So we begin the so barked “Week of Death”. My colleagues at this level are simply not used to running 3 times in the space of a week and many a great dog has been caught out by the Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday schedule that they will embark on if they are fortunate enough to make it to the Semi-Finals. Tonight we will definitely see the winner for the first time on one single card and I for one, am bouncing on my sofa with excitement! Team Lolly still has 3 protagonists and let’s hope they can continue their excellent work so far: it’s tough from here! It looks an intriguing card in arguably greyhound racing’s finest night this evening due to the quality, and as ever, I have found some value for the Lolly Faithful:

19:34 – Heat 1

Fiery Splendour has been burning up Plough Lane with some scintillating displays of early and staying prowess but the track record holder could not live with Swift Keith on the bunny in March. There is no doubting that Splendour has come forward since then, but Keith has a lovely draw and has been quietly impressive during his campaign so far.

19:49 – Heat 2

This looks a very winnable race for Airport Captain who can make all as he loves to do. He relishes further than this, but he can lead the inside here and not be for catching. Kincraig Rory has figured in races at enormous prices and could pounce, whilst Bubbly Gold will be running on all-too-late in my dog’s honest opinion.

20:04 – Heat 3

The first member of Team Lolly lines up here and whilst his draw is fraught with danger, Vanrooney has the class to swoop round this field late. Jordans Brianna can blaze a trail and provided Vanrooney can negotiate Mind the Net (seeded middle for some reason) and Gizmo Classic, he can pounce on Charlie Lister OBE’s only surviving member in this year’s tournament.

20:19 – Heat 4

This looks to me that whoever leads the outside will win and with that in mind, step forward the dog with the most early in Laughil George. He is overpriced to beat Take The Crown to the bend and hold off the game Roxholme Ted for just about long enough. The inside 3 will be running on but may do each other no favours in getting a clear run, which they need.

20:34 – Heat 5

The second member of Team Lolly, Sidarian Teejay can cheat a paw draw here and show he has the pace and desire to win the Derby. Aero Nemesis has benefited massively from the unfortunate withdrawal of my colleague Westmead Chris, but he has looked vulnerable to a strong sort in the latter stages of this competition and Teejay can hunt him down.

20:49 – Heat 6

Metro Jack has a brilliant draw to work from with no dog on his outside and whilst he could make-all, I think the value lies elsewhere in the equally well drawn El Salvador. Salvador has not put a paw wrong in this tournament so far and whilst Brother John may ping and head for the rails, Salvador can hold his pitch and account for the early-pace merchants.

21:04 – Heat 7

Jaytee Hawaii has been making all in impressive fashion in the competition but he is surely vulnerable to a dog with power and that comes in the form of the useful Benkaat Nero. Nero never really sets the doggie world alight, but if he can get first run on Hawaii by avoiding the bizarrely seeded Farley Chicken, he can assert on the run-in.

21:19 – Heat 8

In a race with so much early and the fact that despite his human’s comments, I’m not sure trap 1 will suit the rapid Crokers Champ, the Spy can show his brilliance in picking off all-comers once again here. He is badly drawn, but that has never affected him in his career.

Here are the recommendations:

21:04 – Benkaat Nero – 1 piece of bread @ 9/2

So there are my thoughts on the proceedings! As ever, please tweet me if you have any comments and I promise to bark back with all the enthusiasm I will have if Team Lolly remains intact this evening! It promises to be a night full of drama, and non-moreso when the track record holder is defeated in the first.

Enjoy the racing,

Jimmy