JONATHAN HOBBS: Monmore picks up the open-race baton from Hove and stages a huge double-header tonight with the heats of the Ladbrokes Gold Cup and the Ladbrokes Summer Stayers Classic.

These four and six-bend competitions have both attracted top-class entries and will ensure SportyStuff TV/RPGTV viewers once again have top-class weekend action to enjoy given six heats apiece of the two events.

Let’s have a look at each of the dozen races at the Wolverhampton venue.

6.28: Forest Gold looks drawn for a decent run inside in the first of the Gold Cup heats. Kevin Hutton’s dog ran well in the Derby at Towcester and brings all-round speed to the table, although certainly has a decent start in his locker to lead home Antigua Storm.

Play: Forest Gold

6.33: Adeles Duke proved a popular front runner during the Derby and will again look to cut loose early doors. However Jaguar Macie has enough speed – and then stamina – to reel in most if turning handy enough. Graham Rankin’s bitch is top class.

Play: Jaguar Macie

6.48: Signet Ace could be another Kevin Hutton runner to shine on the night. He trialled back impressively, ran well in the Derby, and most importantly has big-race success on his CV at Monmore. A slick start leads these up – with the possible exception of Havana Class.

Play: Signet Ace

7.07: Up in trip now for the heats of the Stayers Classic and Warzone Tom can continue in the same vein over a trip. He’s two-from-two over six bends and posted a good clock over tonight’s C&D next week and might always have the edge over useful Coolavanny Bani.

Play: Warzone Tom

7.24: Bettys Book gets the vote over Blue Tick George in what could develop in a match in this Summer Stayers Classic. Preference is for the former with Kevin Boon’s bitch set to get first run on the Crayford dog given a closer-to-the-fence draw.

Play: Bettys Book

7.44: Bo Shine Bullet had no joy in a high-class Regency final last week but a rails draw could do the trick here in the Summer Stayers. She’s a big-race winner at Crayford with all-round speed and, if keeping tabs with Nipsey Hustle next door, might always be in the van.

Play: Bo Shine Bullet

8.03: Heat four of the Gold Cup now and Tom Heilbron’s Pacemaker Ted has shown himself a good sort when able to dominate – as he did in the Northern Flat at home track Newcastle. Clearing Frankies Jet, the main danger, is the first port of call – and vice versa.

Play: Pacemaker Ted

8.23: Droopys Conrad showed good pace in the Juvenile Classic at Towcester and could run amok inside in this Gold Cup heat. Angela Harrison’s dog is still improving, but must be sharp with Minglers Popeye impressive last week. Signet Mafia is well pitched outside.

Play: Droopys Conrad

8.43: Droopys Dazzler looks well pitched inside and could be another Newcastle winner tonight. Also trained by Angela Harrison, the red jacket trialled well last week and should get first run on most. Brynhall Allstar is no back number on recent formlines.

Play: Droopys Dazzler

9.02: Back to 630m for the last three races tonight with Burgess Puma perhaps a spot of value in this stayers heat. Jason Bloomfield’s dog needs to break but should soon be pitching for the lead as draw and could get first run on defending champ Kingsbrook Glyn.

Play: Burgess Puma

9.18: Cold As Ice looks the uphold the Regency form. Jimmy Fenwick’s dog ran well for a long way at Hove, but this sharper six bends suits more and he could be another one of the north east tonight. Magical Firebird has good four-bend speed so can also shine.

Play: Cold As Ice

9.34: Heat six of the Ladbrokes Summer Stayers Classic and Lunar Prince could run a big race inside. Richard Devenish’s dog ran well in a trial stakes last week and should duel for the lead with Ivy Hill Skyhigh, perhaps Duke De Janerio also. The inside pitch helps.

Play: Lunar Prince

Good luck all.

@Hobbsy67