Ardera Monarch and Nambisco outclass the field at Shawfield
Ardera Monarch started off as a 50-1 shot to land this year’s Bettor.com Scottish Derby and has continued to successfully cross the mark first on each occasion. Last night was no exception as Monarch took first in the opening semi finals, clocking 28.99secs to secure his spot into next Saturday’s £25,000 final.
The Craig Dawson trained dog powered to victory after overtaking long time leader Ardkill Ernie at the third bend and continued to use all his reserves to gain a two and a half length victory over Westmead Scolari.
Greenwell Viper also secured his place into next week’s final finishing third in a time of 29.31secs. Viper can be backed at 5-1 to win next week, reasonable odds considering he was the favourite before last night’s outcome and may just well get back into winning ways on final night.
Nambisco is the current favourite in the markets as last night he demolished all competition in the second semi finals, clocking a cool time of 28.90secs.
The Carly Philpott trained dog paced up well to lead at the first bend and eventually took it by 12 lengths, no wonder he is favourite for next week, he can be backed at 6-4.
Ballymac Rebound took second in the race, giving trainer Dawson his double of the night, whilst trainer Nick Savva also joined in the celebrations as Westmead Bond took third, giving him a double too.
The overall competition has produced quite a few shocks and if you have been following you would have seen the elimination of Charlie Lister’s Jordansoilution, Paul Hennessy’s De Ex Factor and Pat Buckley’s Newlawn Class.
All three dogs in particular have one thing in common - facing elimination after being ranked favourite in the ante-post markets, so for that reason alone I won’t be backing Nambisco next week but will have my money on Ardera Monarch or Greenwell Viper to take it. The final will be televised live on Sky Sports 4.
Draw for Saturday's £25,000 Bettor.com Scottish Derby final: 1 Ballymac Rebound, 2 Ardera Monarch, 3 Nambisco, 4 Westmead Bond, 5 Greenwell Viper, 6 Westmead Scolari.
Tags: