The Sky cameras descend upon Yarmouth tonight and the venue could arguably be considered Charlie Lister’s home ground with his bid for an incredible 12th success in the East Anglian Derby resting on the 2011 Greyhound of the Year. His dogs just seem to have a knack of running this track brilliantly and all of his runners should be respected (perhaps even moreso than usual!) around this track. The card has a really good feel to it and the loyal Lolly followers should be rewarded with a few winners tonight – well that’s the plan anyway! Here are a dog’s thoughts on the racing:

7:40 – 462m

An intriguing contest to start us off here with Lister’s speedy pup Killieford Deal looking to atone for some costly defeats in higher class affairs. He is of no doubt a fast dog when everything clicks and was a selection for this dog blog in the Puppy Classic but ran poorly in the semis (perhaps he couldn’t see the hare with Ballymac Eske so far in front!) and has since seemed to have lost his way a bit. Therefore, at odds-on and without the luxury of his ideal six-box he is worth taking on. Droopys Ardan is well-drawn on the rails and no doubt has pace but his efforts in actual races have been disappointing by missing the break and he may take a while to adjust to racing conditions. So the value for me is with Ferndale Eagle who has question marks like the rest of this field but showed good pace in Ireland and a change of venue to Yarmouth from Romford (where his ability to turn the bends left a lot to be desired!) could be the catalyst for him to really get his UK career up-and-running and he represents the marginal value.

8:00 – 277m

It’s always nice to see Lil Risky in action as I was often too far in front of him to see how he was getting on! Joking aside he is in great form over four-bends and his trapping is sufficient enough to land a contest of this nature. The problem for him, however, is that Jimmy loves a stat now and again and this one is an absolute belter! In the last 47 open races over this course-and-distance there has not been one winner from the red box – that dates back to 2007! It is often wrong to look too much into statistics in greyhound racing but that one cannot be ignored and despite Lil Risky’s class potentially being able to defy the curse of the red-box, he also has the very likeable Big Local on his immediate outside. Local is in cracking form, he rails, and can match any dog in the country out of the boxes on his day. Throw in the railing and useful sprinter Diesel Sammy and there could be carnage for Risky if he does not produce his absolute best and the recommendation is for the well-drawn track-record holder Monleek Town. Some might argue that he needs a box closer to the rails but the make-up of the race should mean he gets the mid-to-wide ground that he wants and I’m happy to take 5/1 on a track-record holder!

8:15 – 462m

This ladies contest looks to be a great race for Belvedere Emma to demonstrate her talents and show why she is a bitch to follow in the coming months with the Oaks approaching. She would ideally prefer a draw nearer the rails but has enough pace to get out and get to the inside with Aero Joker providing the only potential hazard to such a scenario. Joker does have good early over the 575m at Romford but this step-down in trip will probably show her early is not sufficient to lead over four-bends these days and while Missy Kissy flew round in a trial last week, she has a poor draw and is unproven at this level.

8:35 – 843m

Track knowledge and experience is almost always a huge positive against dogs who are unfamiliar to the venue and that is why Aero Gaga is no more than a tentative selection. He is continually underrated over these sorts of distances and wins an impressive amount of races considering the level of opposition he is normally pitted against. The runner who could be a huge danger if getting on the bunny is Hometown Honey who has a growing reputation and graded round here earlier in the year before making the step-up to open class, so she knows the circuit better than any of her principal rivals tonight. Indeed, she will have many supporters because she ran well over the testing 925m at Romford when being picked up by reopposing Storm Pockets, who normally needs further than tonight’s trip, but Gaga has enough class to stay handy to Wallis’ bitch and beat her tonight. The other interesting runner is Powerfast Pigeon who exploded onto the marathon scene last term with some great trap-to-line successes but has lost her way massively since seasonal rest and has been poor over inadequate trips: do not be surprised though if she pings and goes away from them tonight! It is tough to envisage that unless you have a seriously good memory to remember the bitch as she was and even if she does rediscover her best form, Gaga was always at least a match for her.

8:50 – 462m

This should be a great race with some very good young dogs looking to make a promising start to their careers in all-aged company. Ayamzaman is a tremendously quick individual but just does not get any distance over his beloved 400m at Romford and a step-down in trip to a sprinting distance seems the most logical move for him in my eyes. He is surely an uneasy favourite in this race especially considering he is berthed next to another early-paced merchant in Isheforreal who has rediscovered the form that took him to the Peterborough Derby final. As those two battle it out for early supremacy, the race looks set-up for Droopys Reason to show his heat success was no flash-in-the-pan and he runs this track extremely well. He also has a good draw with Star Cash Simon likely to move towards the middle and Jordans Chris having a very questionable middle-seed tag when his path often takes quite a wide course! He is of no doubt a danger if he turns handy but Reason looks a good thing here if he is not too distressed after being knocked over in the East Anglian Derby Semi-Final (falling over at 40mph is not something I would recommend!).

9:10 – 659m

This looks a straight contest between Jaytee Monroe and Blonde Reagan with marginal preference for the latter as he has been running well in defeat of late. Monroe took off on Sky last time out in a race that had the look of a one-dog trial for her after the first bend but she will have plenty more to think about today with Reagan next to her. She may indeed get first run but Reagan showed good battling qualities against the classy Derrane Jake at Doncaster and he was arguably unlucky that the strong-running Pantone Ava got an absolute flier on the Sky card on Champion Stakes final night. His SP’s show that he is one of the most feared six-bend runners in the country and the theory here is that he can turn at least handy to Monroe and outstay her; if he leads it will probably be all over bar the shouting (and barking from yours truly!).

9:25 – 462m

When I told one my colleagues in the kennels this morning that I would be placing a doggie treat on Boher Paddy tonight he called me barking mad as the “dog is past it”! Yet he is a dog that I have always admired and he is getting one last chance to prove that he is a formidable opponent and to also contribute to my ever-growing reputation as not only an unrivalled sprinter, but an unrivalled tipper as well! I still think Paddy was extremely unlucky in the Derby (and even though I keep mentioning it I promise I’m not bitter) and although he has not won in a while, he has always been involved in top class affairs against the very best in the country. In those defeats he has lost twice to Bubbly Phoenix who is on fire at the moment (sorry, I couldn’t resist with the pun) so can be forgiven for those which leads to his performance in the heats as his only real blemish round Yarmouth in this Category One contest. Many will argue that he needs slightly further than the 462m and the track does not suit his running style but I doubt Lister would have entered him if he had concerns about the track for Paddy, even if his inclusion may be due to his time running-out to notch a much-deserved tournament win in his unlucky career. With a great run he just looks huge at 7/2 for a dog with his pace and Loughteen Blanco looks far too short for me while I’m looking over his recent races from the sofa. Blanco was extremely fortunate to qualify for the Semi-Final of the tournament concluding tonight as he completely missed the break to an almost embarassing extent in the Second Round. He then followed this up with an average break in the Semis and he just seems to have lost his knack for trapping which saw him land the Classic and go ever-so-close in the Sussex Cup: he may need a break! Amongst the other threats for Paddy is Ballycowen Dave who won the Kent Derby for this dog blog but really needs to be in trap six to show his best talents. Jaytee Pedro also needs to be respected but he is all-too-often an also-ran for his speed and so he is best swerved in races against such talented dogs as these.

9:45 – 462m

So the final of the East Anglian Derby has once again thrown up the question of Taylors Sky and if he is the same dog that won the Derby last year; even if he is not quite as good (which is often painfully debatable) he is certainly value at 3/1! The disparagy in his price with Bubbly Phoenix has left me somewhat perplexed and it has disturbed many of my dog naps trying to work out how Phoenix is odds-on for tonight’s showcase. Yes, he has been brilliant in the tournament so far. Yes, he went close to the track record in the semis. Yes, he could quite easily have won the Derby this year were it not for a total hash of the start in the Semis. So all-in-all he looks like he has one paw on the trophy but it is that last “Yes” that perturbs me: he is just not as good out of trap five. Indeed, he seems to be improving when not drawn in six as he has won twice in the competition with the orange jacket on but with Guinness Dusty capable of pinging and Millwards Matt having decent early, Phoenix will need a ping himself to lead the outside and that to me is not an odds-on shot. If he leads it will probably be all-over but that inclusion of the word probably shows that Sky is still quick enough to live with Phoenix’s pace and with his draw and the prices, it seems a no-brainer to side with Lister’s former superstar to show that he is indeed nearly the dog he was.

So there you go, a mammoth dog blog for you today but the quality of the card and intriguing nature of the races justifies such analysis in my opinion! As ever please tweet or comment if you have any opinion’s on the dog blog and I’m sure you will as the kennel has been lively with gossip over Jimmy’s selections this week. Let’s hope Paddy wins for me or I’ll never hear the end of it!

Enjoy the racing,

Jimmy

Well, two weeks is a long time in greyhound racing and after my holidays I’ve returned to see how some of my colleagues have put in some great performances recently. Whilst I was running round having a wail of a time there have been some exhillirating battles on both sides of the Irish sea which brings me to the epic Irish Derby final; watching Skywalker Puma in full flight was a joy to behold as he picked up the courageous Cuil Cougar but the best moment over the past few weeks has to be the reaction of connections to Smiler Jack’s victory who was mightily impressive in the Champion Stakes. Could he rectify his mistake in the heats and ping from the red box? Of course he could! Then followed a tremendously brave first bend to squeeze past the unfortunate Be Real and it was all over bar the shouting and tears from his emotional trainer. It was great to see such passion and sheer joy shown on the screens!

So as that tournament ends, another begins at Hove tonight on Racing Post TV with a great line-up for a Category Two tournament. What better time to start a competition called the Greyhound Olympic after the success of Team GB this summer. It’s about time us dogs started getting some praise for the training hours that we put in like these human athletes and its disappointing how a bidding war for TV rights between the BBC and Channel 4 hasn’t materialised for this Olympic competition. Anyway, I am still proud of my colleagues achievements whatever the outcome of our Olympics and here’s a dog’s thoughts on the heats:

19:46 – Heat 1

Demonstrating the class of this field is the fact that Sawpit Sensation is in double-figure odds to win this tournament despite being one of the best in-form dogs in the country over a middle-distance. He lit up Shelbourne Park in the Irish Derby with some explosive performances to reach the Quarter-Finals and his unfortunate withdrawal due to a trivial injury was terribly unlucky as he looked a dog who was destined to qualify all the way to the final: who knows what would have happened if he had turned second to Cuil Cougar! Besides thinking about that hypothetical situation, he has a tremendous draw to demonstrate why he impressed our Irish neighbours so much in their premier competition. His back-straight pace is frightening! With Millwards Blag having a far from ideal draw in the red box for him, he is more than likely going to hinder the chances of Holycross Prince who would have to reproduce his last run round the Hove track to get competitive which is unlikely. Sensation looks plotted up here to continue his winning run in the UK to six from six and odds-against quotes should be pounced upon as fast as I used to come out of the boxes!

20:02 – Heat 2

This is an interesting heat which may be over at the boxes if Bridge Honcho gets a flier, as he would then surely go on to justify the support he has had for the race. His guarantee of an early-lead is questionable though as he has mid-to-wide galloper Hugo You Go on his inside who coarses the hare and has flown from the boxes in his last two outings before being picked up over the 575m distance at Romford which is too long for him. Further question marks surround Honcho’s trapping consistency as he was a notoriously tardy trapper in Ireland and this flaw seems to be creeping back into his game in the UK with his early-pace often being hampered by being left behind at the boxes: he is worth taking on. A true track-stalwart looks the call in Kilmore Say Go who loves this track nearly as much as I did and is written off round this South-Coast track at your peril. He beat Honcho recently at odds of 4/1 and so surely looks value for a repeat at odds of 4/1 (bookies really are unimaginative at times aren’t they!).

20:18 – Heat 3

Regular readers of the dog blog will know that the Lolly is not a massive fan of Sakara Star but his recent form figures are encouraging with him utilising his undoubted scintillating pace to win more races recently. His limitations remain though as although he won his last race, it does not paint the whole story as he actually ran into the crowding at the third bend instead of running round it and should have won more emphatically than he did so. In saying that he is always a huge danger! Another dog that failed to impress last time out was Maireads Dandy who’s Irish reputation went before him in his debut round here in a facile success before stepping up in trip to what seemed his ideal course and distance of 575m at Romford: he did not live up to expectations and ran very flat. A dog should always be forgiven for one bad performance (we aren’t machines you know – although at times I did a good job of creating the illusion I was!) but the best option in a tight heat is to rely on Tullna Hawk breaking better than he has done and to build up a winning advantage at his local track. Hawk is a nice sort who rarely loses me too many of my beloved doggie treats.

20:34 – Heat 4

Wow! This heat has the look of the Sussex Cup final about it and therefore the quotes of 9/4 on Airlie Impact (who was sent off odds-on in that final) look huge to my eyes. There is a question over his fitness and the fact he ran a shocker in the aforementioned final (remember a dog’s allowed one bad race – just the one though!) but he loves it round here and drawn in six he should get a great run round the outside tonight. The unproven but highly-rated Britania Richard could be anything but his presence might just halt Westmead Maldini’s progress enough throughout the race to stop Maldini spoiling the party as he is never one to ignore in any race. Another that requires a lot of thought is why Mark My Words is such a big price (around 8/1) over arguably his ideal trip; yes he has been a little flat of late but he looks way too underrated in this line-up and will surely have some shrewd support at some stage. Speaking of shrewd support, Impact is well worth many of my doggie treats tonight as he should surely be closer to evens than he is.

20:50 – Heat 5

On looking at this heat there was one question that sprung to mind: Lenson Bob, how far? It is of course wrong to assume anything is a foregone conclusion in greyhound racing (ask backers of 1/10 Bayllmac Eske and 1/8 Farloe Tango earlier in the year!) but it is hard to envisage any other eventuality than a facile trap-to-line success for Bob here. His ability against top class opponents is questionable and he will need to prove himself to get competitive in the competition whole, but this looks nearly as certain as Mario Balotelli taking a penalty kick and the mercurial and at most times perplexing talent has even been heard in the City training ground asking people: Why always Bob?

21:06 – Heat 6

So here he is, the greyhound of the moment, Ballymac Eske. If Lenson Bob has a penalty kick, this race is effectively a tap-in from two yards that even Michael Owen could score these days despite reports he is due to start up-front for Stoke at the weekend with his trademark zimmerframe (quite a football-related theme today I know – you thought greyhounds were just interested in hares and exceptionally comfortable sofas!). Anyway, Eske’s step up to all-aged company should go without any problems for the speed-machine himself and although his record is 0 from 2 at Hove, he should get his campaign off to an impressive start today. The interesting runner is the strong Droopys Xavier who could run well for each-way backers and I’m going to break a bone in half to have him to come second at over 3/1: I just hope he can see the hare for long enough!

Antepost Thoughts

Quotes of 5/4 seem far too short for Ballymac Eske as he has proven in his brief career that he is beatable and their are some nice sorts with good form round Hove in this field; there is no doubt if he leads each race that he will be extremely difficult to beat however. Regular dog blog readers will know that Lolly loves a bit of value and with Eske being so short, there is plenty around. I woke up this morning to hear that Sawpit Sensation was 20/1 and my paws couldn’t turn on the computer fast enough to try and put an entire week’s supply of ‘Dentastix’ on him each-way (a dog’s got to look after his teeth you know!) but I was disappointed he was now 16/1 and decided to wait to see if he went out again. After a brief nap on the sofa, I then discovered he was 14/1 and cursing my incessant need for forty winks I am now reluctantly going to leave him off my antepost selections as his value is now about right to me. He will no doubt go on to show 14/1 is still too big on him but I much prefer the 10/1 about Airlie Impact. He is a dog that can win from the front or use his back-straight pace to haul in his rivals on this galloping circuit and he looks value to at least reach the final. If Eske makes any mistakes in the competition and is eliminated, the 10/1 on Impact becoming Olympic Champion will look huge and his efforts might just sneak him onto the ever-growing list of Sports Personality of the Year contenders. Impact has far more personality in the kennels than Wiggins but maybe I’m biased!

So there are a dog’s thoughts on the Greyhound Olympics and hopefully some of my selections will pick up gold medals tonight. I’m particularly looking forward to the Opening Ceremony at Hove tonight with rumours of Britain’s Got Talent winner Pudsey doing a special routine for the crowds, but despite the fact I am not jealous at all of his ability to walk backwards and dance to music – he can’t trap as fast as I can, can he?

Enjoy the racing,

Jimmy

There are four quality finals to watch this afternoon at Monmore for their August Festival and with 3 of Jimmy’s 4 antepost selections still in contention, bookmakers should be aware that I may start barking wildly at the SIS screens as my excitement builds! Elsewhere, the Yorkshire St.Leger starts tonight with the market leaders seemingly evenly matched which is reflected in the prices but as ever, I think I’ve found some doggie value for you. First, let’s start with Monmore:

15:17 – Puppies Final

He just looked too big at 5/4 antepost. Farloe Warhawk has won 10 of his 11 starts including beating the ludicrously quick Ballymac Eske in the Puppy Derby final earlier in the month; it is hard to see the Warhawk not powering to the first bend and dominating his rivals thereon. He looks too big at 4/6! He will face a battle with the impressive Bittles Bar who showed good early and will be moving more middle than rails which could block Warhawk’s path, but the selection antepost has shown too much class to be deterred by a dog on his inner and he looks a good thing for this final. The other antepost selection for the dog blog is Kinloch Tiger who has a great draw in trap 1 with the aforementioned Bittles Bar moving middle; it will need the Tiger to pounce early, however, and cling on to that each-way slot for a healthy doggie treats profit on this tournament. It is hard to make a case for any of the others apart from maybe Valentia Tango, who ran valiantly behind the selection in the heats.

15:58 – 630m Final

Mark My Words is a warm order for this final as he likes it round here and beat the well-fancied Westmead Maldini (who has subsequently ran brilliantly, especially on Kent Derby final night) in the Summer Stayers Classic over C&D. He also likes the red box but the presence of Dixies Air next to him, who is not adverse to a decent start himself, could pave the way for a revelation in the heats to steal the show in Farloe Mysterio. As a puppy, Farloe Mysterio chased down the ludicrously quick Eden Star (maybe the Draper’s should change their kennel name to “Ludicrously Quick”, just a thought!) and so the transition he has made to six-bends should have come as no surprise as he has looked a natural, particularly in the heats. He disappointed on his staying bow at Oxford when losing to Five Alley Pub but that form doesn’t look too mediocre after his win at Romford last night in a decent field and so there is still potential for Mysterio to be very useful over 6 bends. His trapping was often a problem over the standard distance but that certainly was not a problem on Monday from the Monmore boxes as he flew out and if he does so again, that Eden-Star-overtaking-pace will make him tough to peg back and at odds of 7/2, he looks the value for Jimmy.

