The 2012 Coral Essex Vase final takes place on Wednesday 12th December and is live on Sky Sports 4. Romford Stadium hosts this exciting trophy and has already seen some cracking action in the heats with Smiler Jack putting up a fantastic performance in the first round and take up a position at the head of the betting in the process.
The semi finals of the Coral Essex Vase take place this Friday night with the remaining eighteen dogs looking to book a place in next Wednesday’s final and a shot at the £10,000 first prize. The first of the three semis goes off at 8.50pm where Smiler Jack’s credentials will be put to the test. Chris Mosdall’s runner is likely to go off a very warm order and should not be too inconvenienced coming out of trap three. The biggest threat to the favourite is likely to come from the only wide runner in the race, Romeo Patriot. The six dog obviously has the plum draw and a big run is expected.
At 9.06pm we have semi final number two where some of the lesser lights have a great opportunity to make it through to the final. Brave The Times from Derrick Atkins kennel put up a good performance in the first round beating Ard Vark by 3/4 of a length. The two dog should take all the beating and none of the other runners make much appeal if the first round is anything to go by. Finally, at 9.24pm the third semi final looks quite a competitive affair. There are three wide runners in this race, the most interesting of which looks to be Planning coming out of trap six. Mark Wallis’ inmate has looked particularly impressive in winning his last two starts over this course and distance but will need to trap well to clear Bubbly Rossie and Parkwest Leo in traps five and four respectively.
Although Smiler Jack may be on the short side for some punters, I feel that the 11/4 on offer with bet365 still represents value. He clocked a time of 35.33 in the TV Stayers Trophy here a couple of weeks ago and built on that success in the first round of this competition. He’s as short as 9/4 with other firms so take the 11/4 while it lasts.
Coral Essex Vase Tips
Back Smiler Jack @ 11/4
Coral Essex Vase Betting
(Prices from Ladbrokes)
Smiler Jack 11/4
Westmead Maldini 4/1
Planning 4/1
Romeo Patriot 8/1
Brave The Times 8/1
Slippery Patch 16/1
Lenson Ginger 20/1
Victorino 20/1
Rockview Sale 25/1
Mountjoy Orion 25/1
Bubbly Rossie 33/1
Darian Chief 33/1
Adageo Brae 40/1
Parkwest Leo 50/1
Star Cash Simon 50/1
Carden Twilight 50/1
Ard Vark 66/1
Fabulous Adele 100/1