St Leger Final @ Wimbledon

Tonight's greyhounds on Sky come from Wimbledon where the St Leger Final is the main focus of the evening. Again, I should have had this up a few days in advance so that someone might read it before the card begins, but never mind.

My selections contain a large amount of speculation but the reward could be huge and in the Final I've went with T5 Fraziers Clone @ a tasty 10/1. IMO this should be about 5/1 at worst so a bit of value in backing it. It has ran 41:18 and 41:13 in it's last 2 races and the only dogs to have run faster are the ones in T4 and T6. Fraziers Clone should get first run on these out wide as it has better early. I certainly don't like the fav in T3 at a stupid price.

Keeping this brief, but I really like T1 Jolly Poacher in the 9:10 @ 4/1. Has incredible early and has form over most of these at Oxford. Last time out at Wimbledon it looked like it didn't break well but that can be excused due to it being the dog's first look.

I like T3 Forest May in the Sky opener as I think it can deny the jolly a run to the corner and win at a price. And Eye onthe Storm should be a banker in the 9:25.

7:40 - T3 Forest May 7/1
8:00 - T4 Pine Isle 5/2
8:15 - T6 Barnfield Chubby 5/2
8:35 - T3 Grayslands Tiger 10/1 - should lead, shouldn't hold on but 10/1
8:50 - T1 Gas Hawk 6/1
9:10 - T1 Jolly Poacher 4/1
9:25 - T1 Eye onthe Storm 13/8
9:45 - T5 Fraziers Clone 10/1

I've got some other stuff to blether about but I'll do that later in the week.

GL,
Scott

Sunderland Dogs

I'll keep this relatively short as no one is likely to read it before the races. It's the Northern Puppy Derby Final night at Sunderland with the spectacle race running at 9:45. It's all live on Sky Sports Xtra from 7:30.

Most opinions narrow the final down to the two inside traps and they are priced 7/4 and 15/8, but I'm taking a chance on the 5 dog, Killieford Fire, at 6/1 with Skybet. It should have the best of the early on the outer and looks set for a solo. In the first round of the competition it ran 26:85 with a clear run and neither of the favourites have ran quite that fast. I think T5 is the value in this final.

I wouldn't even be betting this week if I didn't get a winning double on last week's Sky dogs. Bower Surfer was part of that double and looked a beast of a dog. I'm happy to back it again in the 9:25 and I think it has the beating of the favourite, Raving Black. The only negative is that it is it's first look at the track but that is the case for most in this race. It's currently available at 7/2.

Borderknockabout is an A1 dog at Sunderland but I think it has a great shout against these open racers in the 8:50. It has the excellent early to lead these out wide and in it's last outing it broke 27secs round here. It's 5/1 in most places, get on.

My last bet is Sniper Petra (T3) in the 8:35. It's the fastest dog in the race and as long as it can avoid T2 early on it should be oioioi @ 9/4.

GL,

Scott

November 9th - Scoop Troop meet up?

Alright folks?

As you may or may not know, November 5th is my birthday and I've got a week off just after it, so that I can come up to Dundee and enjoy my missus and some old mates. As you lot are more elusive than Jack The Ripper, I decided the only way I'd get to enjoy some of you was if there was some sort of event on, where I can catch you all at the same time. DUPS is a no-go for me that week, as I'm nipping over to Glasgow on the Tuesday to see Eddie Izzard with Laura, so I had a look at what race meetings are on in Scotland that week. Sadly, there are none.

Carlisle however, is ony a couple of hours on the train and there is a seven race National Hunt meeting, kicking off at 12.50 on Monday November 9th. With it being considerably further south than the likes of Kelso or Perth, it offers the opportunity for Tim to join the fun, should he so desire. The journey from York to Carlisle is comparable in terms of time, to that of Dundee to Carlisle. I realise this is all unlikely to happen anyway, because you poofters have no sense of adventure, but I'm throwing it out there for you to consider.

