Tonight is the opening round of the English Puppy Derby at Towcester. Run over the same course and distance as the Derby itself, clues for next summer’s competition will be everywhere throughout the eight heats.
Bale Out to Prove She Has What It Takes
It’s impossible not to be impressed by Havana Bale Out so far in her short career. Liz McNair’s charge has looked a very smart type from day 1, her trials suggesting that she could be a star.
Two wins from three starts has only fueled that belief that she has the potential to be top class. The move back into trap 5 from 6 isn’t a positive but at 4/9, her natural talent can carry her through at 19.36.
De Niro to Be a Good Fella
Romeo De Niro had an unfortunate experience when knocked over in the semis of the Puppy Cup at this track in October. The slick winner of a two-round competition at Perry Barr since, he was impressive when winning back here last week for Patrick Janssens.
That should have done his confidence the power of good and while he will need to work harder to get on the lead in the 18.43, at 8/11, he looks hard to oppose despite the short price.
Bgbf Puppy Cup Form Looking Sleek
It was a remarkable effort from Kevin Hutton to produce the first three home in the final of the Bgbf Puppy Cup at this track in October. More impressive was the fact that all three were from the same litter.
Sleek By Design was only third on that occasion but she has twice got the better of the competition winner in recent trials. The step up from 470m to 500m here will suit her much better than her litter brother in trap 1. At 13/8, she can prove stronger at 18.28.
Cuddles to Keep Wallis Warm in the Cold
The 19.56 looks a cracker on paper with Mark Wallis’s 13/8 Antigua Cuddles just getting the vote over Irish raider Swanley Alexis by virtue of having the superior early pace of the pair.
She has only been seen in race action twice so far, a very impressive winner at Nottingham in the summer. Just a single trial to her credit here but the 3.10 sectional she produced would see her take some catching if she can reproduce it.
Mullins Pup a Name to Remember
It was interesting that 4/5 Callmesteve was well enough thought of given his age that he was pitched into the Irish Derby. He won his second round heat, knocked out behind eventual winner Susie Sapphire in the third round.
Now with John Mullins, he has shown up well in a pair of trials at Towcester ahead of the 19.18 which will be his British debut. A repeat of the trial form sets a clear standard for the others to aim at.
*All odds correct at time of writing.