These Monmore Festivals always seem to entice top greyhounds to compete and that is no exception today where we have four fascinating, quality finals. My colleagues will have to deal with an onslaught of rain but hopefully the Lolly Faithful’s spirits will not be dampened if a couple of my fancies win this afternoon. Here are a dog’s thoughts on the proceedings:

15:08 – Puppy Derby Final

It almost goes without saying for anyone that has watched him that Golden Wonder will turn left out of the boxes and trap 4 could leave him in a perilous situation. I think few could argue that he is currently the fastest dog in this race but it is hard to see how he will not encounter early trouble, especially with the terribly drawn Bonamassa Rocks being a tight railer too: things do not bode well for Remember Scotie or Strategic Review unless the ping, which is not entirely out of the question. It is also of note to bark how pleasing it is to see a Rayvin Giovanni pup (in Scotie) looking to have the potential to fulfil the promise that his father showed before his unfortunate injury. The value in this race, which is extremely competitive, is to side with Cluxtons Free to ping out again from a good draw and not be for catching. Free was brought in as a reserve for this competition but certainly did not run like one in the heats as he showed great pace from a good start to overpower the in-form Strategic Review. With the inevitable chaos somewhere on the inside, it is the call to side with Free who has a good draw next to the tardy starter Johnnys Boy.

15:43 – 630 Final

This trip at Monmore is all about the break as the traps are virtually on the bend. With that in mind Blonde Reagan is a real danger if he rediscovers his trapping boots; especially considering his surprisingly gutsy performance to win his heat, a sign that he is a dog that really is a true champion. He cannot be relied upon to ping though and with that in mind, the recommendation is to side with Jazz Tilly to ping out again from her red box and make all. She is a very likeable sort and has the scope to improve further on her performance from Monday afternoon: she could be anything. Ballyard Buddy will no doubt run his grinding race but he never strikes me as a dog to side with at short prices and whilst feared, Tilly could be away-and-gone. The ridiculous late running of Romeo Patriot is feared but he is surely destined to go over a marathon trip sooner rather than later as he does not get involved until the final strides over this distance.

16:14 – Dogs Final

The Lolly Faithful are currently on Newinn Rocket at 10/1 antepost and the track specialist can show that he needed the run on Monday to beat this supreme field. Bold Three is making into a serious contender for Sallis in the Derby as he has early and gets the 480m with ease; he also showed his fontain of knowledge for the track on Monday with a bold success but he is plenty short enough against these classy types. Mags Gamble is always feared in any race but his draw looks perilous to me with Benkaat Blue being able to ping and Airlie Impact’s pace, however wide, should be feared in any race. Newinn Rocket to make all but a case could be made for any of these greyhounds if I’m an honest dog.

16:47 – Bitches Final

Well, what a litter we have developing here with Jaytee Jules showing all of the class and pace of her Juvenile hopeful brother, Jaytee Hellcat. Rumour in the kennels has it that more of this litter are expected to be running soon and it is worth paying serious attention to them: she can frank that comment by beating these superb bitches. The Lolly Faithful were on her in the heats at 10/3 and a similar performance will be too much for even these classy bitches. Airforce Allstar is a danger but will head for the rails giving Jules a nice run. Express Flame missed the break in the heats and whilst classy, will not benefit any more from being in trap 4, especially with a back-to-form Jaytee Cuba outside of her. Jules looks good here if she can repeat her debut performance, which of course is not a certainty.

One recommendation for the Lolly Faithful today then:

15:43 – Jazz Tilly – 1pt @ 9/4

So there are a dog’s thoughts on the proceedings. Apologies for the lateness of the dog blog but I fell asleep on the sofa earlier and only woke up when I fell off. Please comment or tweet me if you have anything to say to me and I’ll bark back at you, nicely of course.