If you booked it now, you could arrange transport there and back for a shade over £30, with a combination of train and Megabus. That's Dundee to Carlisle and back, for Tim and Will I'm not sure what transport costs would be like. For parties of six or more you can get a few quid off your entry tickets to the course, but even without that, they're only £12 for the Grandstand anyway, meaning your costs would be around £40 - £45. A winning bet of £5 at 9/1 in the opener and you've only food and drink to worry about anyway...

Consider it please, chaps. Let me know soon-ish so we can crack on sorting it out. If this is a total no go, it'd be grand if someone could come up with something similar. Perhaps dogs or something Scott? I'm in Dundee from Saturday night (7th) until Tuesday afternoon (17th). The only night I'm busy so far is Tuesday 10th.

In other news, Sea The Stars is a machine.

Take it easy fellas.

Yo

I haven't played poker online in a while, maybe 2 months.

Boo. I wish I was good!

Swansea vs Sheffield United

As you're probably all aware, I hate backing draws as I believe they're a poor long term bet, but I can't see any other result from United's trip to Wales today. I had a brief look at a few angles, including laying both sides, but I don't think laying either side represents any value.

There's no real head-to-head form with these teams. We drew in Swansea last time after playing terribly, with Morgan bailing us out at the death with a deft flick over the 'keeper that any striker would be pleased with and the Bramall Lane encounter was a better performance, though it was still tight; United winning 1-0 courtesy of a spot-kick. Prior to that, you're looking at league cup games and league matches from 25 years ago.

United had a hard match last time out, with the Steel City Derby as intense as ever and despite playing well enough to find themselves 3-0 up at half time, they sat back, invited Wednesday on and let them get back into the match, ensuring a frenetic and draining finish to the match.

Montgomery and Morgan, both absolutely crucial to United's campaign face late fitness tests and Kilgallon may still not be fully fit after his chest infection, which potentially leaves us with only on loan Andy Davies and just signed Jon Fortune as centre halves. It is this potential for disorder at the back which I believe will be our downfall today, as we discovered against Coventry the other week. With Kilgallon out, we had a defensive re-shuffle and despite scoring twice, stupid errors meant we shipped three goals for the first time in years and lost the game. I can see Swansea scoring from a set piece, coming about through our lack of organisation, rather than any brilliance on their part.

I can see us struggling for goals today. That may seem daft, as our record compares favourably with those in the division, but you simply have to factor in the opposition. Three against Wednesday included an own goal and a deflection off Henderson, Coventry are no great shakes and were comically bad defensively and a single goal saw off Derby, when we ought to have scored four. Jamie Ward's hamstring went in the Derby, so he'll be out for a few weeks and he's the only player who's looked like scoring of late. Based on this, I can't see us scoring more than one today.

Swansea's home record so far this term reads played four, drawn three. United have an excellent record on the road, one of the best in the league and I don't think we'll lose this game, I just question whether we've got the firepower to win it. I can see us scoring, missing countless chances and then allowing Swansea in, with Blackwell happy to take a point in what will be a tough encounter.

So although it's unlike me, I will be punting on the draw. Just a small stakes interest bet at a price that looks okay. 2.4 on Betfair and 9/4 with Coral are the best prices available. 1-1 (correct score) is only 6/1 on the exchanges, which seems a little stingy, so I can't really recommend it as it's no value, even though I reckon that will be the scoreline.

Swansea City vs Sheffield United
Draw
1 pt @ 2.4 (Betfair)

UFC 103

UFC 103 is on ESPN tomorrow morning (3am I think) and I'll be setting my alarm for this. Had a few bets, nothing major.

None of Drew McFedries' last 9 fights have seen the 2nd round and I think tonight will be the same with McFedries winning. However, I can't find a round betting market for this fight so I'll just need to stick with the even money on offer at bet365.

Mirko Cro Cop is back in action tonight and the Pride veteran has some devastating striking and I'll be backing him to knock Dos Santos out in the 1st round with Paddy Power @ 5/1.

My final bet comes in the shape of Brit Paul Daley who is making his first appearance in the UFC and Affliction went busto. His fight with Kampmann could be a war and is an early contender for fight of the night. Daley is great value at 31/1o with Boyles.