16:37 – Gold Cup Final

The disappointment for the dog blog is that Fridays Daryl completely missed the break in the Semis and was thus eliminated but my tail will be back wagging for the Gold Cup if Taylors Sky defends his title. I say if. Lister himself said that Monmore is probably Sky’s favourite track and his return to a scintillating level of form is ominous for his opponents as they try and work out a way of stopping the Greyhound of the Year. Much has been made of Farloe Iceman on Sky’s inside but even if Iceman gets a flyer (which he regularly does), the selection can turn at least with him and overtake as Iceman unfortunately now characteristically, tires. It is an intriguing contest though and is no means a complete formality but the chances of Fridays Shea rely on him getting a flyer like in the Semis (the first time I can recall he has broken even moderately in any race) and Silverview Perky’s efforts in mixed-gender company have been disappointing. She thrives against bitches but never really showed desire to overtake Sky on Monday (probably a bit unfair to her due to Sky’s talents but still a valid comment) and even her win the Select Stakes was deserved as she had every right to be in the race, but one can’t help but thinking she was lucky to win the way she did. Mags Gamble returned to form in the Semis and although is undoubtedly a trier, his trainer’s opinion that he has “no chance” is probably accurate.

16:57 – 416m Final

As I suggested in the build-up dog blog for this festival, this distance is all about the break as the really short-run to the bend is quirky and it is crucial that my colleagues turn in a good position. That is of course, unless your name is Tuttles Maldini who rarely pings the lids but shows incredible trackcraft round this venue to now make it 8 wins from his last 10 starts over this C&D. Readers of the dog blog know that my treats went on him each-way at 7/1 and although it would be a nice win for me, the presence and form of Lil Risky is too much to ignore (trust me I know he is quick!). He pinged the boxes on Monday before slipping on the ridiculously overwatered track so I expect him to out-trap Manilla Flash (the new track record holder has never won from the red box in his career) and then gallop clear before Maldini can get a run on him. I’m definitely having a saver on Risky as I greatly respect my colleague and so it could be a 1-2 for the dog blog!

Yorkshire St.Leger Antepost

Well, I haven’t seen the Doncaster track for over two years now, but if my aging memory serves me right, you need to know your way around these bends. As the Open racing is few and far between at the Yorkshire venue, most of the participants in the St.Leger won’t have seen the track for a long time, if at all, and that is of huge concern. One who has is Tynwald Tom who I have been hugely impressed with this term but his trials have been moderate which suggests the track does not suit and I will leave him for another day (hopefully he runs Wimbledon better – he certainly can’t run it worse than me!). This distance will be stretching Blonde Fletch as well who impressed at Sittingbourne earlier in the week but a bitch who has shown she has great early, determination, stamina and likes the track (it sounds like she can’t lose!) is Ballymac Pet who would make a great girlfriend – I mean who I will be backing strongly for this tournament (sorry my mind drifted a little there). I can only eat so many treats and as this dog blog has been doing well I will have to place some more on Blonde Reagan who is in the form of his life and crucially, there are very few quality wide dogs so he should get good draws throughout the competition.

So there are a dog’s thoughts on the action today and as ever please tweet me or comment if you have anything you agree/disagree with. Alternatively, if you have Ballymac Pet’s number or you can put in a good word for yours truly that would be great!

Enjoy the racing,

Jimmy

After a good day out at Monmore yesterday attention turns to Sittingbourne this evening where the live on Sky card looks a cracker. One note on Monmore yesterday, before my old adversary Lil Risky ran the track was ridiculously overwatered which caused him to lose his action on the second bend in one of the numerous puddles on the track; a dog of his class deserves more respect than that! Anways, dog rant over. Here are my thought’s on the racing:

19.40 – 480m

This looks a great chance to get the dog blog off to a winning start for me. Short of me wagging my tail vigorously while barking and jumping around like a lunatic (behaviour which is exclusively saved for dinner time) I cannot stress how much I rate the chances of Zodiac Zeus in the opener. I nearly fell off the sofa when I saw odds of 2/1! As a likeable early-paced type he enjoys the track, has a great run with the mid-moving local next to him and barring Sakara Star getting a flyer which is rare (although he did in his last race) I think Zeus will be away-and-gone with no catching him. Indeed, Star is the danger but he is dog that would seemingly find trouble in a solo trial and if he turns in arrears he has pace to burn but his trackcraft leaves a lot to be desired: his presence just makes the price on Zeus even juicier.

20:00 – 480m

I like the start of this card. Peacemaker is progressing into a formidable sort who has won 6 of his last 7 starts including the Produce Stakes and he has shown he has a liking for the venue. Joscar is a danger but got turned over at long odds-on over a more suitable trip of 500m round here earlier in the month and one feels he will be stepping up in trip to 6 bends before too long: this should give Peacemaker a great run with Bursary Boy running well in the early stages of races but will surely be outclassed by the selection. A dog with pace and a great draw is Mash Mad Snowy who will make sure that Peacemaker wins the race in earnest but he can put in a moderate performance here and there, which cannot be said for the recommendation.

20:15 – 480m

A decent field for this bitches race seems a battle between the resolute Thurlesbeg Bound and the pacey Britania Joan. It’s hard to split the two and one should not discount the out-of-form Westmead Melanie (a bitch with tremendous heart on her day) and the early-paced local Agincourt Cilla but with Joan’s run, I expect her to make all from out-wide. It would be no surprise to see Thurlesbeg bounding alongside (sorry I couldn’t resist!) and outstaying the selection however, so stakes should be minimal.

