GREYHOUND PREVIEW: Main events this weekend include the Premier Greyhound Racing English Oaks Final from Perry Barr on Friday.
Ladies Night at Perry Barr
The final of the 2023 Premier Greyhound Racing English Oaks at Perry Barr is up for decision on Saturday night. It has been an excellent competition since the opening rounds and six of the very best ladies in training will line up for this wide-open contest. Just over three lengths separate the entire field on last weekend’s semifinal runs, and all six have a chance. Let’s take a look at the runners.
- Starshinestunner
- Whats Up Eva
- Droopys Request
- Jet Stream Angel
- Droopys Ailsa
- No Rush
Verdict: No Rush was marginally the fastest of these last weekend and has been installed as the 2/1 favourite, as the sole wide seed in the race she should have a clear run to the bend with Droopys Ailsa in five likely to move to the rails on the run up. No Rush has some good sectionals in the competition but is very strong from halfway. In fact, she hasn’t led around the opening bend in her last twenty-three starts and has still managed to win on nine occasions. The draw should prove ideal this weekend and if she were to turn in a handy position entering the back straight, she will prove hard to contain. Droopys Ailsa has a big run in her but will need to fly from boxes to clear the runners on her inside. Starshinestunner is another who will be doing her best work in the second half of the contest by may just struggle for racing room at crucial stages. Whats Up Eva could set the early pace. Trap two should pose no problems for Eva and with a slow starter in one she could be the one to catch. The break is crucial, but I’ll side with Whats Up Eva to lead early with No Rush running on to get there late. The final is due of at 21:11 on Saturday night, good luck to all connections.
Friday Night at Romford
Romford will host another classy card on Friday evening with the highlight for many being the match race over the stamina sapping 925 meters featuring Ballymac Taylor (T2) and Bubbly Inferno (T4) at 21:42. Neither greyhound has been over a trip this far in the past although Ballymac Taylor did manage to win over 900 meters at Monmore back in August. Bubby Inferno has won over 874 meters on her most recent start at Crayford. The trip won’t be an issue for either but getting to the front around the tight Romford circuit will be a huge advantage. Ballymac Taylor has be installed around 1/3 for the match race, obviously there is little value to be had but it’s a race to savor and credit to both sets of connections for taking part.
Elsewhere on the Romford card the final of the Friday Night 500 can go the way of Kila Detail. He is once again drawn on the inside of Oh Cosmopolitan and that can prove to be key. Kila Detail showed fine early pace to lead on the corner last week despite a moderate start. He can break much quicker this Friday night and looks set to make all.
Oxford Friday
The RPGTV Cowley Puppy Collar Final will feature alongside Romford on the channel this Friday. Some exciting young prospects will be on show in the feature. King Memphis and Cat Island dominate the market. Memphis was much the quicker of the pair on the clock last weekend, but the draw won’t make it easy for the son of Droopys Sydney. Cat Island has shown flying early pace in his career to date and looks a very likely leader, at the prices I’d much rather be with Cat Island at 3/1.
Irish Scene
The Semifinals of the valuable Pady Merriman Memorial A1 525 and the semifinals of the RPGTV Puppy Oaks will feature on the Shelbourne Card on Saturday Night. We are also at the semifinal stage of the Fair Warrior Sprint from Mullingar this Sunday. At Limerick a star-studded St Leger will commence this Saturday evening featuring the likes of Swords Rex Ballymac Finn Sober Glory Clonbrien Treaty and last years winner Bobsleigh Dream to name but a few.
