JONATHAN HOBBS: Towcester will be busy across the coming weeks in terms of top-class racing as the Northamptonshire venue builds up to the Greyhound Derby and, before that, the Maiden Derby.


Trial sessions will act as pointers and trial stakes will give the leading contenders a chance to become acquainted with the track, or re-acquainted in the case of the second- and third-season runners.

Either way, punters are in for a treat and this Sunday’s action on SportyStuff TV/RPGTV is decent enough with a host of open races over all distances and some top greyhounds on show – right from the start!

Towcester

1.57

The card kicks off with a two-bend contest where Signet Goofy looks the one to beat. The black jacket won the Midlands Sprint Trophy at Nottingham on Monday and is on a roll just now. Clearing Kirabilly Kathy is the first port of call, however.

Play: Signet Goofy

2.12

A good 500m contest now with plenty of chances here. Fight The Power won well over 575m at Romford and must be a danger, likewise the consistent Drumcrow Brent. However, Feora Noel has scope for better and looks likely to be suited to the track.

Play: Feora Noel

2.32

Bryce Canyon is still coming forward after a break and could take some holding with his best foot forward. His length second to Drumcrow Brent in January stands out as a formline against these, led by that admirable – and capable – veteran Faughan Rebel.

Play: Bryce Canyon

2.52

Another cracking contest where Master Ten Ten, Gymstar Elusive and Warzone Tom are all strong-running, impressive 500m winners here. However Carol Weatherall’s Candy Man shaped with promise last week and might reverse form with Antigua Bigun.

Play: Candy Man

3.11

Expect a bold show from the get-go from Perfecto String. The Frank Gray-trained runner remains an improving pup with 3 wins on the card already and should race into a long lead here – with a 29.80sec latest suggestion he could take some beating against these.

Play: Perfecto String

3.28

Trumps Benefit has the upcoming Juvenile as a target and could land this ahead of his big-race targets. Fast trials suggest all is well with Carol Weatherall’s dog and this wider draw could help matters with the likes of Swanley Alexis and Balterio capable of pushing him.

Play: Trumps Benefit

Good luck all.

@Hobbsy67