It’s been a while since I mustard the effort to write a dog blog with my paws – here we go!!!

Romford:

19:11 – Southboy runs off the bend so if Mash Mad Eyebrows can break the curse of trap 1 out of these boxes she will win.  Obviously Mabel and Costa are dangers!!!

19:26 – Evanta Fantasy will lead. See you later. NB.

19:43 – The beagle has a solo and is a gutsy dog – he will land!!! T6

19:59 – Inside looks messy so Roswell Roxanne can lead the 5 and overturn the form…

20:16 – Pass To Go is the value as he has a a solo and Alex will clean the inside 3 out…

20:33 – Good luck overtaking DASHING STAR – Droopys Cottage couldn’t so I doubt Lucinda will be able too – NAP!!!!!!!

20:51 – Toughest race of the night – Slick Sebastian to make all imdho.

21:06 – Come on Torpedo – ping like last week and it’s your Essex Vase!!!

#followthelolly #getitreadyfolks

I’m hanging up my muzzle.

After 10 years in this greyt sport I have decided that I must move on. This is because 99.9999999% of the people I have met in greyhound racing love the dogs, care for them better than humans and treat them like the superstars they deserve to be treated as. I have sadly had the displeasure of dealing with 2 people that make up the exception that proves the rule. Greyhounds love chasing that pesky bunny and this is my greyhound story:

I got into greyhounds when I was 16 when my father got persuaded into purchasing a dog with 3 of his friends in his local pub; this bitch, Bubbles, went on to give me my greatest moment in greyhound racing (see below for my top 3 moments). She ran at Hall Green for Simon and there was where I fell in love with the sport and the dogs as characters (Bubbles made it to open class where she was unlucky in a 6 bend maiden at Nottingham at that third bend there).

At HG, I met John Halliday (the bookie) who has been so kind to my family over all of these years and like so many people in this greyt industry, is a lifelong friend to me and my family. There, I also had the huge pleasure of meeting the brothers Les and John who have been in the game for so long; what they don’t know about dog racing isn’t worth knowing and they taught me so much which was supremely kind of them (that gamble from 2012 still hasn’t won yet!!!).

After several years of fantastic ups and downs at HG (which John Halliday kindly cheered them all on for us, even if they had been backed!), I met Jackpot one bitterly cold night at Crayford; Jackpot (I have been told that is his name but it’s a questionable story) was on the phone relaying the action to a fellow owner of their open racing marathon dog (and what a dog Champ was at work) and we were the only people (bar his charming father Dave) who had braved the outside to watch the hounds.

Come the Derby that year, I went to Wimbledon to watch Rio Quattro’s Derby. If ever I have seen such a sad state of affairs it is the condition of London’s only greyhound stadium. Support @wewantwimbledon, support Paschal and for goodness sake rebuild the stadium with the same greyhound track in the middle. Pressurise Mayor Khan into doing the right thing: greyhound racing with affordable housing. Blimey.

At Wimbledon on the Wednesday of the first round, it was sadly pretty quiet except for two gentlemen stood at the back of the stand. We had all backed the same dog and were enjoying his victory. That night, I became friends with Coconut Head (not too far the Bandito!!!). In a whirlwind ride, I then owned open racers with Andy; I do not think I have met a man who loves anything as much as Andy loves greyhounds; if ever you need a dog to be trained, he is your man.

From there, I have met so many gracious and heart-warming people that I know this greyt sport can thrive with the right people running it and regulations improving and most importantly: the whole industry waking up to the 21st century (marking up is done on a sheet of paper instead of taking an authorised photo – come on!!!).

I could go on forever but to name a few, thanks to Sam of Star, Tim, Chris and his son Matt, Cranky Don, Tracey and the Darrens at Simon, Charlie who started this whole saga out, Jan, Vinny at Romford, the two barmen at Wimbledon who serve me from anywhere, John from Yarmouth, Christoph from Shelbourne and even that Welsh Neil: I had the pleasure of meeting you all on this brilliant journey. I have enjoyed every minute of my 10 years in this greyt sport until Thursday May 19th 2:05p.m. I truly thank you all for giving me such joy.

If I have missed anyone I am sorry but you know I mean you too.

My top 3 moments:

1. Bubbles winning an A1 for the first time (at 8/1) on my 18th birthday when my mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer and passed away 3 months later: she was there that night.

2. Boris going from A8 to A1 at HG and when all barked he had to lead, caught a 28:50 dog that had been gambled in an A2.

3. 4 winners in a row at the end of the Derby Final night 2015 when we all chanted “Easy!” at Reeds. It got to the point where we were cheering the Flyer out the boxes when he broke level with Asia.

