JONATHAN HOBBS: There’s a massive double-header at Perry Barr tonight with the West Midlands track staging both the Arc St Leger and M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup finals.
Both are Category One events, with the Birmingham Cup upgraded this year under the backing of the family of local trainer John Lambe. But in addition to the main events, supporting competitions also take place with sprint and puppy finals – both of which are again top-class. And if that’s not enough the countdown to the Oaks begins with trial stakes.
Let’s have a look at the pick of the bets.
Perry Barr
6.59: Magical Firebird catches the eye in this Oaks trial stakes. Runner-up in the Gold Cup at Monmore a few weeks back, Kevin Hutton’s bitch returns after a break fresh but clearly with all her pace given speedy comeback trials. Improvement is more likely than not.
Play: Magical Firebird
7.16: Great to see last year’s Oaks finalist Newinn Liz back on track for a trial stakes and respect is due. However John Mullins’ Droopys Timing looks a nice sort judged on trials and Irish form. The performance of Magical Firebird previously could be a pointer.
Play: Droopys Timing
7.34: The first of the night’s finals is the Arc Puppy Stake and the vote goes the way of Carol Weatherall’s Trumps Benefit. He has chunks to find on the clock but lacks nothing in speed and stamina. The fear is something gets away, but a handy position early sets things up?
Play: Trumps Benefit
8.06: Another final now, this time for the sprinters. Crossfield Dusty gave the track record a shake in the heats and really looks a talented sort. However on the draw Matts Malibu rates the value with David Mullins’ runner taking advantage of scrimmaging in the midfield?
Play: Matts Malibu
8.21: Aayamza Dream looks to make it third time lucky here. Mark Wallis’s bitch has an ace draw and ran with great credit in the St Leger and, with improvement likely as a recent arrival to Imperial Kennels, that and a red-jacket draw could work the oracle.
Play: Aayamza Dream
8.36: The final of the Birmingham Cup now and might things work in Candy Man’s favour? There’s no obvious reason why Carol Weatherall’s dog can reverse semi-final form with Forest Gold but the latter needs to clear Havana Class – and vice versa – and that could let in the orange-jacketed runner who takes off down the back.
Play: Candy Man
8.52: Great to see Aayamza Royale on the card – the reigning Greyhound of the Year. She is unlikely to be value back over eight bends but last year’s St Leger third runs Perry Barr well and just had no luck in the event this year. Droopys Jungle for the forecast?
Play: Aayamza Royale
9.11: Time now for the 2021 Arena Racing Company St Leger Final and, while not the final we expected, there’s still huge quality here. The unbeaten Blueberry Bullet (Mark Wallis) looks the one to beat on semi-final form given her first-run potential. Nevertheless Space Jet (Matt Dartnall) went slightly quicker in her semi and looks a rapidly improving sort. Night Time Danny (Steve Rayner) has done nothing wrong and, like Blueberry Bullet, is yet to be dethroned in the event. Guiri Steve (Chris Fereday) never gives up and is well pitched, while Antigua Mememe (Mark Wallis) can fly out and could escape. However, the value vote goes the way of Savana Volcano. Her trainer Diane Henry is having a superb year and her marathon star stays every yard, but also has a ping-start in her locker – and should she come away it really could be game on.
Play: Savana Volcano
Good luck all.
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