Yarmouth RM Lee Smith gives us a run down on the main EA Derby contenders

Yarmouth set for the Derby starting on Wednesday

Yarmouth racing manager Lee Smith is looking forward to the start of the seaside track's biggest event of the year with Wednesday's heats of the Click Competitions 80th East Anglian Derby.

Reporting that Glengar Shadow misses the event with his place taken by Charlie Loves Me in heat three, Smith was delighted to get a full quota of entries for the three-round £15,000-to-the-winner Category One and has picked out a few of those who have caught his eye in trials and trial stakes for the famous competition which is celebrating its 80th renewal.

"My standout contender is Droopys Buck," said Smith. "He has already clocked 27.27 over 462m and has also been performing strongly in good open-race company. His early pace is a major asset.

"I also think Forgottotellya is a very interesting runner. His last solo over 462m was 27.36 (+10) and before that he was a runaway winner at Monmore. If he breaks well, I think he's a serious threat.”

Smith has also suggested top local Laugh Alot could go well.

"She has 42 wins from 124 starts, has won her last two 462m races, and ran 27.25 (+30) recently," added the Yarmouth RM. "She's also beaten Derby opposition previously, albeit does have to handle trap five in the heats.

"Backing It Up is also very interesting. His latest solo was 27.44 (+10) and he's already beaten Strathrannoch over this trip. He's capable of going very close if avoiding trouble.”

The last two runnings of the EA Derby have been won by Patrick Janssens-trained runners with Druids Say Go (2024) followed by Romeo Steel for the same kennel last year.

Ante-post betting

11/2 Forgottotellya, Romeo Ability

6/1 Droopys Assured

13/2 Bockos Buster

9/1 Droopys Buck

14/1 Aayamza Shazza

16/1 Strathrannock, Zari Aki

18/1 Bubbly Crusader, Flashing Fender

20/1 Backing It Up, Underground Arlo

25/1 Bockos Waka Waka, Who Dares Wins

33/1 Carrigoon Milo, Montana Tiger, Move Over Toby

40/1 Charlie Loves Me, Jimmyjimmyjimmy

50/1 Attack Attack, Laugh Alot, True Trend 

66/1 Outdoor Cracker

100/1 Aayamza Legend, Hasselbomb, Loughmore, Parkview Jack

125/1 Always Wrighty

150/1 Burberry Girl, Deelish Jack, Heres Ringo, Mossend Brute, My Name Siddy, Rosanna Sharp, Swift Depot

200/1 Royal Hotshot