GREYHOUND PREVIEW: A big weekend of finals ahead as Romford hosts the Essex Vase final on Friday night. Central Park stages the Cesarewitch Final, while over at Shelbourne Park it’s the Dublin Cup decider. BARRY CAUL takes a look at the best of the action on Betdaq.
Romford Friday Essex Vase Final
🟥 New Destiny
🟦 Table Toppers
⬜ Gary The Arb
⬛ Silverhill Adam
🟧 Out The Blue
🔲 Tiffield Tarquin
Verdict
Tarquin sets the standard, but this is no gimme.
At first glance, Tiffield Tarquin looks the one they all have to beat. He arrives here in cracking form and has done little wrong throughout the build-up, producing a slick 34.94sec in the heats and backing that up with a competition-fastest 34.74 in last week’s semis, which marked him down as a dog right at the peak of his powers. He has the right blend for Romford, enough early gears to hold a position, but crucially the strength to kick again between the fifth and sixth bends. In a race where some will be vulnerable late, Tarquin looks rock-solid. If he breaks on terms and secures a clear run, he may simply prove too strong.
However, this is not a one-dog race, and Gary The Arb demands maximum respect. His recent track-record performance at this venue underlines just how dangerous he can be when things fall right. He’s already proven himself in top-level company and boasts an outstanding strike-rate around Romford. When he hits the lids and gets into rhythm, he can take lengths out of rivals down the back straight. The question is not ability — it’s whether he can reproduce that explosive start under final pressure. If he does, Tarquin will know he’s been in a race.
Then there’s the one you simply can’t dismiss: New Destiny. She loves this place, thrives over the 575m, and has made a habit of turning up when it matters most. She may not quite be the force of old, but her race sense and stamina are first-class. New Destiny is exactly the type to keep rolling when others cry enough. She’s been around too long and won too much to be underestimated.
Table Toppers completes a quartet that stands slightly clear of the rest. He may not have the headline clockings of some rivals, but he fits the race well. He’s determined and honest, and if he can slot into a handy position early, he’s capable of landing a blow. In betting terms, he’s the one who makes most appeal at bigger odds, especially for those looking beyond the big two. Out The Blue has done little wrong in the event so far, making all in both rounds to date, but this is by far her biggest ask. Silverhill Adam must improve at traps if he’s to land a telling blow. For me, Tiffield Tarquin looks the safest bet, although I must admit it will be a watching brief for me.
Cesarewitch Final, Central Park Saturday
🟥 Burgess Sophia
🟦 Romeo Empire
⬜ Mongys Wild
⬛ Crafty Prospero
🟧 Princess Matilda
🔲 Deadly Disco
Verdict
Wild still the benchmark, but Disco is dancing
The Cesarewitch Final at Central Park is never a race for the faint-hearted and, despite being turned over in the semi-finals, Mongys Wild remains the one they all have to beat. He has been the standout stayer throughout 2025, producing dominant performances that marked him down as a dog operating at a level above most of his rivals. His strength in the second half of races is exceptional, and when he gets into a rhythm, he is very hard to stop. The defeat last time was unfortunate, more a case of circumstance, and if he finds a decent position early, he is still the most likely winner of this year’s Cesarewitch.
That said, the obvious fly in the ointment is Deadly Disco, who got the better of Mongys last time out. The duo meet for the fifth time on the bounce, with the recent score at 2–2. Deadly Disco will be hoping to lead around and have a few “goalkeepers” between himself and Mongys at halfway. If he can do that, he has a huge chance to add another big pot for connections.
Romeo Empire will be hoping to do exactly the same, and on sectionals, he looks the most likely leader. He improved on the clock from the opening round, and I do think the “quick away” comment on his card from last week is slightly misleading. I think Romeo Empire can go up better and make every post a winning one. He will need a little luck in behind, but I think he represents a bit of value and will be my selection to make all.
Shelbourne Park — Saturday
Verdict
Kathleen Returns
The exceptional Droopys Kathleen will be the star attraction at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night. Well over a year after her last Irish start, Kathleen returned with a flying 18.52 sprint run last week and lines up in a red-hot 525 to complete the card on Saturday evening, where Towcester track-record holder Lennies Desire rates the main danger. The card also features the final of the Dublin Cup, where Silverhill Bucko can make the most of a favourable draw on the fence.
Recommended Bet
Romeo Empire: Trap 2, 8:20 Central Park Saturday
1 Point Win
January Total: -2.5 Points
All the best,
Barry.