20:35 – 642m

What a greyhound Blonde Fletch has been but unfortunately he cannot be trusted to stay at the odds he goes off at so although I wouldn’t be surprised to see him bolt clear and beat these, he is not worthy of any my dog treats these days. Droopys Aretha could run a big race at her odds but the power of Freedom Cache saw him installed as favourite for the St. Leger earlier in the year and his ability seems to have been overlooked here. He often starts ridiculously slow (I could teach him a few things!) but weaves nicely through fields and Fletch will be in real trouble if Cache is anywhere near him after the first circuit. The step down in trip for Buglys Billie seems a strange move but she will definitely be running on!

20:50 – 480m

An intriguing encounter for me to get my paws on with the still fairly unknown quantity of Lenson Peter providing a real puzzler to this doggie equation. Respect to my fast-out colleague Fifis Legend as well and Rio Torino could run well from an awkward draw (a feat he managed over C&D earlier this month) but with so many early-paced merchants the race could be set up for course specialist Freedom Chief. Chief does do things the hard way at times (I’ve told him getting out in front is the best way!) but he is classy when it all goes to plan for him and he is a tentative selection. Guinness Dusty is also no mug but tends to find this class a bit daunting.

21:10 – 480mH

Every man and his dog loves a bit of sentimentality on television and what better way to (most probably) end a terrific career than see Olivers Twist prove he is the best hurdler of his generation and jump magnificently round the Kent venue tonight. I’m not a massive fan of hurdlers (probably because they always confused me when I was running – jumping in a race?!) but I have great respect for Twist who through an injury-hit career has always saved his best for the big occassion. Lenson Teddy will take a lot of stopping but if Twist can utilise his great draw and his favourite trap to full advantage he should have too much class over the sticks for Teddy. Teddy’s jumping style is like Marmite in either you love it’s quirkiness or hate it’s imprecision but one thing is for sure: he is always susceptible to mis-time a jump that will prove costly in the Grand National. Indeed, one could argue he did just that in the Springbok when losing ground to Westmead Melanie when she was at her fluent best so Teddy can ill-afford a repeat of that tonight against an even better-class rival in the hurdler of his generation: Olivers Twist.

21:25 – 500m

A superb warm-up to the main event here with reigning Kent Derby champion Jazz Apollo being given a great draw for him on the rails where he is 3 from 4 from the red box. Be Real is a live outsider but may hinder Apollo’s chances and speaking about 3 from 4 – that is Westmead Maldini’s record over C&D. I said in a previous dog blog I find it hard to catch Maldini right but he is a superb animal who has everything in his locker and if he turns in front of Apollo, I can’t remember a dog ever running past Maldini when he is contesting for the lead (bearing in mind my memory may be going in retirement!). Never rule out Apollo in a race but Maldini once did a 28.91 over the 480m distance round here as well which would have won most of the races tonight over that trip!

21:45 – 480m

All the attention in the Kent Derby final is on the superb pace of Westmead Adonis and he was a worthy Derby finalist and demands the utmost respect in any contest. A sobering thought for backers though is that he did not win a single race in his epic effort in the Derby and that is a similar scenario that he faces in tonight’s competition. Does he win enough to warrant favouritism here? After deliberation with myself on my walk today I’ve decided he’s worth taking on and with possible chaos in the middle between Cash Game, Rusheen Major (where did his trapping come from?!) and Westmead Shaw, the recommendation to continue Adonis’ heartache in big races is Ballycowen Dave. I think that Shaw will perhaps lead that battle of early-pace but even if he does Dave has proven that he can overhaul him and the selection is unbeaten in the competition. Yes, some eager-eyed observers will note that Dave did not win in his last 13 races prior to the tournament but I would rather be on a dog at 5/1 with a good run that does not win his fair share, than a dog at 7/4 with a good run that does not win his fair share. Dave is unbeaten round here and if he can stay in contact with the leaders, he can add a Kent Derby title to Allsopp’s kennels tonight.

So there are a dog’s thoughts on the action this evening and as ever, please tweet me or comment if you have anything to say about a canine’s perspective of racing. Here’s hoping the Twist can give us one last demonstration of unrivalled hurdling before his probable retirement – I’m sure he’ll enjoy it because I certainly am!

Enjoy the racing,

Jimmy.

Well, one of the few times I get off the sofa was to go for a walk today and I got absolutely drenched so I hope this has not affected the track bias at Monmore! Hoping for a sunny afternoon in Wolverhampton and if so then it should be a great afternoon’s racing with the focus being on the Gold Cup – here are a dog’s thoughts on the Semi-Finals:

3.48 – 1st Semi-Final

The question in this race was how much can you read into the form of Blazing Ruso’s second behind a scintillating display of pace from Taylors Sky in the heats; my verdict is that it is to be hugely respected and Ruso could lead this and show the form that led him to a puppy competition here over C&D. Although he is respected, his trapping consistency is a problem and with track-specialist Frankbrunosbro on his inside he may come into traffic problems at the first bend. This will play into the hands of a nice sort in Fridays Daryl who has been known to miss the break (even I missed it in my career, maybe just the once!) but is showing great early round this venue and has a clear run to the bend with tardy trappers Fridays Shea and Bit View Micko inside him; the verdict is that he could be away-and-gone before Ruso can get into stride.

4.08 – 2nd Semi-Final

Regular readers of this dog blog will know that Jimmy likes a bit of value, especially from an early-paced type and I think I have got my paws on some here. Farloe Iceman is the favourite based on his puppy form, brother’s near-Derby heroics and the fact he might strip fitter having shown his early has come back to him in the first round; the problem is that he has only won once this year (back in February) in an injury-hit season and has not won convincingly in all-aged company since his impressive successes as a puppy last August at Hove so I am concerned about his progression from a promising pup to a class act. Next to him is Taylors Cruise who has seemingly changed his running style since winning the Scottish Derby more than a year ago from front-running to back-running and he has not been as successful since this new adopted strategy. Those two will also have to live with Daddy Knowsbest who is undoubtedly blessed with pace but my colleague seems to get distracted from the hare at times and is definitely one who likes to get involved in some hustle and bustle so when he dives for the rails, it could be trouble for the inside dogs! Therefore, the value is to stick with a selection that ran well in defeat for the dog blog last time and the recommendation is Milestone Apache to lead the hugely disappointing Mags Gamble (who was lucky to qualify having completely missed the break) and confirm that although he is a short-runner, he is also a dog with a lot of heart who can repel all challengers, just!

