Sky Previews 
/ Darrell Williams / 29 March 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Will Sallis be on the bunny again?
"Mark My Words arguably put up the performance of the competition so far when getting up close home to win a first round heat that justifiably could have been the final"
Last year Paul Sallis' Farloe Titan led up a kennel 1-2 in the Sky Sports-televised Arc final at Swindon. But while the champ is back to defend his crown, its kennelmate Mark My Words that gets Darrell Williams' vote in a wide open showdown.
With Swindon usually occupying a BAGS slot on a Wednesday evening, it's ironic that the live Sky card would do justice to a betting shop race programme, with the feature Arc final (21:45) undoubtedly one of the toughest puzzles of them all.
Defending champion Farloe Titan might have been turned over in both his quarter- and semi-final, but with a hit rate of nine from 12 at the Wiltshire venue, he obviously warrants maximum respect. But while he can also boast a three from four record from trap three, his make-up looks fraught with danger, with neighbour Glenard Sunrise likely to be making for the rails from traps rise.
For all his consistency, 'Titan' is ultimately most effective on the front end, and while his price [5.5] offers a fair spot of value, I'm reluctantly inclined to look elsewhere, given the likely competition for early supremacy.
John Mullins' Buzz Doc has improved throughout the competition, and looks a live player from trap two, especially as he is equally effective on or off the pace. A semi-final place in the Essex Vase just before Christmas confirms his stamina, and he looks tempting at an attractive [6.5].
However, my vote goes to Paul Sallis' second-string Mark My Words, who arguably put up the performance of the competition so far when getting up close home to win a first round heat that justifiably could have been the final.
While unable to reel in Buzz Doc in his semi-final after early trouble, he is expected to lead up Oaks winner Freedom Emma, after which he should enjoy a clear run out wide to ensure the prize, once again, heads back to Sallis' Derbyshire kennels.
Elsewhere on the card, apart from Monmore Puppy Derby winner Droopys Greg, who looks hard to beat at short-odds in the 20:15 - even more so after a sharp sprint trial the other day - the rest of the card looks difficult with a capital D!
That said, a couple of winners should equate to a profit, and I fancy Thurlesbeg Bound (20:50) might be worth staying with after her impressive win at Wimbledon on Trainers Championship night.
Seamus Cahill's charge has since posted a decent sprint time on her first look at the track, and looks well drawn between wide-favouring Borna Jessica - held on Wimbledon form - and railer Westmead Osprey.
Fifis Rocket is bound to attract plenty of attention in the sprint (20:00) after his near
track-record win at Wimbledon, but I'm convinced he is far better there than elsewhere, and looks one to take on. Me Buddy makes plenty of appeal from trap one, but at twice the price I just prefer Sleeping Urban, who has been notching up plenty of sprint victories around Hove.
Killishin Masai, for ever now in the record books as one of the Romford triple dead-heaters earlier this year, returns after a short layoff and looks over-priced in the 737m contest at 21:10. Chris Kyme's charge has an excellent record fresh and has trialled in well. He also won over the 685m trip on his only other start at the track last December.
The other stayers' race at 20:35 looks wide-open, but Droopys Start could hardly have won in better style on his first visit last weekend and is worth staying with. Local favourite Wise Totty looks far too big in the market and might be worth a small saver.
Track-record holder Crusty Crab, is another under-estimated local, and is taken to claim the 509m contest at 21:25
Selections (in order of preference)
Thurlesbeg Bound 20:50
Droopys Start 20:35
Killishin Masai 21:10
Mark My Words 21:45
Sleeping Urban 20:00
Crusty Crab 21:25
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