Sidaz Jack (8.19) is in good form too. He’s a lovely dog to handle, and is put together well. In fact, everything about him is good. Trap one is no problem, and the dog on his outside [Fermoy Henry] moves off, so he should get a run to the bend. I do see definite similarities between him and my last Derby winner Taylors Sky, who came into it very inexperienced and just got better and better as the competition went on.
Hather George (8.34) continues to be unlucky with trap draws. He’s got six again, which isn’t ideal for a middle runner who ideally wants to be in three. He’s a good, genuine dog, who always gives you 120 per cent. One thing you can be sure about – Hather George won’t give in.
Full Charlie Lister column, also the views of champion trainer in today's Racing Post, plus all you need for RPGTV tonight
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Derby third round Saturday on Sky Sports
BY RACING POST
SATURDAY's William Hill Derby third round heat action switches from RPGTV, which hosted the opening nights, to Sky Sports 4.
It can also be viewed in all betting shops as part of the SIS service, plus can be followed on 24dogs.com, which involves betting £5 through the tote betting site, for which you then receive a refund.
RPGTV will show highlights of the eight heats in Sunday night's broadcast, which starts at 6.15pm.
Do try out Greyhound Bet, our free app. Great fun is the race predictor, based on most current form, plus use the stats service to drill into a wider than normal range of performance pointers. It finds you more winners and avoids perennial losers.