Drew McFedries v. Tomas Drwal
Evens (bet365)

Mirko Cro Cop v. Junior Dos Santos
1st Round Victory
5/1
Paddy Power

Paul Daley v. Martin Kampmann
31/10
Boylesports

GL all,

Scott

WIZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARDS!

FUCK OFF YOU WEDNESDAY BASTARDS! HOW DO YOU LIKE THAT, YOU FUCKING PORCINE CUNTS? COME ON YOU RED AND WHITE WIZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARDS!

One Time Please

St Leger Preview

I haven't done a huge analysis of the race, but I have written a piece for some old work mates from my Texperts days, which can be viewed here. Well, it can't just yet as it has to be reviewed, but it'll probably be there Wednesday morning.

They've recently launched a new SMS based question answering service called Quext and their blog is still quite empty. If it's anything like Texperts, it'll be far better than the 118 people or AQA, but I haven't actually used it yet so I can't really comment. 82085 if you're interested, quid a chuck.

Weekend Football

The big game of the weekend in the EPL is of course the Man Utd - Arsenal clash at Old Trafford; with the bookies tending to slightly favour the home team over the free scoring Gunners. One to avoid for accumulator types, but tempting in a single / small stakes double is the draw, which is available for 11/5 with William Hills. Last season Arsenal took 4 points from the Champions, and I can see a share of the spoils being the result after 90 minutes tomorrow. If I was to stick my neck on the line I would predict a 1-1 scoreline. How contentious would an Eduardo penalty be to seal that one ?!

After giving the football betting a miss last Saturday after suffering from the usual "One result always lets you down" syndrom the week before. (Two trebles and a four-fold, all let down by my bankers; of course Villa at home to Wigan being one of them). I will however be enjoying a small tickler on the following tomorrow. Prices quoted are with William Hill. Short odds most of them, I realise; but I could really do with some points on the board rather than be too greedy !


Bolton - LIVERPOOL (8/15)
NEWCASTLE - Leicester (4/6)
BRADFORD - Torquay (EVS)


ABERDEEN - Motherwell (4/5)
Bristol City - MIDDLESBROUGH (13/10)
Colchester Utd - LEEDS (6/5)


Man Utd - Arsenal Draw (11/5)


Thanks for reading, and good luck all !
Mountain Man

Terrible Night

Britania Flyer (advised @ 33/1) came 2nd in the Brighton Belle tonight. It led as expected but got picked off and lost by a length or so. Still a great run for our money in a 4 round competition.

Plus, a pretty torrid night on the Sky dogs with only one or two short priced winners. In the feature race, the selection Farloe Reason came 2nd with Windy Millar winning. Minor result in that I narrowed it down to those two and knew the favourites would struggle. Right read, wrong result.

Betfred Select Stakes @ Nottingham

The Betfred Select Stakes is one of the highlights of the greyhound racing year where six dogs are invited by the Greyhound Writers Association to run a one off race. The Stakes has been ran since 1952 and tonight's renewal at Nottingham, live on Sky Sports, looks to be a cracker. We have two Derby finalists in Fear Zafonic and Farloe Reason, as well as flying youngster Bandicoot Tipoki. The impressive Windy Millar, Cabra Boss and Crown Rover make up the six.

Bandicoot Tipoki (11/4) comes from trap 1 and has been flying recently winning 5 of his last 7 starts, including winning the Steel Cup at Sheffield. However, my worry has to be at the start with Tipoki as he has missed his last few breaks aswell as encountering trouble at the first. Granted he has still went on to win but this is a step up in class and he can't afford to give many of these a length or two at the start. Look out for Tipoki's pace between the first and second bend, very impressive.

Fear Zafonic (5/2), in trap 2, was the Derby favourite throughout but was caught on the line by Kinda Ready in the final. FZ much prefers trap 1 which was shown throughout his Derby campaign and he really struggles to dominate races from trap 2. This coupled with the fact that FZ has only had 4 solo races since May cast major doubts over his claims in my opinion.