4.27 – 3rd Semi-Final

A dog who has had more comebacks than Audley Harrison, but is far classier and more spirited than the delusional British heavyweight, is Taylors Sky who was a joy to watch in the first round as he was through the whole competition last year: he loves it round here. He has his favourite red box (I might put a few doggie treats on Sky being drawn in trap 1 in future tournaments!) and can lead up the unproven Alien Planet and shrug off the early-paced Little Gent at the first bend. There is no doubt that Silverview Perky is a supremely talented superbitch, but us dogs just seem to have the better of her and her appalling start in the first round is ill-advised for her as she will need to be at the very top of her game to dethrone Sky as the king of Monmore – even that might not be enough.

Supporting Card

The other tournaments for the August Festival begin today and the inclusion of Farloe Warhawk in the Puppy competition, who is now joint antepost favourite for the Derby next year, should be a great spectacle for those in the Midlands over the next week as it is hard to see him not strolling this. Bittles Bar is highly-rated by the bookies but has not quite shown why yet, Free Tornado is interesting after some good times at Shelbourne but I might break one of my dog bones in half and have an each-way tickle on Kinloch Tiger (who is unbeaten in graded competition round here) and showed the guts and determination required to pull off his name when beating the strong Droopys Xavier at Hove (who I think would be shorter than 16/1 for this competition).

Elsewhere, I woke up this morning in my kennel to read antepost quotes of 7/1 on Mark My Words in the 630m tournament; that seemed huge to me and I would have ran down to the bookies if it wasn’t further than my optimum 305m. I then logged on to find he had been hammered into 9/2 which is a much more realistic reflection of his chances and I decided against placing any of my beloved treats on the tournament antepost. I do, however like the chances of Liscahane Razl in the last heat who is (you guessed it!) an early-paced bitch who has a great draw to work from with the short run to the bend favouring the inside traps and can hold off the late challenge of highly-tried Meadow Bank Owl.

The 416m tournament always gets my juices flowing as it is often a question of the best trapper wins! The quirky very short-distance to the bend over this trip at Monmore is fascinating and the inclusion of Lil Risky in the tournament (my arch nemesis who seems to be flying in my absence, coincidence?) means that if he brings his trapping boots this should be a walk in the park to him. He has not had a trial out of the boxes though and Proud Patsy is a bitch who loves these traps on her home-turf and could just spring a surprise on my old rival. The recommendation antepost is an each-way dabble on Tuttles Maldini who is 7 from 9 over the C&D and with his running style will avoid Lil Risky if they meet in the final and should at least give Wallis’ dog a race. Look out for my colleague Bower William in Maldini’s heat as he has shown glimpses of being a likeable sort and could be one to note if he gets it right at the traps.

So there you are, a dog’s guide to the Monmore August Festival and as ever, please tweet me if you have any comments.

Enjoy the racing,

Jimmy

A tricky card to call tonight live on Sky which is a credit to Sheffield for managing to attract high-class performers in the majority of the televised races. I’ve had a paws for thought and decided that we should expect the unexpected; with so many evenly matched dog this dog blog will try and find where the value is and look for the prices that do not seem to reflect the dog’s chances. It’s tough to call so stakes should be limited, but I’ll give you the best perspective from a dog’s eyes for you – here it goes!

7.40 – 500m

We kick off proceedings with a race that will not take a great deal of winning but the standout recommendation comes in the form of Lionhearted Andy who will hopefully live up to his name and attack the first bend before stringing them out. Lethal Roy rates as the main danger but his win over Farloe Wolverine at long-odds last month is perhaps being overrated as that is his only open race win to date. If Roy encounters any scrimmaging from the rest of the evenly-matched field then Andy’s sprinting pace should suffice as he seems to just about get this distance (see my dog blog on ‘Staying Sprinters’ that further justifies this!).

8.00 – 660m

So pick the bones out of this one! In trap 1 we have the ever-game Swabys Princess, in the blue box 2011 Stayer of the Year Blonde Fletch who has question marks about stamina these days and in 3 the mercurial but talented track-specialist Welton Arthur. Any of those could win but they all have questions to answer from their latest efforts whereas Mill Whiskers is being underrated at 11/2 in this line-up and could be away-and-gone while the three market leaders battle it out. Princess is 0 from 8 from the red box and has no track experience, Fletch is desperately looking for the line as his aging legs catch up with him and Welton Arthur seems to show glimpses of having other things on his mind than the hare and so faith in his temperament is minimal in the Lolly household these days. A very difficult race to call as there are so many connotations, but the price on Whiskers looks on the large side.

8.15 – 500m

Local knowledge is often a key factor round Sheffield and on that basis, Kowloon Conner for the in-form Draper Kennel can assert off the second bend and account for another local in the form of Eques. There has been interest in Watch Kitty and her formline of accounting for Killieford Deal reads well in the context of his impressive win in the Puppy Classic since, but she has had only one look round here and Conner’s experience of this Northern track can win me a few doggie treats tonight!

8.35 – 480m

Wow, some very nice bitches in this race are getting me a bit hot under my dog collar! The more I look at them, I just cannot separate Slick Sian and Bansha Mo so preference is for the former who has the draw inside, is much the larger price and led Ayamzaman at Romford in her last race which is no mean feat! Yes, this selection contradicts my earlier comment of needing track experience around here but Sian is worth taking on at 7/2 to beat or follow Jennas Pony to the bend and end Mo’s unbeaten record round here (2 from 2). Indeed, Mo has been slightly disappointing since her return following a supremely impressive run of results at the start of the year but for all of her achievements in that spell, Sian can match them; Sian beat Derby Champion Blonde Snapper at his beloved Romford (where he won the Golden Sprint prior to his Wimbledon success) and her efforts in her last race suggest to me that she will be really up for this!

