It’s 8/1 the field in a wide open Ladbrokes Winter Derby
Both of the Monmore Category One competitions starting this weekend were oversubscribed with the Winter Derby attracting a bumper entry!
A wide open Ladbrokes Winter Derby in prospect
Monmore racing manager Tony Williamson was delighted with a full quota - and some - for the Wolverhampton track’s big-race double header this weekend.
With 62 entries received for the Ladbrokes Winter Derby and 38 for the Ladbrokes Golden Jacket, Williamson said the process of whittling down the entry for the requisite 36 runners for both events - especially the Winter Derby - was not straightforward.
“It was easier, of course, for the Golden Jacket than the Winter Derby but there are still owners and trainers in both that have missed out, albeit reserves will be standing by for each competition,” he said.
“Either way we’re sorry to those that did miss out, but thank them for their continued support to us here at Monmore.”
Williamson said he was particularly delighted as much with the overall quality of both events as the quantity of entries.
“It’s really good, but I knew it would be judged on trials and trial stakes we’ve had for both the Winter Derby over 480m and the Golden Jacket over 684m.
“The Ladbrokes Golden Jacket almost needs no introduction given its incredible history from its Harringay and Crayford days, and we’ve been proud to take it on from last year. The longer six-bend trip being used is perfect for an event which requires speed and stamina.”
Williamson said that were many angles of interest to both events, but seeing the defending champion back for the Ladbrokes Golden Jacket was definitely noteworthy.
“It’s great to see Mongys Wild back - as it is to see his old rival Droopys Flare - and, while we know last year’s Winter Derby winner Proper Heiress has a different plan mapped out for him this year before the English Derby, Mark (Wallis) is still well represented in this event, too!”
Mongys Wild is 11-10 favourite for the Ladbrokes Golden Jacket ahead of Sean Parker’s Droopys Flare (5-2) - the pair having finished first and second in last year’s St Leger - while there are co-favourites of four at 8-1 for the Ladbrokes Winter Derby.
These include last year’s Winter Derby runner-up Gary The Arb for Belinda Green, PGR Classic and All England Cup winner Santas Amigo for David Mullins, last year’s Monmore Puppy Derby and Ladbrokes Gold Cup winner Headford Dane for Maxine Locke, and Zenith Tanju (ex Sole Mio) for Jimmy Fenwick.
Ladbrokes prices:-
Golden Jacket: 11-10 Mongys Wild, 5-2 Droopys Flare, 8 Vhagar, 10 Deadly Disco, 14 Romeo Empire, 20 Broncos Bullet, Eagles Respect, 22 bar.
Winter Derby: 8-1 Gary The Arb, Headford Dane, Santas Amigo, Zenith Tanju, 10 Turnthemagicon, 12 Droopys Deploy, Texas Jack, 14 Droopys Aladdin, 16 Kranky Drake, 16 Rackethall Brute, 18 Bockos Buster, 20 bar.