The greatest thanks of them all (and look they even get their own paragraph – I’ll never hear the end of it!!!), is to Jason and Paul. I could not have done this final chapter of my journey in mutt racing without you.

I have two retired greyhounds on my sofa and there will be a third soon. I will of course continue to rehome retired hounds who love their work so much.

Enjoy what’s left of the racing,

See you soon,

Jimmy.

How exciting! The Derby paws off tonight and over 200 of the finest hounds from across the UK and that other place over the sea do battle in their workplace for the title of Greyhound Derby victor. It is worth noting how hot the weather has been (I had a bath today!!! Grrrrrrr, I enjoyed it really!) and the fact that the track is normally set-up to run like concrete and be as quick as possible to get the track record to go when these super-quick hounds are fresh, so it will be quick! Whether you agree with it or not, that’s how the conditions will inevitably be so you want to be out and in front like I used to be! Here are my thoughts on the Thursday of Round One (3 qualify unless stated):

Heat 1 – 19:25 (2 Qualify)

How BOLD is this from the Lolly dog, the NAP runs in the first race of the tournament! Calco Flyer will have too much for these unless the Irish dog in 4 is something special (he has good middle but you don’t overtake the Flyer).

Heat 2 – 19:39

The first of Team Lolly to grace his paws on the sand is here in Jaytee Spartacus. He has drawn a tough heat and thankfully 3 qualify as Deanridge Pennys stays 750yds and has useful early (for that trip) and Pinpoint Boom has been continually underestimated by nearly everyone since he arrived on the ferry.

Heat 3 – 19:54 (2Q)

Crokers Champ led the 2014 final of this great tournament and whilst he couldn’t hold on that day, the lightly-raced 4 year old has every chance of dazzling the humans in the crowd with his breathtaking early. The mid-tag is a positive for him moving forward as he ended up in 1 in barked final, but he would prefer to be in 3 in my dog’s honest opinion. We shall see but Old Joe Golden isn’t a back-runner by trade and may be led. Holdem Chico is no mug at his level.

Heat 4 – 20:10 (2Q)

Bramble Bruno (ex-Bruno Ya Know) has been spending his working life over the optimum trip of 2 bends but you cannot help but feel his humans bought him to the UK to have a crack at this. He has a tough heat here as Castell Henry, Sparta Flame, Tynwald Rodney and Pinpoint Den can all run but at 7/1 I’ll find out if Bruno stays 480m on an uber fast surface, or whether he needs a licenced taxi.

Heat 5 – 20:26 (2Q)

Any price on Jaytee Jet with a solo take it. 8/13. BOL!

Heat 6 – 20:42

Whether Shutthebackdoor has the necessary early to go with them deeper in the tournament is debatable but he’s the type to win a few rounds turning about 3rd, he can follow first round victor 2015 Bellmore Neymar round and beat him. Hell Letloose is a decent hound at his level and Willy Whitesocks likes to chop the bend so hounds prepare to brace at the first if he’s there!

Heat 7 – 20:58

Triple Category One winner Do It For Twiggy is the selection to beat a perhaps under-the-weather Jaytee Dutch. Uluru Candy is a decent sprinter for Charlie Lister OBE and could go well from the front; Lenson Santi can run if he’s on the bunny which is hard to envisage here; Oakfield Caesar is finally coming to form and could be a lively outsider to go deep in the competition.

Heat 8 – 21:15

Droopys Roddick has only just been uslurped at the head of the antepost list on his own and is a worthy favourite here. Whether he should be so short in this race when he wants to be in trap 1 and has the scintillating early of Clondoty Alex (who needs oxygen at the 4th bend) on his inside is debatable. The value is Knockbawn Caviar who has won a trial stakes and whilst he wants further so he can get on that elusive bunny, he could easily get round the outside here if the anticipated chaos unfurls on his inner.

Heat 9 – 21:32

Eden The Kid, 2015 Derby finalist, wins this running backwards. Could even lead and then the clock-watchers need to start looking for 27-something.

Heat 10 – 21:48

The second of Team Lolly has a go here and Droopys Turin has his box (although he has flown out from 4 before) and this tight railer can turn at least handy to the Irish early of Mucho Macho Man.

Heat 11 – 22:03

Blue Cafu leads and wins this. I’m not a Meerkat, I’m a dog (Woof!), but this is simples.

Heat 12 – 22:18

Lenson Panda (ex-Barnfield Panda) was bought for days like this. Leads and it’s all over. Whether he can run from behind against better sorts later in the tournament is a debate for another day; this will be over after 5 strides.

Heat 13 – 22:35

A decent little contest can go the way of the pacey wide Aventador. He can sweep round as Ballymac Darragh isn’t a railer but isn’t wide either (hence the mid-tag I guess!!!), Greenhill Gem isn’t wide etc.

