The Greyhound St Leger takes place at Wimbledon on Tuesday night, with Blue Bee a bitch that can prove herself at the highest level
Leger final 21:45
T1 Curragh Kewell
Lightly raced (3 wins from 11) early paced performer with leadability claims, although he won't want a repeat of his missed break in the semi-final. All the way Quarter-final win offers him hope, although unsure if trap one (as per semis) is his ideal box. Won a heat of the Derby, so runs track well and with only four six bend races so far is open to improvement.
T2 Blue Bee
Undoubtedly the class act as her win in the Prestige at Hall Green in January confirms. Broke her Wimbledon duck (at the sixth attempt) in the semis, showing excellent commitment on the rails, despite mistiming her start. Winner of 5 of her last 8 races and has 100% records over all of her rivals (bar trap one who she has not met). In an unpredictable Leger, her consistency in the three qualifying rounds looks a huge plus. The one to beat.
T3 Aero Majestic
The most likely pacesetter judged on first round and quarter-final splits, although a disappointing all-round effort in the semis tempers enthusiasm. But only stepped up to six bends in July (4 wins in 9) and has not been out of the first three in four runs over CD. Chance depends on his ability to trap in front.
T4 Penskey Rain
Shock semi-final winner, but had run well enough in previous round behind Curragh Kewell to make his big odds of some interest. Biggest problem maybe overcoming a far from suitable trap four berth - all his best form has been in trap six. Had a six week layoff prior to this event.
T5 Darts Wizard
Progressive puppy (Dec 09 whelp) who only stepped up to six bends in September (1 win from 4) and who undoubtedly still has a lot more to offer. Unable to sustain a big lead in the semis, but a narrow defeat does little to reduce his chances especially as he has only raced 9 times (3 wins). Could tempt value seekers.
T6 Capoley Ash
The only finalist yet to win in the event. His strong finish must make him a factor having just failed to beat Blue Bee in the semi-final, but still to prove Wimbledon is his ideal track having previously contested all his races at Sheffield.
Verdict: After a host of surprise results in the competition so far, we should hardly be shocked that the final appears hard to predict. Aero Majestic with his early pace would hold strong claims if trapping as he did in the first two rounds, but ran some way below that level last time. Capoley Ash's strong finish will ensure he has his supporters, but he is still to convince he has the killer instinct over this CD. Improving youngster Darts Wizard could tempt value seekers, and looks over-priced at double figure odds if avoiding the other wide runners. But in Blue Bee we have a bitch who has already proved herself at the highest level, can run her race from both near or off the pace and will no doubt be perfectly tuned up for the big night by her astute connections.
19:40 Puppies
Despite winning only 1 of his 9 starts, Droopys Boo's has an excellent record here - he was runner-up in the Tony Morris Unraced final on Derby final night - and looks a possible 'make all' candidate judged on his latest trial. Mays Harvestmoon was impressive at Yarmouth and has an excellent draw, but his trial was only moderate.
20:00 Stayers
Snowdon Flyer was desperately unlucky not to make the Leger final and should gain compensation. Perles Orchid has won 4 of her last 5 starts, but may help the selection by cutting in. Centurion Enry has won only 1 of his last 14 and is 0-5 over the CD.
20:15 Ladies
Brave Display has been done no favours by drawing trap 3 but may still prove good enough with 4 wins in her last 6 outings prior to a short layoff. Her record 'fresh' offers further encouragement. Cagey Lilly is more consistent than Airforce Posh and can reverse Brighton Belle form. Salacres Polizzi looks well berthed as the lone railer but is 0-5 in trap one.
20:35 Sprint
Hard to oppose Jimmy Lollie who bounced straight back to his best at Hove last week and has an excellent pitch outside rails moving Me Buddy, who will do well to overcome trap four.
20:50 Hurdle
Former National winner Plane Daddy gets the nod from a likeable red draw in a trappy heat, with neighbour Billis Renegade likely to move off. Four time chasing Baltylum Houdini faces a tricky draw from trap four. Blackhall Prince is still improving.
21:10 Marathon
strong>Black Reason and Aero Gaga, the most likely winners, look closely matched on overall form, but the latter is more consistent with a recent win over the CD and gets the verdict. Black Reason hasn't raced in nearly two months but could be well drawn on the inside.
21:25 Standard
Toughest race of the night by far with exceptionally fast Diesel Malc betting.bnejust favoured over Brittons Empire. A winner of only 1 of his 8 races here in an early round of the Derby, his trial suggests he may get first run. Pall Mall winner Brittons Empire may have preferred an inside draw. Conversely improving Freedom Chief appears more suited to a middle berth.
Selections (in order)
Snowdon Flyer 20:00
Brave Display 20:15
Jimmy Lollie 20:35
Droopys Boo 19:40
Blue Bee 21:45