DOG RACING

THE heats of the Graphite UK Puppy Derby get underway at Walthamstow tonight (Thursday) with some exciting action promised.

The first heat gets underway in race four, where ante-post favourite for the competition Fear Zafonic in three will look to build on his impressive recent displays.

Charlie Lister's charge, who was purchased for a reported 70,000 (£86,000) secured another impressive victory last week.

And with another impressive trial time of 28.54secs recorded to go with the 28.38secs in his other pre-trial outing, this dog, who lines up in trap three this week, will take some stopping.

Deanridge Honcho in one and Droopys Oi Oi will be the other favourites to make it through to the semi-finals on Tuesday.

The second eliminator comes up straight after in race five, where Turar Abit will be another dog not only likely to secure victory tonight but also go the distance in the competition as well.

Seamus Cahill's home raider scored an impressive victory in the recent Ocean Trailers Puppy event at the Stow, with an useful-looking 28.80secs.

Kennel-mate Droopys Divine in six and Birchfield Hero in one are likely to pose the main threat.

The third heat will follow in race seven, where an equally competitive contest looks on the cards.

Nick Savva's Westmead Diver in one scored a good victory back in March in 28.78secs, although Hillcross Hobbs in four trialed last week in 28.79secs so a close battle looks firmly on the cards.

Toosey Toby in five shouldn't be overlooked either having been in impressive form at home track Yarmouth of late.

Heat four is directly after in race eight, where trap four Farloe Merlin justified his 4/6 backing last week to land an impressive win on Thursday in 28.90secs.

Lister's charge is badly drawn in four in a race featuring five railers, and that could open things up for Harmony Boy and Eye on the Brave in three and one respectively.

Race ten houses the fifth eliminator, where Ocean Trailers winner Westmead Osprey in one will no doubt be one of the hot favourites to not only win his heat but the competition as a whole.

Savva's railer is well housed in one and could make light work of this race if he reproduces the 28.56secs performance he produced to land his first competition.

Bigwood Rocket in two and Droopys Carvalho in six are likely to secure the other two qualifying berths.

The final heat of the night is down as race 11.

Kelly Mullins' Mistley Colonel in six could make the most of having a solo on the outside in a race that features five railers.

Presence of Mind and Lookoutforsamson in one and four respectively, should also continue their participation in the competition if they avoid any trouble.

HOT TIPS Guardian Angel kept up his solid form with two correct selections last week. Mark your Card, however, had a complete wipeout and will be hoping for a return to when the pairs' latest tips go into action tonight. Guardian Angel
19.58 Race Four - Cassius Clay
21.01 Race Seven - Westmead Diver
21.53 Race 11 - Mistley Colonel Mark your Card
20.23 Race Four - Fear Zafonic
21.14 Race Eight - Farloe Marlin
21.40 Race Ten - Westmead Osprey