Preview: Henlow Derby semi-finals
The Primus Telecom Henlow Derby Semi-Final races are set to start Thursday at Henlow. The top three hounds from each race will qualify for the final.
Primus Telecom Henlow Derby Semi-Final 1
Westmead Melanie will race from trap one in the first semi-final. Melanie won her heat on Sunday in a physical race. She got off to the worst start of the group, but used the bumping on the first bend to get into the lead. It’s unlikely she’ll be able to
do that again.
In trap two is Westmead Osprey, who squeezed into third place in her second round heat to earn a spot in the semi-final. She will probably have an easier time earning a spot in the final, and is likely to finish in the top two in this race.
Bim Bam Boozle did well to finish third in his heat on Sunday, but he’ll probably be too outmatched in this heat. He’ll race from trap three.
Uncertain Step was an 8-1 longshot who finished in second place last week. She led from the traps only to see Westmead Melanie take the lead late in the race. She raced from trap one on Sunday and is racing from trap four Thursday, losing the inside track
could push her out of the top three.
Destroy The Camp finished third last week, and should have little trouble finishing in the top three from trap five in this race.
Bright Redcliffe will run from trap six. Redcliff got off to a great start in the second round, but fell back to third after getting bumped on the first bend.
Melanie, Camp, and Redcliffe should all advance to the final.
Primus Telecom Henlow Derby Semi-Final 2
Total Reality will race from trap one in the second semi-final. He lost his second round heat to Westmead Guru, and has to race against him again. Don’t expect different results this time around.
In trap two is Zupjack, who just lost to Star Gaze in the second round. Zupjack was a longshot on Sunday, and probably will be again, but he could be a nice surprise on Thursday for a couple lucky punters.
Star Gaze will race from trap three. He needed a late surge to beat Zupjack on Sunday, and will need a better start this time around to win against a tougher field.
Westmead Guru had the best time of the second round, and he’ll be looking to improve upon that in this semi-final. It’s tough to bet against Guru in this one. He’ll race from trap four.
In trap five is another heat winner, Parkgarrif Power, who was an 8-1 longshot in his second round heat. It’s unlikely there’s enough power for lightning to strike twice though.
The sixth trap will house Sparklee Bernie, the only hound trainer Seamus Cahill has left in the Henlow Derby. Bernie got off to a good start on Sunday, but not as good as Power. He should beat Power in this semi-final, but it will be tough for him to win
the race.
Guru, Gaze, and Bernie are likely to advance to the final, but Zupjack is a good bet if the odds make it worthwhile.
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