JONATHAN HOBBS SATURDAY: Hove picks up the open-race baton from Crayford this weekend with the heats of the Coral Olympic on Saturday, plus trial stakes for the upcoming Brighton Belle and the Ballyregan Bob Memorial.

The action from the Sussex venue is live on SportyStuffTV/RPGTV along with Shelbourne’s high-class Winter Racing Festival card. Catch some Dublin fancies at the foot of this column – but let’s take a look at the best of the Hove action.

Hove

6.58: Great to see Aayamza Royale on the card as the reigning Greyhound of the Year lines up over 740m. She stays well, of course, but Chubbys Dubh looks an interesting proposition outside given Kevin Hutton’s bitch has a rare chance to set the pace?

Play: Chubbys Dubh

7.18: Heat one of the Olympic could see a back-to-form Smurfs Machine shine. He potentially breaks better than another powerful sort in Drumcrow Brent, but the inside line gives Seamus Cahill’s dog a chance to get first run – especially with Indesatchel railing early.

Play: Smurfs Machine

7.36: Ballymac Gaybo is looking to land his new handler Belinda Green a first victory in her care and the signs have been encouraging. He has a definite chance to lead and might get away from some strong types such as Amazing Wink and Dannid, both on the comeback trail.

Play: Ballymac Gaybo

7.56: Trumps Benefit gets the vote to lead home a classy pair of kennelmates in Bockos Belly and Aussie Captain. The style of running of Carol Weatherall’s dog is tailor-made for Hove and he won a puppy event there in the summer. A brilliant prep trials stands out.

Play: Trumps Benefit

8.17: Warzone Tom came through the Gold Collar with flying colours at Crayford and his strength could see Liz McNair’s dog begin another big-race campaign on the front foot. The Hove gallop suits and a handy slot could be enough to reel in Freeky Pumbaa.

Play: Warzone Tom

8.38: Heat five of the Olympic could see Balterio really come of age. Mark Wallis’s BresBet Steel City Cup finalist ran a sparkling trial and clearly Hove suits his strong-running style, although catching Borna Wine might be required should the blue-box clear Doorus Jet.

Play: Balterio

8.54: Lanzo has been flying just late for Richard Yeates and the local star could get first run in this heat six of the Olympic. The white jacket’s early pace should make hay into the bend and strong types Nipsey Hustle and Ivy Hill Skyhigh might be held.

Play: Lanzo

9.12: Pocket Lola made the final of the Sovereign Stakes at Towcester last week and that sprint speed could up a winning lead here. The Seamus Cahill-trained runner has slower trappers inside and out and might need catching. Anniversary Girl looks the biggest threat.

Play: Pocket Lola

9.28: The Hove finale is a teaser. Lights Out is not the most prolific of winners, or the keenest to get to the front maybe, but this contest might be run to suit. Pocket Lulu will set the tempo but will be coming back to the field as Kevin Hutton’s bitch strikes.

Play: Lights Out

Hove shares the SportyStuffTV/RPGTV stage with Shelbourne and a high-class programme for the RCE/GRI Winter Racing Festival.

Salacres Pippy (8.06) provides UK interest in a brilliant 750yd contest and could shine for Peter Harnden, while Liam Dowling could have a decent night with the likes of Ballymac Fairone (8.46), Ballymac Ariel (9.24), Ballymac Wild (9.38) and new Limerick Leger champion Ballymac Merlin (10.08).

Good luck all.

@Hobbsy67