Here are the recommendations (back as a Lolly Goliath also):

19:25 – T2 – Calco Flyer NAP (2 doggie treats @ 11/8)

20:10 – T6 – Bramble Bruno (1 piece of bread @ 7/1)

20:26 – T6 – Jaytee Jet (have what you like on @ 8/13 – absolute certainty)

21:15 – T5 – Knockbawn Caviar (1 breast of chicken @ 12/1)

21:32 – T4 – Eden The Kid (1 snossidge @ 4/5)

21:48 – T1 – Droopys Turin (1 dog bone @ 9/4)

22:03 – T2 – Blue Cafu (1 slice of ham @ 5/4)

22:18 – T1 – Lenson Panda (1 Ryvita (other rye bread brands available and accepted) @ 4/7

So there we have it! It should be a great night’s racing! One of the best week/months of the year! As ever if you have any comments please tweet me, I don’t bark back – I bite! If you are at Wimbledon or watching on RPGTV look out for the dog in expensive shades as that’s me, in disguise, hiding from my adoring fans (in their millions) and fooling the bookmakers – again!

Enjoy the racing,

Jimmy

So here we are, at the start of the greatest tournament in the world (apart from the National Sprint)! Who will claim the historic prize and wrestle it from the now-retired hero Rio Quattro, who timed his best run of the competition last year to perfection as he reeled in the ever-so-unlucky hound Farloe Blitz? With bookies paying six places and with such a vast contrast in the quality of the field, here are the six hounds for the Lolly Faithful to go to each-way glory with. Here are your finalists (in order of preference):

Droopys Buick (recommended at 40/1 – now 14/1 Joint-Favourite)

Set to become the biggest Newcastle legend since Alan Sheareeeeeeeeeeeeeeer, Droopys Buick has enough early, enough late and enough desire to lift the Greyhound Derby trophy aloft with his paws come Saturday June 4th at Wimbledon. As a pup he had epic battles with Camp Joker (who has franked the form since tremendously) and now that he has trained on, Buick is the complete four bend hound in my eyes. To win the Derby (and thus keep qualifying through 6 gruelling rounds) a hound must have a telling turn of pace at some point of the race: Buick has that. Whether you look at his win at the Monmore Festival where he had a longer lead than my old mum’s hoover, his breathtaking pace in the Juvenile when he was chopped off at the third trying to undertake, or his quickest-of-the-year 28:04 round Wimbledon; good luck knocking this hound out and it will take a good one to beat him in the final, should he get there luck-permitting. Paws crossed.

Jaytee Spartacus (recommended at 80/1 – now 25/1)

I like a hound with desire when they’re losing and they don’t quit their job: the progressive Jaytee Spartacus has that in abundance. In the Puppy Derby final (over course-and-distance) he had no hope of reeling in Droopys Roddick (who was impressive but had his box and a solo – could be in trouble in the first round with the rapid Clondoty Alex next to him) Spartacus drew all his courage to fend off the remainder and bark that THIS IS JAYTEE!!! He has subsequently won the Monmore Puppy Derby (which has thrown decent sorts in the past) by obliterating a field in the first round and then cruising to victory in the final without seeing another colleague. He has taken to Wimbledon well in his trials (could have developed further as a young tyke) and he’s no 80/1 shot that the Lolly Faithful are on.

Lenson Sanchez (66/1)

Lenson Sanchez was unlucky to be eliminated last year and the 2014 Puppy Derby winner (over C&D) can get to the final this year now that he has trained on and become and even more well-rounded hound. He doesn’t chuck his dog towel in if he’s behind, he has enough early if he needs a ping like me, and he should go very well if he can negotiate his tricky first round draw. He has been neglected in the market and by human compilers but not by me.

Ballymac Brogan (100/1)

It is quite staggering to me that this hound who has beaten the best in training over his career 11 times, is 100/1 for Derby glory. Yes he is a bit quirky and can miss the break, yes he can decide to twiddle his toes in behind and not get on with it if he’s not leading, but his human that drives him to work summed it up: “if he leads it will take a good one to catch him”. I’ll have some 100/1 he leads every race and goes off favourite in the final if he achieves the first 5.

Droopys Turin (200/1)

200/1 on one of the fastest dogs in the UK just baffles me. He’s won his last six (posting serious times including at Plough Lane), has trained on from when he was doing 28:04 in A1 round Monmore and he has his box (trap 1) in the first round where he will go off favourite and must go close: he will surely qualify! 200/1?

