GREYHOUND PREVIEW: There are three major finals up for decision this weekend the Champion Stakes at Romford, the Kent Derby at Central Park, and the Steel City Cup at Sheffield. It’s also semi-final time in the PGR Oaks at Dunstall Park, while we move into the second round of the Irish Laurels at Cork. Our expert Barry Caul previews all the action!
Champion Stakes Romford
Defending champion New Destiny has drawn her favoured red jacket as she bids to follow up last year’s win. Mark Wallis’s superstar came from off the pace to deny kennelmate Fabulous Sonique in the dying strides last weekend and looks ideally housed again in Friday’s final. As mentioned previously, Destiny can do it from the front or from behind, and she boasts a superb record over course and distance. She won this final from the same trap last year when making all and will be aiming for a repeat performance.
Tiffield Tarquin produced a career-best in his semi, flashing from traps to hold off the odds-on favourite Gary The Arb. A repeat of that effort puts him right in the mix. The aforementioned Fabulous Sonique was just caught late by New Destiny and will again look to steal an early advantage. Moving Force caught the eye behind Untold Paanga last time but must start quicker, while Paanga faces a tricky draw.
My selection is Gary The Arb. He’d been exceptional prior to last week’s defeat, which was still full of promise. He flew to the corner when last in blue and can seize the early initiative before proving too strong late on. A cracking final, best of luck to all connections.
Kent Derby Central Park
Both Bombay Pat and Headford Dane were beaten at odds-on in last week’s semis, but it would be foolish to overlook the pair in this weekend’s final. Bombay Pat appears best drawn; Graham Holland’s star boasts an excellent record from the striped jacket and is fancied to come out on top.
Texas Jack rates a major danger. He was exceptional last weekend and has now won six of his eight UK starts. His sectionals are rock solid, and a repeat of last week’s run will see him bang there again. Headford Dane was a shade disappointing when leading last time, while his conqueror Romeo Topcat has a tricky-looking draw. The inside duo Acedukeboxpepper and Zenith Imminent will need luck in running.
The start will be crucial, but Bombay Pat oozes class. Constantly mentioned alongside the likes of Cheap Sandwiches and Bockos Diamond, he can use his pace from one to three to take control and prove too good.
Steel City Cup Sheffield
Chelms Bear set new figures for the 500m trip at Sheffield last weekend when making all, not something we often say about the strong-running Bear! He broke smartly from three and it was game over once he led. Chelms Bear is electric when things fall his way, and he’s proven that time and again.
Currently odds-on (10/11) to follow up, the key question is whether he can trap as sharply again. More likely, he’ll turn in mid-pack and need the gaps to appear. My pick is Romeo Steel. The Yarmouth track record holder has won his last five and looks the probable leader here. He’ll need to be clear of Chelms Bear by halfway, but with potential traffic in behind, he can capitalise. A fascinating clash, I’ll just side with Romeo Steel.
PGR Oaks – Dunstall Park
Droopys Kathleen suffered the first defeat of her career last weekend, and while her Oaks journey ends in round two, she’s brought huge attention to both the event and the newly opened track, a real positive for all involved.
The first semi (19:56, Friday) sees Strike It Skye likely to start favourite. She showed huge pace last weekend but was held up more than once. Her lack of early speed from this draw is a concern, so I’ll oppose her. Raebella Bullet has impressed lately and may have the early zip to lead the inside runners. She’s dipped under 28 seconds here before, and if leading, will take catching. Ballymac Kinga caused a shock last time and could again feature from a plum draw in six. My nod goes to Raebella Bullet to fend off the fast-finishing Strike It Skye.
With Kelvins Hat a non-runner, the second semi features five runners. Avongate Venus could benefit most. The smaller field gives her space to operate early, and she ran better than the bare form suggests last time. Strong from halfway, she can pick up Aero Becks, who may set the early pace. Venus is my pick to finish best.
Irish Laurels – Cork
Our two ante-post picks Lamrock Ace (66/1) and Droopys Patriot (16/1) both impressed in their opening-round wins on Saturday, and I’m happy to stay on their side. Lamrock Ace was seeing the track for the first time and will improve plenty for the run. Solo And Go caught the eye in defeat and remains a major player, while kennelmate Ballymac Setanta posted the fastest time of the round.
Round two continues this Saturday.
All the best,
Barry