Farloe Reason and Windy Millar come from T4 and T5 respectively and it is from these two that I see the winner coming. Readers of this blog, all 3 of you, will remember I tipped Farloe Reason for the Derby and he gave us a great run at 33/1 where he made the final to secure the e/w money. I can see Farloe Reason just getting the best of the early in this battle and I see him holding off Millar at the corner and once he gets in front he is very hard to pass. Farloe and Millar have both carded 30:05 over this trip in recent trials which is faster than both the favourites.

Crown Rover in trap 3 usually prefers a slightly longer trip and should be outpaced early whilst Cabra Boss in 6 is a good dog but has been carding times a good 4 lengths slower than the selection recently and I can't see him finding that tonight.

The rest of the card looks likely to be very enjoyable tonight with a sprinkling of class dogs. Gabba Gabba Hey, who I've tipped unsuccessfully in recent weeks, runs again and I'm giving him another chance as I think he is a classy type who likes to go past dogs on the longer trips. I seem to have picked alot of dogs from T6 so it may be an idea to look at the trap challenge but not sure we'll get a great price. I think I've found a piece of stonking value in the 9:10 race where Swift Blade can be backed at a massive 33/1. This is due to the excellent Wise Thought running but Swift Blade is a strong running type who finishes very strongly and is worth an e/w punt. He's 10/1 on Betfair without the favourite.

Here is my selections for every race live on Sky, with the best price currently available....

7:40 - T6 Droopys Taffy @ 7/4 Betfred
8:00 - T6 Mario Gomez @ 4/5 Betfred
8:15 - T6 Ten Large Down @ 9/4 Various
8:35 - T6 Gabba Gabba Hey @ 9/4 Various
8:50 - T4 Magna Flintoff @ 2/1 SkyBet
9:10 - T4 Swift Blade @ 33/1 SkyBet
9:25 - T3 Midway Skipper @ Evens Betfred
9:45 - T4 Farloe Reason @ 4/1 Various

GL all,

Scott

Coral Brighton Belle - Britania Flyer

http://thescooptroop.blogspot.com/2009/08/coral-brighton-belle-hove.html

Britania Flyer (advised @ 33/1) made it through to the final of the Brighton Belle at the weekend after finishing 2nd in its semi-final. The final is on Thursday where the live greyhounds are from Nottingham but hopefully they show this race too. Looks like it is going to be about a 7/1 shot in the final but I'll be hopeful it can lead and stay. All will be clearer when we see the draw but according to Oddschecker there are only 5 dogs remaining so something must have pulled out so this could have an effect on things.

Off work all this week but bills are crippling me so pretty skint therefore gambling will probably be kept to a minimum.

Scott

Nunthorpe Preview

I couldn’t let York’s Ebor Festival pass without writing something, so I’ve decided to preview the feature race of the final day, the Group 1 Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes. This looks a decent renewal, with three previous winners of the race lining up alongside the highly thought of winner of the Norfolk Stakes, Radiohead (above). The race is one of few opportunities for the two year olds to take on their older counterparts and it is Brian Meehan’s chestnut colt representing the young guns tomorrow, in a field of seventeen.

Taking my usual trend based approach, the first thing I notice is that Group form seems important, with eight of the last ten Nunthorpe winners having won a Group race, the other two having finished runner up. Mythical Border and Excellerator can be ruled out using this trend.

I should point out that I’ve excluded last year’s race for “last ten winners” purposes, as it was switched to Newmarket due to the flooding at York.

The age range of the last ten winners varies from two to nine years old, but Bahamian Pirate, the nine year old who took the Nunthorpe in 2004, is the only winner of the race older than six since the race was moved to York in 1980 and it could be argued that 2004 was a weak renewal anyway. There have only been a couple of winners in that same time period aged two and a couple more aged six. One of the six year olds was Borderlescott at Newmarket last year, which we are excluding anyway. So of the renewals run at York, 86% of winners were aged three to five, allowing us to chalk off Reverence, Tax Free, Benbaun, Borderlescott (above), Dandy Man, Mythical Flight, Moorhouse Lad and Radiohead.

