It's the Northern Puppy Derby at Newcastle on Thursday, where Darrell's 16-1 ante-post selection breaks from Trap 6, along with three additional selections.
Twelve months ago, Links Maverick justified odds-on favouritism to land the ARC Northern Puppy Derby at Newcastle.
Tonight’s final – live on Sky Sports Racing (20:44) – could not be more closely graded, with all six runners holding realistic chances.
Those who followed us in ante-post with Coppice Saphire (16/1 e/w) will need a top-four finish to at least partially collect, and in such a tight contest, Jimmy Fenwick’s runner is overpriced.
But in such a competitive heat, anything is possible, and I’m looking elsewhere on the gala card for my selections.
Coppice Gracie (6) in the ARC Bitches (21:21) is surely the best-drawn runner of the night and, having hit career peak form for Fenwick, rates a strong selection.
She had far too much early pace for the main rival Wraysbury Diva (3) when they met in an A1 last time, and while that rival is very capable of a ‘ping and go’ start, her inconsistency thwarts any enthusiasm.
Having posted a brace of PB’s in her last two outings, the selection showed she’s never been better - with an even snappier trial last week - and should enjoy the run of the race as the sole wide tag.
Her trainer can also be on the mark in the ARC Stayers (21:36) with Lightfoot Clark (3), who boasts a five-from-six record in similar 640m Opens at his home track.
The St Leger finalist hasn’t raced since winning a competition over CD in December, but having posted his best-ever run off a two-month break in those heats, the first time back should not be a problem.
Innfield Charm (2) has shown a touch of early toe in winning Doncaster Opens but was no match in that department for the selection in the heats of that December event.
It’s never easy to know when youngsters who start out in low grades have peaked, but it’s unlikely Great Redemption (3), who runs in the ARC Puppy (19:14), has done so just yet.
Harry Burton’s charge keeps getting quicker, and while this Open race bow could prove a tough baptism, such is his rate of improvement I’m prepared to give him a chance.
Coppice Leger (2) trapped ahead when the pair met last week, but the selection soon rolled him away in the early pace department while holding his line to the bend.
Regardless of that battle, this will be tougher, with Dunquin Hollie (6), a Northern Puppy Derby semi-finalist, considered the biggest threat.
Best Bets
19.14 Newcastle Great Redemption (Trap 3)
21.21 Newcastle Coppice Gracie (Trap 6)
21.36 Newcastle Lightfoot Clark (Trap 3)
Already Advised
Coppice Saphire (Northern Puppy Derby 16/1 E/W 4 places)