GREYHOUND PREVIEW: It’s semi-final weekend as both the Cesarewitch and the Essex Vase will be whittled down to the final six. There were no surprises in the Cesarewitch, but a couple of big-priced winners emerged in the opening round of the Essex Vase, with just one favourite winning from the six heats. Let’s take a look at the best of this weekend’s action…..
Romford Friday
New Destiny lines up in the opening of three semi-finals at Romford this Friday night. It’s safe to say the first and third semis look red hot. New Destiny was well held last time out, but it’s always hard to oppose her around this track. On the face of it, trap four looks far from ideal, but she has won her last four starts when running from the black jacket. The early lead here looks crucial, and Antigua Kestrel looks a likely leader if repeating last week’s run. That was his first run at the track, and he can surely improve. This sort of trip looks ideal for Kestrel. He ran well in the Summer Stayers at Monmore where the 630m just stretched his stamina, but the 575m trip looks ideal and he will be my idea of the winner in the first semi.
The second semi is very interesting. Silverhill Adam will go off favourite, but he does need to come away a little better. Out The Blue did little wrong when making all last time out and has a definite chance, but the one I’m keen on is Rolo Rosie. I already recommended a small ante-post bet on Rosie prior to the start of the event at 100/1 and I can’t understand how she is still available at that price. She has drawn the weakest heat by a considerable margin. She ran a cracker last week behind Out The Blue when meeting early trouble and comfortably held Silverhill Adam to the pick-up. The top two will qualify for next week’s final and if she were to make it, you would be on at a decent price about her making the top three in the decider. She still rates a solid each-way ante-post bet for me.
The third semi is another red-hot affair. Tiffield Tarquin was the only favourite to oblige last weekend and is drawn to perfection once again. His task has been made a great deal easier with the withdrawal of Bacon Frazzles on his immediate inside. He will still have to do everything right as both Newinn Deejay and Gary The Arb will have their supporters on the night. Gary The Arb ran well in defeat and is a real handful when he gets things right. He was beaten at odds-on last time out, but I think he could be worth another chance this Friday night and he is chosen to get the better of Tiffield Tarquin and Newinn Deejay.
Central Park – Saturday
For the fourth time in five outings, Mongys Wild and Deadly Disco will face off. Mongys Wild has come out on top in two of the last three, but Disco won the one that mattered most. The duo were split last weekend by Ballymac Madgie, who also re-opposes, and the contest should firmly rest between the trio once again. The term “workmanlike” was used to describe Mongys Wild’s win last week, but that may be a shade harsh. It was his first race since mid-December and he did what he had to do. I’m sure Mark Wallis has him where he wants him at this stage and he is still firmly the one to beat. Ballymac Madgie showed good early pace to get to the front last time and she looks set to go clear once again this Saturday. For win purposes she could be the one to side with this weekend. She looks a certain leader and the likes of Mongys Wild and Deadly Disco may not enjoy as smooth a passage as in the opening round, and I’d be keen to have a small bet on Madgie to win, but without Mongys Wild will be the main play.
The second semi will see Romeo Empire go off a short-price favourite. For the second week in a row his main market rival has been withdrawn due to injury. Last week Garfiney Blaze was withdrawn on the morning of the race and during the week the news broke that the excellent Droopys Flare will not take her place in the semi-final. Romeo Empire should safely qualify with Crafty Prospero set to follow him home.
Best of luck to all connections.
Barry.
