THE Classic season kicks off at Shawfield on Saturday with the heats of the RPGTV Scottish Derby – the £20,000-to-the-winner 480m competition the first leg of the Triple Crown of Derbys, followed by Towcester (English) and Shelbourne (Irish).

Daniel Rankin, Shawfield racing manager, and GBGB registrar Dave Levy oversaw the draw live on RPGTV on Monday, with regular pundit Richard Harkness drawing the names out of the drum. The 36-dog event comprises 21 railers, six middle sees and nine wides.

Levy said: “The draw went well. We had four sets of guards, but they proved no issue. It was great to see Irish interest in the event and we had six Irish-trained runners in the draw. It was unfortunate therefore that Pat Buckley drew three in one heat.

“Generally, I think the Scottish Derby looks very competitive this year and it’s tough to pick a winner from the 36 – even Daniel (Rankin) struggled to name his idea of the winner! But that should help make it a very interesting event, there’s quality throughout.

“From a personal point of view, it was nice to afterwards answer some questions from viewers. Some were tougher than others, but I was made to feel very welcome and hopefully gave viewers an insight. I’m a regular watcher and try to email in answers when rules issues crop up.”

For his part, Daniel Rankin, Shawfield RM, said: “It was fantastic to do the draw live on RPGTV. It meant a 4am start to travel down to London but it was worth it – and helps give the competition a real lift heading into Saturday’s heats.

“It looks a great competition and we hope to see as many people here at Shawfield across the next three Saturdays. Of course, for those who can’t make it, heats, semi-finals and final – plus supporting competitions and opens – all the action is on RPGTV.”

Pick of the clashes sees Oaks champion Wuheida (Philip Simmonds) versus Olympic champion Bruisers Bullet (Mark Wallis) in heat five, while Towcester Gold Cup winner King Turbo (Liz McNair) goes in heat two against highly-rated Rackethall Jess (John Mullins).

Last year’s RPGTV Scottish Derby was won by the Charlie Lister-trained Dorotas Woo Hoo who misses a defence of his title after suffered a cut foot. His trainer Charlie Lister is represented this year by Woo Hoo’s litter brother Dorotas Vic, who runs in heat five.

Saturday’s Heats

Heat 1

Heat 4

1

Coolavanny Mason

1

Barefoot Painter

2

Pennylane Lucky

2

Azzurri Genesis

3

Bombers Bullet

3

Black Farren

4

Borna Account

4

Ashbank Christy (m)

5

The Other Reg (m)

5

Calico Blackjack (w)

6

Oakfield Caesar (w)

6

Gazilly Shay (w)

Heat 2

Heat 5

1

Carn Brea

1

Wuheida

2

Castlehill Wally

2

Farloe Falcon

3

King Turbo

3

Bruisers Bullet

4

Lightfoot King

4

Droopys Cymbals (m)

5

Trade Fudge (m)

5

Dorotas Vic (w)

6

Rackethall Jess (w)

6

Maireads Spring (w)

Heat 3

Heat 6

1

Risky Dreamer

1

Ni Hao

2

Bull Run Button

2

Westway O’Neill

3

Cooneen Jack

3

Chawke It Down

4

Forest West

4

Chompy Jet (m)

5

Dropzone (m)

5

Calico Ranger (w)

6

Donation (w)

6

Kranky Mark (w)