JONATHAN HOBBS: It’s Coral Golden Sprint semi-final night, but more than that. Heats of three competitions over 225m, 575m and 750m share the stage with the 400m showpiece event – so there’s something for everyone!
EYES down for a peach of a card at Romford tonight – and Hobbsy is all over it!
It’s a fantastic concept – 12 races and four competitions, each with three heats apiece. Different distances all of them – job done I’d say Romford racing office. Hats off!
Now, getting a dozen winners is nigh on impossible, but there’s a few standout bets on the card so read on for the best advice!
As ever, all the Romford action is on SportyStuff TV/RPGTV (Channel 437).
Romford Friday
6.43: Heat three of the Steve Simmons Sprint and Bogside Drama looks the one to be with. She flew round here in 13.47sec in December and same again from Erica Samuels’ Yarmouth raider could do the trick. The capable Barnora Benn could make the market.
Play: Bogside Drama
6.58: The first heat of the Tony Byerley Mercury looks a cracking match between Three Ems and Micks Little Gem – and we know the latter oozes class. However, Paul Young’s Three Ems showed signs of a real return to form at Towcester and comes forward again?
Play: Three Ems
7.18: Heat two of the Mercury and Anhid News continues on the upgrade for Mark Wallis and could repay support. A 47.16sec win here in January catches the eye big-time and a handy position looks on the cards from the get-go. Bubbly Angel for the forecast?
Play: Anhid News
7.36: Another superb head-to-head in this third heat of the Mercury between Bubbly Dave and Redzer Renae. The former looks to be coming back to his best after a long layoff and will command huge support. But if Tony Gifkins’ Redzer Renae traps ahead of him, it’s race on . . .
Play: Redzer Renae
7.56: The first semi-final of the Coral Golden Sprint and the make-up looks perfect for Bockos Jon Jo. Plenty will take him on given his occasional missed breaks, but Patrick Janssens’ runner showed real gears in defeat last weekend and should be tough to hold.
Play: Bockos Jon Jo
8.17: Another Golden Sprint semi and most eyes will be drawn to David Mullins’ Shrewd Call given he’s the best sprinter around just now. He could deny Signet Mafia early doors and kick on, although Malton Manor could escape if they did tangle inside.
Play: Shrewd Call
Alternative: Malton Manor
8.38: The third and final Golden Sprint semi and Geelo Gold Dust can edge Bubbly Magnum early doors and be on her way. Carl Perry’s Sheffield bitch had a good battle with Mr Roo latest and could potentially come forward after a recent short break.
Play: Geelo Gold Dust
8.54: Could Droopys Addition be the best bet of the night? Gemma Evans’ runner showed real pace behind fast-starting Sparta Master last week and could run amok in heat one of the Stuart Roberts Quicksilver – if coping with the improving Mad Mash Bullet next door.
Play: Droopys Addition
9.12: Heat two of the Quicksilver now and Ivy Hill Skyhigh should go well for Mark Wallis. She boasts good form here (boasts a 35.05sec best time) and, having tired over 630m last time at Monmore, will much prefer this return to 575m and is generally a decent breaker.
Play: Ivy Hill Skyhigh
9.28: The Romford closer and track record holder Sparta Master will be popular here and understandably so – he could run amok if trapping in front. But if you’re looking for a progressive sort, look no further than Paul Young’s recently up-in-trip Bubbly Bollinger.
Play: Bubbly Bollinger
Good luck all.
