Calvert issues a clean bill for NPD contender Soapy

SOAPY SUDS, who has impressed in two recent trials over Newcastle’s 480m course, was reported in great shape on Tuedsday by Craig Calvert, son of the bitch’s trainer Debbie, ahead of Thursday’s first-round heats of the Arc Northern Puppy Derby at the Byker track.

Winner of five of her six starts for the north-east based kennel, that sole defeat came in the final of Oxford’s English Puppy Oaks in December, and Calvert is hopeful their bitch is ready to mix it with some talented dogs in her second Category One campaign.

“We’ve no complaints about her trials,” he said. “She’s improved for her second look round when clocking 28.29sec (+10), and that puts her in with a chance in what looks a really strong field.”

Soapy Suds goes from trap four in the five-runner fifth heat, and Calvert added: “We ran her as a railer at Oxford but that didn’t suit her and she hated trap one. We put the middle back on her after that campaign and she’s won twice at Doncaster again, so the draw in trap four looks fine.

“She’s in great shape and takes her runs really well. She’s fast and strong, but you just don’t want to be behind too many dogs at Newcastle’s first bend.

“Hopefully she qualifies, but it’s a really good competition.”

Last year saw Irish trainer Robert Gleeson annex the prize with Droopys Deploy, who went on to make the Irish Derby final in a fine overall campaign and while there is no international flavour this year, the top end of the market looks strong.

Soapy Suds has been installed as 4-1 second favourite with Entain firms Coral and Ladbrokes behind Nathan Hunt’s unbeaten Goldcash Warrior for the £12,500 event.

Hunt’s dog, who has won all three of his UK starts, clashes with Ted Soppitt’s local ace Ballymac Buddy in a hot third heat, with the latter a 9-2 chance for outright glory.

Betting
Arc Northern Puppy Derby (Coral/Ladbrokes): 7-2 Goldcash Warrior, 4 Soapy Suds, 9-2 Ballymac Buddy, 8 Jimmyjimmyjimmy, Woltemade, 10 Copney Queen, 14 Ballymac Service, Ballymac Shontae,  16 Droopys Rated, Headford Lily, 18 Backtoyourbest, 22 Mossend Brute, 28 Brunsum Bubble, Droopys Trigger, 33 bar. (e-w 1/4 1st four).

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