Jack’s two-qualifier draw upsets Charlie Lister
By Jim Cremin (rp)
AFTER a disappointing week for the Charlie Lister, you could almost guarantee his reigning William Hill Derby champion Sidaz Jack was going to end up in a first round heat with only two qualifiers when he starts his bid to defend his crown in Thursday’s opening round.
At least he got his favoured trap one in heat six at Sunday's draw at Wimbledon, but the dog has looked rusty in recent races. It was one of 12 heats where only two runners go through: heats 3, 4, 6, 11, 14, 16, 20, 21, 24, 25, 28 and 32. The other 24 see the normal first three and reflects the bumper entry.
Lister said: “It’s the start of the Derby and I should be excited, but just feel disheartened. Jack finished third in the opening round last year – so on this basis would have gone straight out. How can this be right? It seems unfair, and is unfair. Benny says >> (Unfair Charlie ?? It's a complete joke)
Wimbledon should choose the field, pick 192 from 212 entries and keep the others as reserves. There are a lot of dogs who come into the first round 75 per cent fit, and improve. Trainers prepare them that way, and now you are faced with this.”
Lister added: “We also have Southern Mesut in a heat [Friday’s heat 21] where two go through, although that at least is for five runners. Sidarian Blaze has a right tough draw too [trap four in heat 18] against some good dogs. Thankfully three qualify there.”
Hills had already eased Sidaz Jack out to 28-1 over the weekend but made no changes to their ante-post odds after Sunday's draw. Kereight King and Swift Keith remain their 14-1 joint-favourites.
Odds-compiler Derek Hope said: “Overall I’d say the draw has worked out reasonably well for everything.”
Gary Matthews, Wimbledon’s racing manager, agreed:
“There are few really bad draws, although Fraser Black was a bit unlucky to get his two come out together in Saturday’s final heat. At least it’s not the toughest of the round. We’re all looking forward to a great competition.”
Barry Faulkner, the GBGB’s chief executive, said. “This is the time of year everyone looks forward to, and it’s a case of bring it on. This is one of the best Derbys in years, Hills’ £200,000 prize has got everyone going.”
*Farloe Tango goes to the vet on Monday for a check-up. “He came off sore on Thursday [from the Regency final], but let’s see what the vet says,” reported Lister.
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