8.50 – 500m

This seems a straight tussle between track-specialist Fire Height Spec and Lister’s improving Hather George. The vote is with Spec who has lost only once over C&D including beating one of tonight’s Steel City Cup finalists in Boher Paddy and I appear not to be alone in this thinking as all of the 2/1 offered disappeared faster than I could run a sprint (and that was fast, believe me ;))

9.10 – 720m

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any more difficult, along comes a short marathon race with some quality in-form dogs opposing each other. Where do I start? Aero Gaga is a dog who I never seem to catch right as one minute I think he is a short eight-bend performer before he bolts up at Wimbledon over a longish 894m last week: the latest thought on him is that he needs longer than this. Magna Sparrow is underestimated at your peril round here and is a nice sort and Ballyard Buddy can proudly claim he is Cock O’ The North (a title I am very much jealous of) and is a worthy favourite for this race as he’s in the form of his life. Speaking of being in the form of their lives, Blonde Reagan fulfils that criteria as well and his explosive early pace can pinch a decisive lead if he gets the boxes at Sheffield. It is also to note that Buddy has never won over more than 672m so backers of him should be cautious of that fact.

9.25 – 480m

It’s fair to say I’ve had to look at this race numerous times due to the numbers of withdrawals, replacements, non-replacements and dog knows what else but I think I have finally got to grips with who is running and not running and I have come to a conclusion. Farloe Spitfire would have won all of the races. Yah Muppet is a concern (I’m pretty sure he is running!?) but is terribly inconsistent which can also be said for Delwood Roko who now has a good run (I think?). Spitfire just seems to have a tinge more class than these and if he pings as he normally does, the verdict is he will be far too strong for the field.

9.45 – 500m

Will anyone dispute Boher Paddy from winning his first Category One event before turning 4? I certainly won’t as he is a truly brilliant dog who thoroughly deserves the success. Desperately unlucky in the Quarter-Final of the Derby when drawn in the black box against speedy types inside of him as he plunged for the rails at the first bend to meet a wall of traffic; every greyhound follower could see it coming a mile-off and it was sad to see as he had been at his imperious best throughout the tournament to that point. This evening, however, he has been given a superb draw (he told me to say about time!) next to the tardy starter Meadow Bank Owl and track-stalwart but perhaps outclassed Skywalker Louie and so Paddy can assert on the rails which is a position he rarely loses from if he gets on the inside. Of course, it is wrong to dismiss Slick Santiago who is a dog that seems to have had more injuries than Michael Owen and Owen Hargreaves put together. Allsop, however, is confident that he is now at peak fitness and he has not let his trainer down with impressive back-to-back victories for the first time in his career during the competition. Indeed his time was faster than Paddy’s in the Semis, but Paddy had a nightmare draw (surprise!) to overcome and also to account for his kennelmate Hather George which he did so magnificently so expect that form to be reversed tonight if Paddy gets his expected clear run.

So there you go! Whether any of those thoughts actually come to fruition is a totally different story on a fascinating card but it should make for great racing tonight. Please comment or tweet me if you agree/disagree or if you are just becoming weary of my dog puns and I’ll happily respond. One final thought – every dog has it’s day, come on Paddy!

Enjoy the racing,

Jimmy

On Monday afternoon this Category One competition starts with memories of Taylors Sky’s epic performances to run away with this tournament last year still fresh in the memory. His performances were breathtaking here a year ago, but is he the same dog now? That question will surely be answered over the course of the Gold Cup. The doubt around Sky’s new level of form is surely too much to take on antepost at the prices and if he does slip up, the chances of his improving kennel compatriot Mottos Blue and the fast-out track specialist (when he gets it right at the boxes!) Fridays Daryl look the value calls antepost.

It should be a great tournament with the seemingly unknown potential of Alien Planet and the ever-impressive superbitch Silverview Perky added to the mix. Here are a dog’s thoughts on the First Round and who can possibly live with Sky if he is back to his supreme best.

3.28 – Heat 1

Last year’s finalist behind the brilliance that was Taylors Sky lines up as favourite here in Longwood Fantasy but he wins fewer races than he should do with a dog of his pace. Graigues Orchard could not have asked for a worse draw around a track he runs really well and with that in mind, the very well-drawn Milestone Apache who beat Bucks Blade last month is given the nod.

3.48 – Heat 2

This looks a penalty kick for Silverview Perky who although was arguably lucky to win the Select Stakes, has shown she retains all of the ability that saw her cruise to the Oaks last December. With the local Princess Madison being a bang railer here (as she was at Hall Green) there could be chaos on the inside and it looks as though Perky will just have to outtrap the inconsistent Bit View Micko to land the spoils in a facile success.

4.08 – Heat 3

So here he is. All eyes will be glued to the SIS screens today to see what dog Taylors Sky has become. After this run he could be odds on for the tournament, or we could be desperately disappointed to see a truly tremendous dog not running at the level that saw him take my title of Greyhound of the Year (he took my trophy!). He has his favourite box in trap 1 and just faces the challenge of beating the very progressive Blazing Ruso to the bend, surely he will win this? If he does falter, watch out for Mags Gamble who is very well drawn and has pace.

4.27 – Heat 4

At the antepost price of 16/1, Mottos Blue should lay down a marker here for why that price underestimates his early-pace and galloping strength out wide. With a cracking draw next to the ever-reliant railer Tudor Prince and the frustrating inconsistency of Taylors Cruise, Blue is fancied to show he can go quicker than his trial of 28.33 and potentially win this event.

4.47 – Heat 5

The original inclusion of Alien Planet in the Select Stakes raised a few eyebrows in greyhound circles due to his lack of racing but there is no doubt this dog has speed. What is his temperament though? He could be barking mad for all I know! Therefore, the recommendation is to go for the quietly impressive Castlebride Dan who ran well in the Derby and has the tools to win from in front or behind.

5.07 – Heat 6

An interesting heat to conclude with Holloway Road starting to perform to the potential he showed in his early career having seemingly mastered the boxes but he is drawn next to the ever-dangerous Farloe Iceman who would win this with ease if he is back to his best. If those two slug it out on the inside and Monaghan Jack makes his normal dash for the rails at the first bend, then the well-drawn antepost tip of Fridays Daryl can leave the tardy starter Fridays Shea at the boxes and dominate out wide. I’m worried about Iceman though!!

So there are my thoughts on the races and briefly about the Puppy Classic it has to be said that Ballymac Eske is surely too short for the tournament. Yes, it is presumably his perfect distance but he has shown he can lose and I’m not sure he likes overtaking dogs too much either (trust me, I know the feeling!). The value is surely with Killieford Deal who has shown great desire in his brief career and it has been mentioned in other circles, but watch out for Droopys Ed Moses, he is a potential superstar stayer in the making and could find his trapping boots here: a worry to all if he does!

