JONATHAN HOBBS: A busy end-of-year period for open-race fans kicks off tonight with the final of the Colossus Bets Grand National at Central Park.
The jumpers’ Classic, it has been dominated by three-time winner Ricky Holloway and the local trainer should wrap up the main prize – but perhaps not with the greyhound you would most expect to lift the famous trophy which dates back to 1927. Read on.
The 12-race card live on RPGTV also includes trial stakes for the upcoming Ladbrokes Kent Derby and, if the top division is a guide to the quality of the GBGB Category One event, greyhound racing fans are in for a treat at the Kent venue.
Not only does it see the reappearance of Derby finalist Smurfs Machine, but it features Tenpin. The latter is the Romford Puppy Cup champion and, pertinently, the Brinkleys Poet Young Guns victor over C&D last month.
Let’s have a look at the pick of tonight’s action.
Central Park
6.28: The first of the Kent Derby trial stakes divisions and Deanridge Awesom could help make the market for Coconut Comrades. The former looks well drawn after a fast trial, but might the orange jacket get first run? He brings decent Hove sprint form to the table.
Play: Coconut Comrades
6.43: Goldies Ginola could have the make-up to score. A cracking 29.08 second to Galloping Moon last month catches the eye and a slick start makes the most of slower trappers around. Antigua Romeo is a huge danger but can he get round Queen Lilly?
Play: Goldies Ginola
6.58: A fascinating maiden. Irish Derby Plate third Toolmaker Daddy is an interesting new recruit for Ricky Holloway – the Springbok looks on the cards! He must be respected, but Bubbly Beluga’s trials at Romford stand out and he could make a winning debut.
Play: Bubbly Beluga
7.36: It’s difficult to look beyond Shrewd Call. The Colossus Bets Kent Silver Salver winner ran well behind a good sort at Nottingham on Derby final night and will have improved for that after a recent spell off the card. His C&D form is top drawer to beat Ballynabee Lucky.
Play: Shrewd Call
7.56: Bubbly Cristal failed to land the odds on debut at Romford but showed plenty in behind and this return to the track after a break could prove to be a winning one. Trials have been decent enough and and this novice stayers presents an opportunity.
Play: Bubbly Cristal
8.38: The Derby came just a couple of weeks too soon for Deanridge Sirius but he looks pretty ripe judged on a rip-roaring trial. Indeed anything like a repeat of his 28.73sec does the trick in this Kent Derby trial stakes. Central Park plays to his strengths.
Play: Deanridge Sirius
8.54: It’s the Colossus Bets Grand National Final – and Roxholme Butt rates the value to strike. He’s a novice compared to his three kennelmates but stayed on really well in the semis and was a powerful sort on the flat. His jumping has improved and any crowding outside will give the red jacket every chance. Respect to favourite Roxholme Biscuit.
Play: Roxholme Butt
9.12: Division two of the Kent Derby and expect Bubbly Bollinger to get first run inside and he could be the value to get away from the powerful Deanridge Rapid. That said, if the latter turns handy it would be game-on after a rapid-fire 28.74sec trial.
Play: Bubbly Bollinger
9.28: Saving the best for last, the top Ladbrokes Kent Derby trial stakes sees Nottingham fourth Smurfs Machine against Young Guns and Puppy Cup winner hero Tenpin. The latter gets a narrow vote given every chance to steal a march on rivals inside and out.
Play: Tenpin
Good luck all.
@Hobbsy67
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