JONATHAN HOBBS: Monmore continues its hugely busy period with another outstanding card tonight with the highlight being the semi-finals of the Premier Greyhound Racing Puppy Derby.

Places in next week’s £20,000-to-the-winner final are up for grabs and will not be easily secured with plenty of competition among the puppy class.

Two final spots will be won in each of three semi-finals, with the Puppy Derby supported by the heats of various other competitions. Again, these are high quality.

The action is live on SportyStuff TV/RPGTV.

Let’s have a look at the pick of the races.

Monmore

6.17: Aussie Captain brings ferocious early pace to the table in this heat one of a 480m all-aged event. The Patrick Janssens-trained runner has a plum pitch inside and will be the once to catch again, with the improving and unbeaten Feora Noel the biggest danger.

Play: Aussie Captain

6.48: The first semi-final of the Premier Greyhound Racing Puppy Derby and Slaneyside Harvy might step up to score. Seamus Cahill’s runner ran an encouraging race on debut in the heats last week and, boasting smart Irish lines, could be tough to hold if pacing up handily here. Milton Noah won well last week at decent odds and is respected.

Play: Slaneyside Harvy

7.07: Heat two of a 630m decent where Bettys Book might always be dominating. The Kevin Boon-trained runner has been caught in good company of late but might escape the pack here with the shorter run to the bend helping. Sparta Master remains a grand sort.

Play: Bettys Book

7.24: The second semi of the Puppy Derby and what a race! Preference is just for Patrick Janssens’ Deelish Frankie over Innfield Trojan on the draw. He starts and stays well, although a sharp exit will be needed to keep the early pace and all-round speed of the Newcastle raider at bay. The remainder also deserve the utmost respect in a cracker.

Play: Deelish Frankie

7.44: Heat two of the 480m comp and Antigua Woofwoof catches the eye again. Mark Wallis’s runner won well last week and a repeat should do given a decent clock, although clearing Derby Swallow into the bend is key – the local can come away.

Play: Antigua Woofwoof

8.03: The third Puppy Derby semi and Northern Puppy Derby champion Freedom Alibi can follow up his fastest heat win. Tom Heilbron’s dog coped with the midfield pitch last week and improvement is still likely on what was a fast 28.25sec return anyway. Key might be getting first run on Annual Sydney, who also impressed last week.

Play: Freedom Alibi

8.23: A good 630m contest. Right Fork won well here earlier in the year, while Surprising brushed aside maiden company last week and is improving post-break. However, Kevin Hutton’s Droopys Mansion could step up on his own Swindon comeback last week.

Play: Droopys Mansion

8.43: The third heat of the 480m event and this could be between Antigua Storm and Bull Run Norris. The latter reached the recent Winter Derby final and is a powerhouse on his day, but the draw gives Mark Wallis’s runner definite first-run potential inside.

Play: Antigua Storm

Good luck all.

@Hobbsy67