As ever, if you have any comments or thoughts please tweet me and I’ll be glad to get off the sofa and talk to you.

Enjoy the racing,

Jimmy

A great set of intriguing races await us tonight on Sky from Hove but if that doesn’t get you excited enough, there will be a guest appearance from yours truly: I’m preening myself as I type! I used to love it round here and so what better a place for my send off – let’s hope I can find some winners to tell the locals in the ring and readers of this dog blog alike! Here are a dog’s thoughts:

19:40 – 515m

A fascinating contest to kick proceedings off with strongly fancied for the Sussex Cup outright, Lenson Bob, looking for consolation and to make amends for making a hash of the start in the Semis. In Westmead Adonis, however, he meets the Derby finalist who continues to grow from strength to strength and has enough early to turn at least handy to Bob, and utilise all of his back straight pace over a trip that should be ideal.

20:00 – 740m

A tough distance to assess the claims that a dog has is equalled here by an equally tough group of greyhounds to separate on form and potential: this should be a cracker! As I’m all excited before appearing in front of the cameras tonight I may have become delusional, but the value of Boherna Bridge looks worth enough to take and hope that he can stay the extra distance required. That said, his lead is not guaranteed with Bubbly Swallow’s impressive win in the Produce Stakes (over 480m) and her stepping back up in trip makes her a worthy favourite; do not discount Lets Do This as well who ran well in December in the Ted Hegarty Marathon (when known as Kincraig Jaime) and will stay this distance. In truth, any of these could win this!

20:15 – 515m

Farloe Tango is a dog who is hard to oppose in any race and Lister’s superstar puppy should have too much for these. He showed his character and temperament is right for the game when recovering from a bad fall earlier in the year to win his next race and can assert from any early moves from progressive Kinloch Tiger or the very pacey Ballymac Tobias. Those wishing to lump on though, need to remember Ballymac Eske’s defeat the other day at odds of 1/9: be careful backing pups at odds on!

20:35 – 285m

What an impressive line-up in a sprint even I’d have had my work cut out in back in the day! The rematch of Fernhill Jess and Dynamo Joe should be one to savour but the preference is for the latter who should improve for the sighter where he lost to Jess last week. Jess also faces a potentially hazardous draw with mid-to-wide Pams Tomjo drawn inside her and any mistakes at the boxes can be pounced upon by Joe, who could lead and make-all regardless.

20:50 – 930m

Surely greyhounds weren’t built to run this far! Anyway, this long marathon trip is ideal for Bubbly Capel who is not averse to disappointing followers but showed that she likes it round here when beating similar opponents including the reopposing Aero Gaga in June. Capel thrives the longer the trip and Gaga looks as though his best races these days are over a shorter marathon. Buglys Billie appears to lack gears which is important in these longer races but beware if Maudabawn Jenny is close on the second circuit as she could stay 1000m let alone a ridiculous 930m!

21:05 – 515m

Another Lister superstar appears at the South Coast circuit tonight and should display her stunning all-round pace for a facile success. Step forward Oaks heroine: Silverview Perky. Against the fairer sex she is imperious and it is difficult to see how the likeable Scramble, or the strong Jaytee Monroe can stop Perky recording another impressive win this evening.

21:25 – 695m

St. Leger favourite Freedom Cache returns to a venue he knows very well which includes very encouraging from figures over the 515m distance round this Hove circuit in 2011 (beating none other than Farloe Iceman is a particular scalp). Cache’s running style has become even more laboured over the first four bends this year though which may prove to serve him well in the Leger but one can’t help but feel he will have his work cut out to beat the ever-resilient Express Trend around this C&D. Trend did not seem to take to Sunderland in the Classic but was oh-so-close to winning the Regency round here in June by just being picked up by Mr Chow (who is surely destined for a superb marathon career and got a great run that day) to come an agonising second. She can ping from any box and will most likely set Cache a very stern test this evening that he will have to dig deep to pass.

21:45 – 515m

The Sussex Cup Final is going to be one to savour with last year’s third, Westmead Maldini, and Mark My Words (who beat Maldini in the Summer Stayers Classic) having plenty enough ability to upset the market leaders should they falter. Of the two market leaders, I have a couple of doggie treats on Loughteen Blanco antepost so would love to see him prosper but his draw is a major concern with his mid-running style on the straights and his woeful record from the red box compared to his career statistics. The Classic winner may just come up short against a dog who is nearly as prolific around here as I was and has a plum draw in his beloved trap six: Airlie Impact looks the call from a draw his owners’ must have dreamed of!

So there are a dog’s thoughts on the racing tonight and please tweet me if you have any comments of your own about the races tonight. Right, I’m off to go and have a brush before I appear on the cameras later!

Enjoy the racing (and me),

Jimmy

There are three fascinating semi-finals to watch live on RPGTV from Hove tonight and with a great supporting card, it should be another fantastic night of live greyhound racing! Here are a dog’s thoughts on the Sussex Cup:

First Semi-Final – 20:18

Loughteen Blanco could not have been more impressive in following up his Classic success with a blistering turn-of-foot in the First Round and then holding off the late surge from antepost favourite Airlie Impact. It was a reversal of form between the two predicted by this dog blog and a trap-to-line success is expected again tonight. With 3 generally tardy starters inside and a seeming early-paced advantage over back-to-form Droopys Vito, Blanco can cement his place in the final with a win in the first Semi.

Second Semi-Final – 20:34

This looks a re-run of the first round between Mark My Words and Bubbly Jaytee with the same result predicted from last week. Be Real and Go Go Sonic are worthy contenders that have entered the fray, but with both of them trapping poorly round the South Coast circuit it is difficult to envisage them living with Words who is arguably in the form of his life.

Third Semi-Final – 20:50

A stunning display of pace from ex-Irish debutant Lenson Bob confirmed his huge reputation in the First Round and he will be difficult to peg back in this competition, but that challenge cannot fall to a better greyhound round here at the moment than Airlie Impact. Impact has been flying round the Hove circuit since his debut earlier in the year and if he can just turn handy to Bob, it should be a clash to savour. That said, do not discount Fortunata and Bridge Honcho who are no mugs and can punish any mistakes from the market leaders.

Enjoy the racing,

Jimmy

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