Well, it's here folks, the opening round of the Produce Stakes. We have a total of 61 heading to post on Saturday, with the overall number of entries being significantly down on previous years. Here's my preview of all 12 heats, plus a rough guide to what, in my opinion, the prices should be. Remember folks, these prices are only a guide!
Heat 1:
Landslide - 8/1
Romeo You Decide - 4/1
Watch Charlie - 33/1
Westmead Adonis - 1/5
Mountjoy Eagle - 10/1
VACANT
Westmead Adonis should absolute romp up in this field, and you could expect a much shorter price than the quoted 1/5. Adonis is a derby finalist, and Nick Savva's dog has really taken to the track well.
I think Romeo You Decide will run a big race for 2nd. Dave Firmager's dog was fancied for the Gymcrack before getting knocked out, and he looked to trial really well on Tuesday, posting a calc. 28.83.
My Pick: 4-2-1
Heat 2:
Romeo Gallant - 7/1
Westmead Armour - 9/4
Caribbean Belle - 50/1
Johnny Kwango - 4/6
VACANT
Hedsor Florence - 16/1
Johnny Kwango, runner for the Kinsley - based Andy Clarke, hasn't got any racing form as yet, however has posted some very decent times, including a 25.39 at Peterborough and a 28.63 here at Swindon on Tuesday. Kwango should get the early run on his rivals, and should romp up fairly comfortably here.
His closest rival will be Westmead Armour. Nick Savva's charge is more suited to a longer trip, but has posted a 28.71 in a trial, and shouldn't be sniffed at. Betting wise, I'd rather bet Armour at a good price rather than Kwango at a much shorter price.
My Pick: 4-2-1
Heat 3:
Caribbean Moon - 25/1
Questhousesavana - 5/4
Hey Rodrigo - 25/1
Romeo Contender - 7/4
Canigetawordin - 16/1
VACANT
A toughie to pick from in this race really, the obvious choices are the 2 and the 4, but realistically it's a pretty poor race. I think the 2 can just edge it on it's Monmore times, but it wouldn't be a race I'd be betting.
My Pick: 2-4-5
Heat 4:
Uh Oh Chongo - 1/2
Watch Matt - 12/1
Fabulous Shanty - 5/2
Tseal - 8/1
Caribbean Ruby - 33/1
VACANT
Could be an interesting heat this. On paper, the 1 dog should go off as favourite, but with the way the weather is at the moment, I'd be taking a price on the 3 dog. Fabulous Shanty is a Regency finalist (was withdrawn from the final) and has some decent 695m Hove times. This race all depends on how far clear Chongo goes.
My Pick: 3-1-4
Heat 5:
Gemstone Annie - 7/2
Julies Vision - 8/1
Stitched - 7/2
Gemstone Jack - 11/4
VACANT
Chilli Hot Sauce - 5/2
Toughest betting heat on the card in my opinion. In this race I think Chilli can make the most of the inside berth being vacant, he has the early pace to shoot clear here. To me the only worry is if Gemstone Jack gets a good run and picks him up. The unfortunate side to this heat is that a Swindon dog has to be knocked out!
My Pick: 6-4-3
Heat 6:
Benkaat Blue - 1/3
Silbury Bugle - 8/1
Caribbean Star - 12/1
Hedsor Tabatha - 10/1
VACANT
Landing - 3/1
Again, a relatively easy heat this for Mark Wallis' Benkaat Blue. The Monmore Puppy Derby Finalist has been off for a while, but trialled well on Tuesday. The only question about him is whether he'll stay Swindon's 480 against some of the stronger running dogs later on in the competition.
My Pick: 1-6-3
Heat 7:
Bubbly Swallow - 9/4
Westmead Aouita - 2/1
Midfield - 25/1
Teena Marina - 6/4
Hedsor Henry - 33/1
Smack A Rooner - 16/1
Finally a 6 dog race! My thinking in this race is that the reputations of both 1 and 2 are pretty big, meaning they're going to be shorter than what they're true market value should be. Swallow is a true 6 bend dog, whereas Aouita, in all honesty, ran a very poor race last time. Because of this, I think Teena Marina has a great chance through the middle. She trialled well posting 28.80, and has form behind Farloe Tango.
My Pick: 4-1-2
Heat 8:
Silbury Campion - 7/2
Millwards Impact - 3/1
VACANT
Ring The Alarm - 10/3
Hedsor Robbie - 10/1
Brizzle Blue - 2/1
Brizzle Blue is one of my favourite dogs at the track, and has been trialling really well. He's been showing a kick of early, and he stays the 480 very strong, so has the all round package. He's my pick to win this race at a good price, and is the local I'd be following.
My Pick: 6-2-1
Heat 9:
The Highlander - 12/1
Is It My Turn - 8/1
Grazeley June - 12/1
Wilson - 4/6
VACANT
Hedsor Amelia - 5/2
In terms of quality, it's not exactly the best race you'll ever see. I've given the thumbs up to Wilson, who has been very consistent in trials. Henlow form translates really well, and 27.91 Henlow is a pretty good time for a youngster. He should win this with ease.
My Pick: 4-2-6
Heat 10:
Watch Sophie - 33/1
Westmead Athena - 5/2
Lowdown - 4/1
VACANT
Hedsor Arthur - 1/1
Livingona Prayer - 100/1
A bit of a headscratcher this one, but I think Hedsor Arthur gets the pick. He's a strong running sort, but he's seen the track plenty of times, and will see the 480 trip out well. I've been a touch disappointed with Westmead Athena in trials, as I think, as an A1 bitch from Henlow, she could go faster. She may be saving her best run for this race!!
My Pick: 5-2-3
Heat 11:
Westmead Atlas - 2/1
Julies Protector - 33/1
Pristine Goddess - 12/1
Caribbean Rose - 66/1
Peacemaker - 4/7
VACANT
My winning NB from last Saturday, Peacemaker, should be able to pace up and get round in front in this race. He's a big strong runner of a dog, who's already got a 28.79 on his card. His only rival is Westmead Atlas, who has some decent Henlow times, but didn't really make much of an impression in the open last Saturday.
My Pick: 5-1-3
Heat 12:
Romeo Recruit - 2/5
Blackband Scamp - 11/4
Julies Miracle - 8/1
VACANT TRAP
McGahon Mischief - 50/1
Hey Diego - 20/1
The easy winner in this for me is Dave Firmager's Romeo Recruit. He's had a quick look in a sprint, but he has a good record over 480, posting consistant sub 29's at Wimbledon, which will win this race easy.
My Pick: 1-2-6
There's my picks for the Produce then guys, fingers crossed it's a good competition and all the dogs come home safe.
Happy Punting!!
Chris Watts,
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