Jimmy Fenwick’s rising star, Wicky Ned, is making waves as one of the UK's most promising young greyhounds. Demonstrating exceptional early and middle pace, Wicky Ned secured a commanding three-length victory in the heats on Sunday with a time of 28.85 seconds. Although the final presents tougher competition, a similar performance could secure him the top spot.
Patrick Janssens' Answering, who was narrowly overtaken by Mark Wallis' Table Toppers, also poses a strong challenge. Table Toppers, known for his impressive performances since arriving in the UK, recently showcased his prowess by narrowly losing to the 2023 English Derby semi-finalist Burj Khalifa. This July 2022 son of Droopys Sydney and Dolce Vita, originating from Brendan Matthews' Newry setup, shows immense potential for the future.
John Mullins' Littlers Nuke, though showing a commendable effort behind Graham Holland’s Irish raider Romeo Steel, clocked in at 29.50 seconds. To stage an upset, a significant improvement in timing is required.
Patrick Janssens’ Slick Sentinel, who was comfortably beaten by Ned in the heats, faces a challenging draw from trap six, making it difficult to reverse the previous form.
Wicky Ned is not expected to be a long shot, and for good reason. With a strong start from trap three, he could very well lead the race from the beginning. For those seeking to enhance their returns, combining Ned with Table Toppers for a solid second-place finish might be a rewarding strategy.
SELECTION: 3-2-1
Betting Guide: 20/1 7/2 4/5 20/1 7/2 10/1