JONATHAN HOBBS SUNDAY: Towcester reaches the semi-final stage of the Premarket Pets Blue Riband today with the destination of this early-season Category One prize very much unclear. Indeed, it remains as wide-open with 12 runners left as it did with 48!

The Derby champion Thorn Falcon is still in there, so, too, the original ante-post favourite Brookside Richie, but neither have really taken a grip on the competition. However, there’s still time and the only race that matters for them is next Sunday’s £10,000 final.

So to Sunday’s card which is again packed-full of open races and is again the feature card on SportyStuff TV/RPGTV’s greyhound coverage across Sunday.

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

Towcester

1.57: Romeo De Niro has all-round speed and, while out of luck in the Blue Riband heats, could get back on track here. Patrick Janssens’ runner is dropped in class here and his best of 29.51sec would likely be enough to get first run on strong Nearlylagertime.

Play: Romeo De Niro

2.32: A cracking 712m contest. Savana Scrappy is flying, while there’s a re-match between Blueberry Bullet and Antigua Lava. However, all three will be taken on early by Blackrose Pippa. The improving Janssens stayer, who ran well at Crayford, could go clear?

Play: Blackrose Pippa

2.52: A good afternoon for the Patrick Janssens camp might get even better with Aussie Captain next up. The red-jacketed runner has a better draw now and should get first run inside, although Master Ten Ten remains an exciting pup who will not be easily beaten.

Play: Aussie Captain

3.28: Salacres Lee seeks a brilliant six-timer here and will be fancied by many, but might the switch off the rails give the others a chance? It’s possible and, for that reason, the top-class Shrewd Call might get his revenge. David Mullins’ runner continues to run well.

Play: Shrewd Call

4.08: An interesting maiden. Lemon Tossy is interesting back on the rails, debutant Galvarino has done nothing wrong in trials, while Longcroft Paddy could go clear. However, Paul Young’s Bubbly Tomahawk made late headway on debut and will step up.

Play: Bubbly Tomahawk

4.28: The first Premarket Pets Blue Riband semi-final and Brookside Richie could now flourish being off the fence. The original ante-post favourite has not quite fired of late but could start better from the blue-box here at Towcester – and that should be enough for David Mullins’ runner to streak clear against a field of stronger types led by the consistent and well drawn Drumcrow Brent.

Play: Brookside Richie

4.48: The second Premarket Pets Blue Riband semi-final and might Forest Gold be the one to catch? Kevin Hutton’s BresBet Steel City Cup winner has been showing great speed in his races here and could open up a decent advantage, although Candy Man impressed last week with a fastest second-round win, while only a fool would ignore the claims of Derby champion Thorn Falcon. Savana King is also a powerful sort.

Play: Forest Gold

Good luck all.

@Hobbsy67