JONATHAN HOBBS: Tune into Sky Sports Racing tonight for the return from retirement of one of the best trackers of recent times in Jimmy Fenwick’s Ice On Fire.
Named the Greyhound of the Year in 2019 after multiple big-race successes, Ice On Fire makes his return in the heats of the Arena Racing Company Northern Flat, the former Belle Vue competition now switch to Newcastle under the Arc umbrella.
It would be asking plenty for Ice On Fire to reach the same heights after such a lay-off given he last raced competitively some 15 months when winning the RPGTV Juvenile at Sheffield. However, trials have been very encouraging indeed.
Sadly the local superstar’s much-anticipated clash against Tenpin will not now happen after the latter was withdrawn over a seeding issue.
Nevertheless, it’s a cracking entry for the Arc Northern Flat heats, so eyes down for six heats over 480m at the Byker venue . . .
Newcastle Wednesday
6.36: What a start to the Arena Racing Company Northern Flat given the return of Ice On Fire. Not the crackerjack head-to-head we expected with Tenpin, but still a top contest with the the likes of speedsters King Bruno and Levante Beach also in there. There is no margin for error for Jimmy Fenwick’s dog but trials have been smart and a fresh-and-fast start could pave the way for an extraordinary and successful return to the track.
Play: Ice On Fire
7.09: Heat two of the Northern Flat now. Liz McNair’s Havana Class won the Laurels in superb front-running style and another slick exit and trail-blazing tactics could be enough to keep up his winning ways. He won well over C&D last week, although needs to be extra-sharp early to hold off Jumeirah Liberty from the get-go. Ardralla Jim, a kennelmate of the latter, runs on well and could pick up the pieces if they crowd inside.
Play: Havana Class
7.41: Nadurra Dutch will look to roll back the years here. This veteran performer has raced at the top level across the seasons and, with a plum pitch inside, should have room to show what he can do still. Some decent warm-up trials catch the eye and this looks one of the weaker heats overall. Frankies Jet and Droopys Back Up could keep the John McLachlan-trained red jacket up to his work – both arrive in good winning form.
Play: Nadurra Dutch
8.12: Another competitive Northern Flat heat now where the outside traps could make hay. Pacemaker Ted has been running well of late and could ping-start, but getting round Darbys Ranger might not be a given. The latter is having his first start for new connections and Carl Jackson’s runner has trialled well enough to think he can play a major part here. Look Like Power is a powerhouse performer over this trip and the local will be picking up.
Play: Darbys Ranger
8.27: A tricky contest for this fifth Northern Flat heat. Local hope Minglers Popeye catches the eye second time up. This midfield draw suits Stuart Tighe’s dog more than trap five on debut and a slick start could see him shine ahead of Scottish raider Killie Phantom next door – especially given a 28.71sec trial since. Glory Kilara could be poised to take advantage if his rivals crowd outside in the dash to the bend.
Play: Minglers Popeye
8.46: The sixth and final Arc Northern Flat heat where two-time major winner Jaguar Macie stands out. Graham Rankin’s bitch failed to get a run in the Juvenile at Towcester but won the Northern Puppy Derby over C&D and a slick exit could soon set up another victory. That said only her best will do given Pinpoint Villa next door cuts a dash early and well-drawn Bettys Book brings all-round speed to the table.
Play: Jaguar Macie
Good luck all.
@Hobbsy67
