GREYHOUND PREVIEW: This week including the best of the action from Hove on Saturday night where three finals will be decided …the Coral Sprint Trophy, Seasons Scaffolding Puppy Cup and the feature, the Coral Brighton Belle.
Saturday at The Seaside
Hove is the place to be for those seeking the best of the UK Greyhound action this weekend as the Southern venue host three big finals this Saturday night live on Racing Post Greyhound TV. First up on the card will be the Sprint Trophy where Gougane Jet will be tough to beat from an ideal draw in red. The smart son of Droopys Jet was the quickest of these in the semi-finals and will take this with a repeat performance. The only negative for the favourite is his lack of experience from trap one, amazingly Gougane Jet has yet to race from the red jacket since his switch to the UK but was successful on his race debut at Galway from the inside box. His main dangers are likely to come from Impact George (4) and Da Missing Man (3). The latter has returned to action better than ever this year and you couldn’t rule out further improvement.
Seasons Scaffolding Puppy Cup Final
The puppies are up next in the Seasons Scaffolding sponsored Puppy Cup where the exciting Maree Champion is the one to focus on. Unbeaten prior to last weekend’s semi-final, the well bred son of super sire Droopys Sydney can get back on the winning trail at the expense of last week’s conqueror Droopys Clue. The selection missed the kick last time out but displayed eye-catching all-round pace to run out an unlucky loser. With a level start this weekend he can prove too strong for this opposition before going on to brighter things. Ballymac John (5) has a superb pedigree and looks a threat.
Brighton Belle Final
The feature event of the evening is the Brighton Belle Final. Lively Lauren (1) My Girl Mia (2) and No Rush (6) all go into the decider unbeaten. No Rush has been a real improver in recent weeks and has a perfect draw out in six, she looks a likely leader and will prove hard to peg back. Lively Lauren has winning form over six bends and will prove a real threat if able to turn handy. She will need to be within three lengths of No Rush at halfway if she is to make her presence felt, Lauren may find that task difficult and the main danger to No Rush could come from My Girl Mia who looks to have a good draw in two outside Lively Lauren. The excellent Jason Barrasford will be reporting live from Hove this weekend and it promises to be a wonderful night of entertainment on RPGTV.
Romford Friday
As usual there will be a decent card at Romford on Friday evening. Gunboat Wichita (19:36) looks to be dropped in class a little. He has faced some tough assignments in open races recently and this race looks well within his grasp. From an ideal draw in red he should go close.
Droopys Stairway (20:17) made a mess of the start when a well-supported favorite last weekend. He is usually dependable at trap rise and on his best form he would take this. Is safe to say he has his quirks but if leading early he should stay focused and prove too strong.
Select Stakes at Waterford
The race of the weekend is most definitely the Select Stakes at Waterford. This unique annual event has a stunning line-up for this Saturday’s final. Last year’s Irish Derby consolation winner Cryptopunk goes from trap one for the in form Graham Holland, a dog who has held his form well all year he must avoid the early paced The Other Kobe in two. Kobe is incredibly fast on his day but will seek a rails pitch on the run up. Callaway Pro Am was a beaten favourite in last year’s Derby final and his form has been excellent this year, bar that one below par run at Shelbourne back in March. He impressed in the semis and the draw could work in his favour. Patrick Guilfoyle has Wi Can Dream running from trap four, he will need to be at his best at trap rise if he’s to play a part. The hugely fast Clona Duke is the second of the runners from the Graham Holland Kennel. Last year’s Juvenile Derby winner recently broke the track record at Limerick during the Kirby and looks the one to beat for me. Finally, Kilgraney Sydney goes in the stripes for Thomas Buggy, he looks to have a bit to find on the clock but we wish all the Buggy family the very best of luck with Sydney this weekend. For me I’ll just side with Clona Duke and Graham Holland to keep up his red-hot form.
Weekend’s Best Bet:
Hove Saturday (20:38)
No Rush One unit win
