A great field has been assembled for the start of this Category One event this evening live on RPGTV. Lovely to see so many early-paced merchants over this stiffer trip at Hove! Here are a dog’s thoughts on the proceedings:

Heat 1 – 20:02

An interesting contest to kick the tournament off with the well-supported bitch Fortunata looking to utilise her good draw. Bridge Honcho, however, comfortably beat her when they opposed over C&D in a maiden earlier in the month and he can continue to transfer his progressive Irish form over to these shores. Snowdon Tommy was highly-rated when he first came on to the scene but has lost his way slightly.

Heat 2 – 20:18

Summer Stayers Classic winner Mark My Words can begin his campaign in style by beating the highly-tried but maybe overrated Bubbly Jaytee (formerly Coolavanny John). The latter is perhaps expected to emulate the form of his litter-brothers Bert and Pedro but has failed to do so of late and a sudden leap in form is unlikely. Jaytee Tiger likes it round here but has stamina and class questions to answer.

Heat 3 – 20:34

Two of the leading antepost favourites oppose here in Airlie Impact and Loughteen Blanco and it is a contest that will be one to savour. Impact has been imperious recently but shows he can get into trouble (losing last Sunday) and it only needs a minor traffic problem for him to not have enough to peg back Blanco like he did earlier in the year. Do not discount Brinkleys Flyer, the fast-out Waste House Al and Boxie who are all nice sorts on their day.

Heat 4 – 20:50

Probably the toughest heat to assess with unknown quantity Lenson Bob entering the tournament after a flying trial three days ago: can he produce the same under racing conditions? If he does it will be game over for the rest but one is drawn to Parkwest Leo who is not averse to causing an upset round here when he accounted for the very pacey Sakara Star recently over C&D.

Heat 5 – 21:06

A heat full of quality types who can all handles themselves with the best of them on their day. Longwood Fantasy is a good tournament dog and Droopys Vito looked back to his best last time out, but preference is for Go Go Sonic. The Juvenile competitor has a galloping style that should suit the track and he is well drawn to pounce around the penultimate or final bend.

Heat 6 – 21:24

A heat blessed with seriously talented greyhounds is one which also may be the easiest to call; Derby runner-up Farloe Ironman was nigh on unbeatable round here last year and his efforts at Wimbledon in May show that he is truly top-class performer. He has a great draw with the race being devoid of early bar his and unless one of the chasers breaks away early from the others, Ironman should have too much for these round his beloved track.

As ever if you have any comments on whether you agree/disagree with the above please don’t hesitate to tweet me – I promise I won’t bark at you!

Enjoy the racing,

Jimmy