Current form is also important, as half of the last ten Nunthorpe winners won their previous race, with a further three making the frame last time out. Using this trend, we can eliminate Equiano, Amour Propre, Look Busy, Ialysos and Art Connoisseur, leaving us with just two – Kingsgate Native and Captain Gerrard.

If I had to pick just one of these two, I would plump for Kingsgate Native (right). Admittedly it’s the favourite (best price 11/4, William Hill) and that might seem a little cowardly, but half of the last ten winners of the race have been favourites, with a further three coming from the front three of the market. The other two were priced 12/1 and 16/1 so it’s clearly not a race for shocks, which counts against 40/1 (Totesport) Captain Gerrard, but the other factor is the draw, as stalls 1-8 have provided seven of the last ten winners and the jolly is drawn in seven, whilst CG will break from 14.

However, I don’t have to pick just one. Quite a few times now I’ve written previews for the blog and whittled it down to two, before choosing the wrong one, much to my embarrassment. Captain Gerrard was only beaten a length last time out by Borderlescott, who won this race last year (admittedly at Newmarket) and has won over course and distance. 40/1 does seem to be too big, so tomorrow I’m going to back Kingsgate Native AND have an e/w saver on Captain Gerrard.

Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes
Thursday 21st August, 15:25
Kingsgate Native
3 pts win (11/4 William Hill)
Captain Gerrard
0.5 pts e/w (40/1 Totesport)

As you may be aware, I went to the first day of the festival with the missus and we had a good day out. As we had been in York for a few days before that, I'd not looked at any form whatsoever, so all stakes were kept to a minimum and we only had the one winner between us, when I backed Elusive Pimpernel at 4/1. Laura had a near miss with Hamish McGonagall, which she had backed each way at 6/1, but sadly there were no repeats of her 16/1 winner on her only previous race meeting. It wasn't about that though, I was there to watch Sea The Stars (we didn't bet in that race, obviously) who really is impressive and broke the course record in winning the Juddmonte International. Monster.

Nice to see the North beating the South in the football match that was organised in aid of the Injured Jockey's Fund. Dettori went from hero to villain, after opening the scoring for the South, but later missing what would have been the winning penalty in the shootout, as the North won 4-3 on penalties (3-3 in normal time). Great banter.

I do like York. I've been four times now and it's easily my favourite racecourse of the ten or so I've attended.

Apologies to Scott, who posted about an hour ago. Don't overlook his greyhounds post below this one.

Dom

Thursday innit

The greyhounds on Sky Sports switch from their more regular Tuesday for the Totesport Gold Collar Final at Belle Vue. It looks like a decent night's racing and I had a chance to read the RP on the trip back from Aberdeen today where I've been working. Not convinced I like Aberdeen too much and won't be rushing back after I finish there tomorrow.

Onto the racing, the final itself at 9:45 is a cracking race and picking the winner isn't easy despite a hot favourite in Crown Rover (2/1). Crown Rover comes from T2 and isn't guaranteed the best of it in the opening exchanges on the inside. There isn't much in it on the clock so if he faces trouble then he can easily be beaten. I'm going to take a chance on the sole wide seed coming from T6, Franks Lad. Franks Lad carded the fastest time of the competition in the semi finals and if quick away can win this. It surprises me that 5/1 is widely available so I'll be having a bit.

My NAP for this evening's card comes in the 9:10 679m race. Hillcross Legend comes from T5 and posted a fast time in a solo trial last week. That time is a good few lengths better than anything else in this in my opinion and with T4 and T6 not known for their trapping abilities we may see a nice clear run for Hillcross Legend. The 4/1 being offered should be enjoyed.

In the 9:25 Senga(T4) is currently 12/1 in a few places and I've got to have a bit of this because I believe it could win if it pings.

I've a few other fancies for Belle Vue and I also had a look at the Hove card and will be backing a good few for interest and hope to make a decent profit.

