JONATHAN HOBBS: There’s a big-race double-header tonight on RPGTV shows both the Ladbrokes Puppy Derby and Racing Post Greyhound TV Steel City Cup Finals – both being broadcast on the channel as the greyhound show remains on the road.
Two of the major races on the now-curtailed open-race calendar, the RPGTV Steel City Cup is a wide-open affair with a chance for all in the £10,000-to-the-winner decider, while six of the fastest youngsters go for gold in a superb £12,500 Ladbrokes Puppy Derby.
There’s a hot favourite at Monmore in the shape of Queen Jessiej and Liz McNair’s runner has every chance of maintaining her unbeaten record in the puppy competition and is another from the McNairs’ home-bred academy in Kent.
Their’s really is a success story with three litters from Skate On having produced the likes of a Greyhound of the Year in King Elvis, the reigning British Bred Greyhound of the Year King Sheeran and so many others winners.
The newest batch on the track includes Queen Jessiej and, for good measure, tonight’s final includes a litter brother in King Drake. It gives the McNair kennel two chances, while John Mullins also has two finalists with both Swift Lettuce and Fantastical.
Sheffield’s RPGTV Steel City Cup looks a far more competitive affair and the break looks absolutely crucial with a host of front runners. Unbeaten Headford Ranger is one who has the power to come from the off pace but he faces a tough-looking draw.
Monmore
6.49: Queen Jessiej has done nothing wrong in her two races here and her early pace has been progressive and impressive – a first-bend lead looks on the cards again. Soft conditions have been handled well by this 27-kilo bitch who will continue to improve, although Newinn Jacko (Ernie Gaskin) will soon be pressing next door. He also won his semi-final well and will have his supporters – especially if out-trapping T2. Best drawn runner here might be Fantastical (John Mullins). He starts and stays well.
Play: Queen Jessiej
Alternative/forecast: Fantastical
Sheffield
6.39: A decent sprint where local star Inca Coney (Phil Barlow) has been in top form of late and likely lands the spoils with his best foot forward. However, he’s priced accordingly and Ballymac Conte could be best placed inside. Colin Handford’s dog is a potential lid-pinger and could represent value in this two-bend contest.
Play: Ballymac Conte
9.18: A superb line-up for the RPGTV Steel City Cup Final and Deadly Expert gets the vote for Laurence Tuffin. He has a plum draw outside and, in a race where the start looks absolutely crucial, has the best splits on show. He’s also open to improvement after just four races and should solo into the bend with Headford Ranger (Kevin Hutton) likely to edge inwards early. The latter has been flying round Sheffield, but getting across Lenson Whelan (Patrick Janssens) and Ballymac Ambrose (Bev Heaton) will not be easy. Volcanic Reef (Heather Dimmock), the Winter Derby winner, is also coming back to form well and paces up. Local hope Fire Height Chaz (Barrie Draper) has the draw. Intriguing, wide-open and a great way to head into the suspension of open racing.
Good luck all – and keep safe.
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