Magna Buddy can defy the doubters in Laurels final
A sign of a top greyhound is the ability overcome obstacles in order to succeed.
Magna Buddy has been handed, what looks on paper, a terrible draw for tonight’s Stanjames.com Laurels Final (21.45) at Belle Vue but fear not followers of Jimmy Wright’s hound – all could be all right on the night.
Wright has acknowledged that the trap one draw this evening is far from ideal for the speed merchant, as he is likely to move middle at the first bend which could cause him, and other inside runners plenty of difficulties. But there is an argument to suggest that the sheer pace that the red jacket possesses could be enough to avoid the first bend crowding. He has run two consistent splits around the 4.20secs mark, the quickest of all the finalists, and when you consider the split he ran in the trials (4.16secs), he could yet be open to some improvement.
Unsurprisingly, there has been morning support for Yahoo Jamie and November Weather, who are drawn in five and six respectively. If the trouble on the inside occurs, then either of these two would stand a huge chance and considering their best times so far in the competition (November Weather 27.84secs, Yahoo Jamie 27.95secs); they may be overpriced.
Elsewhere on the card, which is being shown live on Skysports 3 this evening, Taylors Cruise should possess too much class for his rivals in the Stanjames.com Proud Sponsors Of The Road To Cheltenham (19.40). The Wimbledon Puppy finalist has bumped into some star hounds so far this season, including next year’s Derby fancies Rayvin Giovanni and Boher Paddy, but tonight could be the night where he grabs the headlines. His trial around Belle Vue was hugely impressive and as long he can stay on the heels of the fast starting Union Jak Jackson inside of him, he should be able to out-run his rival down the back straight.
Early pace is always crucial when searching for winners in tight races, and that formula applies to the Stanjames.com Ladies (20.40) race where Sniper Petra may have too much early gas against her rivals. It’s surprising to still see the pacey b***h still plying her trade at the 480m distance as she looks a sprinter in the making, but the Bettor.com b*****s Trophy winner can make all and land the spoils tonight.
Tags: