TV TROPHY FINAL: Greyhound racing celebrates one of its great events tonight with the final of the Ladbrokes TV Trophy at Monmore.
With a roll of honour including the likes of double winners Scurlogue Champ, Ericas Equity and Midway Skipper, not to mention canine luminaries such as Roxholme Girl and Flying Winner, the TV Trophy has as rich a history as any competition in the game – and that history could be rewritten tonight.
That’s because Aayamza Royale looks to be a rare back-to-back winner of the event having won at Hove last year. She subsequently lifted the Greyhound of the Year title so is already a star of the track, although victory tonight is hardly straightforward with Savana Volcano an improving eight-bend star.
The main event aside, three other finals also take place on what is a fantastic night’s greyhound racing live on RPGTV/SportyStuff TV.
Here we go . . .
Monmore Saturday
6.17: Antigua Mememe trialled well enough last week to think he takes the beating in this puppy event. It promises to be a decent night for the Mark Wallis kennel and this youngster could kick-start a good evening for the 11-time champion trainer. Easy Warrior is well drawn.
Play: Antigua Mememe
7.07: A superb race now where Jaguar Macie gets the vote for Graham Rankin, but will have to be at her best. The Monmore Puppy Derby champion looked a touch unlucky at Newcastle last week, but must trap well to handle in-form pair Signet Ace and Ivy Hill Skyhigh.
Play: Jaguar Macie
7.24: There’s plenty of local interest in this sprint final with Final Moon and Skipalong Sarge both at the top of their game. However, Coolavanny Dylan is such a good trapper he gets the vote for Kirsty Grayson. He’s been a star of the sprint scene for a while now.
Play: Coolavanny Dylan
7.44: Another cracking final, this time for bitches and Carol Weatherall’s Holdem Lauren could raise her game from the heats. She’s wasn’t foot-perfect early last week but ran a good race behind Luna Rocket. However her best will be needed to beat impressive debutante Droopys Samantha.
Play: Holdem Lauren
8.23: One for short-shot backers only, Headford Buzz nevertheless looks perfect for multiples bet on the night. Kevin Hutton’s sprinter has run some good races in defeat of late, tackling tougher company, so should be away if trapping on terms with his field.
Play: Headford Buzz
8.43: More final action now and Coolavanny Kyser is tough to look beyond. Mark Wallis’s dog was brilliant in winning his heat last week and gets arguably a better draw against the rail here. Even so, others were quicker last week – Adeles Duke and Signet Mafia in their clash – plus Magical Arrow. The latter remains an exciting talent, but Kyser is fancied to get first run inside.
Play: Coolavanny Kyser
9.02: The Ladbrokes TV Trophy now and Aayamza Royale is fancied to successfully defend her title. Yes she’s been beaten by Savana Volcano twice recently but Mark Wallis’s bitch should get first run on her main rival which might be crucial. A fantastic subtext to the race is that both Wallis and Volcano’s trainer Diane Henry have won three TV Trophys apiece and victory for either would make them the winningmost trainer in the event’s long history. Expect Southfield Code to lead, but might need trouble behind, while Irish entry Sporting Pat has scope for improvement after checking away her chance in the heats before rallying well to qualify. Our Supreme Sue and Galaxy Star help make it a superb TV Trophy – but the track-record holder and favourite gets the vote.
Play: Aayamza Royale
9.18: The closing Monmore race could see Sheffield raider Ballyboss Con strike early doors. Barrie Draper’s bitch arrives in good form and looks well drawn against the fence. She gets the vote over leading local Final Xafonic, who will be running on strongly.
Play: Ballyboss Con
Good luck all.
@Hobbsy67
