The Ben Holmes sponsored Northern Flat Championship takes place at Belle Vue this evening (21:40). If it wasn't for the fact that I've been at Haydock Park this afternoon I'd probably be going along for what is a pretty decent card. Credit must go to Blue Square who are the only layer (apart from their sister company 888) to price up the race and there looks like there could be a spot of value on offer.
Speed Figures
T3 - Mancini 100
T2 - Droopys Sheehy 93
T5 - Cortsway Giants 78
T4 - Fear Haribo 69
T6 - Dallam Star 60
T1 - Jethart Jackie 59
Ted Soppit's Mancini heads the figures after recording a smart 27.61 in his heat. He has been pinging the lids at Belle Vue and he'll need to do so again as only Cortsway Giants can be ruled out as a potential leader of this field. Last years Manchester Puppy Cup winner Droopys Sheehy clearly has a liking for this circuit and is next best in on the numbers.
Skydogs Tissue
Using the speed figures as a basis and with a little tweaking for the the draw and potential early pace I've come up with the 'tissue' below -
11/8 Mancini, 3/1 Droopys Sheehy, 10/1 Cortsway Giants, 11/1 Jethart Jackie, Fear Haribo, Dallam Star
Blue Square can't split Mancini, Droopys Sheehy and Fear Haribo going 9/4 all three. I couldn't go anywhere near Fear Haribo at that price. He's a classy hound having taken the Scottish Derby in 2007 but he's had his injury problems since and his times indicate he's not quite the dog he once was. A combination of his old form and the fact he's trained by Charlie Lister is probably the reason behind his short price rather than his current form. If Betfair were running a market on the race I'd be reaching for the lay button but as they're not we'll look elsewhere for value. Top rated Mancini looks a very fair price at 9/4 given that I rate him an 11/8 shot. He's going to have a terrific battle for early supremacy on his hands with fellow railers Droopys Sheehy and Jethart Jackie both having plenty of boot from the traps. Fear Haribo can't be ruled out of that battle either nor can locally trained Dallam Star. The latter is interesting at a big looking 20/1. Otto Kueres' charge beat Droopys Sheehy in the heats of the Manchester Puppy Cup last year and finished fourth in the final after missing the break. He's likely to get a solo on the outside and I don't make him the rank outsider the bookies think he is. Finally a mention for Cortsway Giants who is a favourite of mine after doing me a favour winning at 8/1 on Derby night. This brindled son of Fire Height Dan will be out the back early but stays on strongly and given the potential for trouble up front I couldn't put anyone off at the 10/1 available.
In conclusion, an intriguing contest in prospect packed full of early pace. Mancini is the bet at 9/4 with a little each way on Dallam Star at 20/1 as a saver.
