Champion Stakes semi-finals action tonight at Romford
The Coral Champion Stakes semi-finals take place at Romford tonight. And, with some notable upsets already having taking place in the opening round, picking the winner in the semis is no easy task.
Last Friday’s opening round of the competition saw shock defeats for favourites such as Raving Black, Adageo and Ballymac Rumble ,who all finished third but did qualify for tonight’s round.
If the same is to be expected tonight then I’m afraid betting won’t be any easier, the first semi is the race worth analysing to try make a wager after trainer Diane Henry announced yesterday that Honey Trampas is out lame, leaving trap six vacant.
Raving Black has been drawn in the trap two box again in the opening semi as a 11-10 favourite, and has had his chances of paying dividends boosted due to Trampas being withdrawn. The Seamus Cahill-trained charge recently won the Cesarwitch at Oxford and also claimed the Rose Bowl over course and distance and has to be my selection. Let’s hope he brings his running boots.
Milwards Dream ran a blinder last week when claiming the opener in 35.95sec to beat favourite Lolos Schillagi by over a length. The Paul Young-trained tracker goes into the second semi as a 5-1 shot with a fairly respected record and is known to break well, but I have to say I fancy Centurion Enry (6-4) who will be making a trap four start.
The second semi has other notable hounds such as 2009 Essex Vase finalist Bourne Mason and also Lenson Maymay who has been gifted with a suited wide trap draw. Both are capable of scoring.
The final semi is arguably the toughest of three, with three of last week’s winners added with some top class greyhounds. Farloe Titan was the pace setter in the first round when clocking 35.06sec and goes into the final semi as a 2-1 favourite, which is a great price if he brings the same form, but I’m not so convinced.
English Derby finalist Adageo, who’s handled by champion trainer Mark Wallis, is the selection for me. He boasts a solid form over course and distance and any inside crowding will provide the perfect gateway of opportunity to take full advantage.
The top two from each semi will secure a place in next Wednesday’s £10,000 final, which will be shown live on Sky Sports.
Coral Champion Stakes Semi-Finals draw:
First semi-final (8.48):
T1 Extremely Ard (3-1), T2 Raving Black (11-10), T3 Slick Saxon (5-1), T4 Lolos Schillagi (9-2), T5 All That Noise (11-2), T6 Vacant
Bettor.com selection: 2-3-1
Second semi-final (9.04):
T1 Murlens Fantasy (6-1), T2 Millwards Dream (5-1), T3 Bourne Masons (9-2), T4 Centurion Enry (6-4), T5 Broadstand Bill (8-1), T6 Lensons Maymay (7-2)
Bettor.com selection: 4-2-6
Third semi-final (9.20):
T1 Ballymac Rumble (9-2), T2 Kildallon Bound (9-2), T3 Bubbly Verdasco (6-1), T4 Swift Tinto (10-1), T5 Farloe Titan (2-1), T6 Adageo (9-4)
Bettor.com selection: 6-1-5
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