Belle Vue

8:35 - T1 Highview Rocket @ 5/1 Paddy Power - WON
9:10 - T5 Hillcross Legend @ 4/1 Ladbrokes - 4th
9:25 - T4 Senga @ 12/1 Stan James - 5th
9:45 - T6 Franks Lad @ 5/1 Ladbrokes - 4th

Hove with predicted prices

7:46 - T1 Move Closer @ 5/1 - WON @ 6/1 oi oi, some start
8:18 - T5 Greenacre Josh @ 2/1 - 5th
9:24 - T1 Mineola Alex @ 11/4 - 6th
9:41 - T5 Pacific Number @ 6/1 - 2nd
9:57 - T2 Linwood Whisper @ 6/4 - WON @ Evens
10:13 - T4 Festival Bound @ 6/4 - WON @ Evens
10:30 - T4 Sparklee Charlie @ 6/4 - 4th

GL all

Scott

Quick Dog Update

I've got Archaton Pine (125/1) left in the Irish Derby which I'm fairly happy with. It has pretty decent early and gets the trip. It won its 2nd round heat during the week so I'll be looking for it to go well in the 3rd round which is this week some time. Archaton Pine can't compete with the market leaders on the clock but with good draws and clear runs anything can happen. I had Wise Thought in this too but incredibly he was knocked out in a race where half a length covered the first 4 dogs and he carded a time that would have won most heats so that was a pretty much a bad beat.

Yesterday I tipped up Britania Flyer (33/1) for the Brighton Belle and I'm very happy with this bet as she won her heat in decent style to move into the semi-finals. Not entirely sure when the semis are but I'd be pretty confident she can make the final and then give me a good run for my money.

Planning on looking over all my selections in this blog and producing some records as I'm contemplating making up a staking plan which would allow me to increase stakes and dedicate more time to studying. I'm sure such records would show decent profits.

Scott

Coral Brighton Belle @ Hove

This greyhound competition starts this afternoon and I have a small fancy. Although no one is likely to see this to get on in time it's good for me to record my bets.

I can never say no to an early paced dog and Britania Flyer has the best early in the entire competition. She has the early pace to grab a length lead over most in this and with a clear run she can run decent times. She's carded 30.04 around Hove recently which is quite decent. Not much in the competition can run sub-30secs so all things shape well for Britania Flyer. Special Liberty is the jolly in this competition and she flew round in 29.68 a few runs back but has proved to be expensive to back since for me - looks like she needs to lead to run. Britania Flyer is available at 33/1 with Stan James, but is as short as 12/1 in other places.

I've also had a nibble on Wintons Rubi @ 50/1 which is also with Stan James.

Oh, and sorry for posting the world's worst football selections yesterday, lol.

gogogogo

Football, Football, Football

The top leagues in both Scotland and England kick off today after a break of nearly 3 months. Too long imo! My amateur season is also meant to start this afternoon but I've been hammered with a 4 match ban, furious!

I've had a ridiculous league winners combo bet: on Man Utd @ 11/4; WBA @ 6/1; Dundee @ 5/4; Rangers (Scottish Cup) @ 15/8; and Hibs (without big 2) @ 7/1. I'll be ridiculously rich if they all pull it off!

Onto today's action and I've started the season off with a number of selections which give us a decent amount of value. Hamilton visit Kilmarnock today and I have a feeling Kilmarnock will struggle this season. Hamilton performed well above expectation last season and despite losing star man, McCarthy, they will be looking to push on this season. They've strengthened a bit whereas Kilmarnock haven't spent a penny. I think Hamilton could be a stonking bet @ 16/5 with William Hill.

In the English Premiership, there is no way Blackburn are 14/5 (SkyBet) shots against Man City today and I'll be investing accordingly. Man City have a great squad now but I see them getting off to a slow start. Wolves also interest me at home to West Ham @ 17/10 with WH.

My other bet for today will be on Dundee away to Raith Rovers - Dundee are clear favourites for the 1st Division and should have far too much for recently promoted Rovers.

Kilmarnock v. Hamilton 16/5 WH
Blackburn v. Man City 14/5 SkyBet
Wolves v. West Ham 17/10 WH
Raith Rovers v. Dundee Evens Coral

GL all

Scott

Wimbledon Dogs on Sky Sports Tonight

It is Puppy Derby Final night at Wimbledon and once again we are treated to live greyhound racing on Sky Sports. There simply isn't enough greyhound action on TV in my opinion. I have just given the card a look over and will be backing something in every race for interest. I've picked out a bit of value so all it takes is for one or two winners to guarantee profit.

In the Puppy Derby Final itself (9:45), Deanridge Rage leads the market and is as short as 6/4 in places but I can see it losing to Blood of Kings from T3. It has a length to find on the favourite but it should have the best of the early to gain an unassailable advantage over the rest. The 4/1 available with Boyles is value, I've got it a 5/2 shot.

I think my bet of the night comes in the 8:35 in the shape of Useful Asset from T5 @ 13/2 with Stan James. Brimardon Star is a fast dog, as shown by a track record at Sittingbourne last time out where it showed uncharacteristic early, but it often gives itself too much to do and 5/4 is far far too skinny. I see T5 and T1 (7/1) in the frame for this one.

Other bets I like are Exciting Ant (T6) @ 13/2 with Skybet for the opening race at 7:40 as well as T5 Monis Pet in the 8pm which can be backed at 4/1 with Stan James.

Here is what I'm backing tonight with the current best prices, good luck to anyone else who backs anything tonight...

7:40 - T6 Exciting Ant @ 13/2 (Skybet) - 4th
8:00 - T5 Monis Pet @ 4/1 (Stan James) - 1st @ 5/2
8:15 - T1 Shell to Sea @ 8/1 (Various) - 4th
8:35 - T5 Useful Asset @ 13/2 (Stan James) - 3rd (early trouble, great finish, vul)
8:50 - T6 Cranham Star @ 7/1 (Ladbrokes) - 1st @ 6/1
9:10 - T5 Bomber Bailey @ 11/4 (Stan James) - KO'd
9:25 - T4 Ardbeg Kate @ 3/1 (Will Hill) - 1st @ 2/1
9:45 - T3 Blood of Kings @ 4/1 (Boyles) - 2nd

Irish Greyhound Derby, plus Sky Dogs Tonight

I'm sorry to bump Dom's excellent piece on this year's Coca-Cola Championship from the top but there is some decent greyhound action to talk about with the Steel City Cup final from Sheffield on Sky Sports at 9:45 tonight whilst the Irish Greyhound Derby starts tomorrow at Shelbourne.

The Irish version of the Derby is run over 550y which equates to a little over 500m meaning it is a slightly longer race than the English version. It's a finalist in the English Derby that I've turned to with my money. Wise Thought made the final in great fashion but couldn't succeed in the final. He's looked good in July when racing at Shelbourne with decent early sectionals and a fast 29.61 last time out. It's a bit short at 16/1 but as usual I think I've found some really good value in this competition. Archaton Pine is available at 125/1 with Stan James and if you fancy it on the nose you can have some of the 160 available on Betfair. The dog is a bit inconsistent but can be very fast out the traps and has the ability to post low times. It's the best value I can find and I'm sure it can go well in this competition. I've also had a nibble on Greenwell River @ 100/1 and Tyrur Bomber @ 100/1. Can get bigger for both on Betfair.

Onto tonight's greyhound action on Sky from Sheffield and I said last week in the comments box that I'd be looking to back Gabba Gabba Hey again and I get the chance tonight in the 8:35 race. Last week it just failed to get up when losing by a head but it'll come on for that run and this race is slightly longer so I think the 5/1 quoted is an excellent price. Get involved. I'm also going to back Magna Flintoff in the showpiece race at 9:45 because although Bandicoot Tipoki is a great dog it is too short at evens and Magna Flintoff can ping out and make all.

Selections:

Irish Greyhound Derby

Wise Thought @ 16/1 (Various)
Greenwell River @ 100/1 (Various)
Tyrur Bomber @ 100/1 (Various)
Archaton Pine @ 125/1 (Stan James)

8:35 Sheffield 04/08/09

T3 Gabba Gabba Hey @ 5/1 (Ladbrokes)

9:45 Sheffield 04/08/09

T3 Magna Flintoff @ 10/3 (Stan James)

GL everyone,

Scott