Pass To Go (200/1)

The final string to add to our bow-wow is a Romford specialist (sub-24 seconds going backwards doing a headstand whilst juggling his balls) who has won a trial stakes and is 200/1 because his times aren’t flashy. Times are an indication in my workplace; who did they beat and why is a much more useful indicator. Pass To Go may eventually be found out but humans thought that about a former Romford specialist (who in fairness ran other tracks well), who came from last-to-first as a typical early-paced hound: Blonde Snapper. At 200/1 I’ll find out if this is the new Snapper.

So there we are! Remember they are all each-way to six places and there is a huge amount of luck needed along the way in the Derby!

Also remember: if you can’t be lucky, be good.

Enjoy the best month of the year,

Jimmy

A night to celebrate the humans that take us hounds to work this evening as the Sky cameras descend on Sittingbourne for the Trainers’ Championship.  Much has been barked about the favourable draws that Team Hutton have received (not to mention the quality of his hounds) but he still looks short at 5/4 in a competition format that is always wide open.  Hutton himself sprung a surprise last year when landing a 4-timer at the end of the card to take the title from a seemingly impossible position so who knows what tonight will have in store!  What I do know is that I have found some value for the Lolly Faithful and as ever, there is a goliath recommendation to have an interest in every race for a small cost and a chance to win 56,000 doggie treats this evening!

7:11 – Standard

Some speedy sorts paw off the proceedings and in this we have a few hounds that are much better on the bunny than not so.  With that in mind, Clondoty Alex looks value to lead the inside, just about get home, and start Mark Wallis’ assault on the title in style.  Monty Don has been barked up by his connections but he will have to be on his toes to cope with the natural speed and trapping ability of Alex.  Willy Whitesocks is an interesting runner as he ran well through the Romford Puppy Cup but that form has taken several knocks since. Roxholme Ted is a dog that simply has to lead and whilst he is quick on the bunny, he can’t be trusted to lead from 5.

Lolly Goliath: T2 – Clondoty Alex

7:26 – Puppies

The young tykes have a go here and in Ajlo Legalbeagle we have a potential Derby dog who could be a massive price come May’s showpiece.  Romford is clearly too sharp for him but he has still put in some useful efforts and shown admirable trackcraft that could be utilised to full effect here.  He is prone to missing the kick but is not completely woeful at the start and on this longer run-up than he is used to, he can get himself in a position to attack down the back straight.  10/1 looks massive to my eyes.  Ballymac Lyster is well-bred, well-thought-of and might simply be too good for these but is priced about right for one so young.  Droopys Achieve has yet to set the track alight in race conditions in my dog’s honest opinion and Dorotas Star makes the market here due to the demolition job he did on Achieve.

Goliath: T5 – Ajlo Legalbeagle

7:43 – Sprint

Everyone’s favourite race here and in the unbeaten Glenanore Ace we have a dog with serious early gas.  Should he be so short from trap 1 with Ilewin Allot being a reliable rails-loving pinger? I’m not so sure.  Roxholme Bob looks too big to lead the disappointing Home Raider and although he’s not a natural sprinter, he has always been a colleague of mine with useful early.  Droopys Story has not run since that questionable Romford Puppy Cup and whilst he is well-bred, has questions to answer that he is a sprinter.

Goliath: T5 – Roxholme Bob

7:59 – Stayers

The stayers here looks a match between Roxholme Hottie and Memphis Mafia.  Preference is for the latter as Hottie put in a woeful performance in the Golden Jacket when not afforded the privilege of leading (a real moody bitch effort) and so Mafia could have this wrapped up if he manages to lead her.  If not, he still has a chance of overpowering her as whilst she did stay well at Wimbledon on her staying bow-wow, Hottie still has a question mark that she does actually get this trip.  Droopys Jarrow has become a dog without a trip.

Goliath: T2 – Memphis Mafia

8:16 – Bitches

I love seeing a good bitch battle and here we have the apple of my eye Forest Twilight gracing the screens.  A match between her and the Irish queen Ballydoyle Honey would see many a dog across the land howling and woofing with excitement but until that happens, Twilight can strut her stuff here.  Her price is on the large side due to her coming back from lameness but even though it is the humans’ championship, I doubt connections would let her run unless completely sound and ready to go.  Ballymac Shirley impressed in the BAGS Track Championship at Perry Barr but this is a totally different class.  Forest Sara is well-drawn and will have her supporters to beat her half-sister in trap 2 but unless she isn’t right, I can’t see any bitch in England getting near my darling.

Goliath: T2 – Forest Twilight

8:33 – Super Standard

You’ve got more of chance of seeing myself miss the break than me getting Ballymac Brogan right but he has to lead these surely?  Whether he stays 500m is immaterial here and he could easily be 3 or 4 lengths clear down the back and then it is game over for his rivals.  I daren’t bark too loudly about his chances though as he has made me look foolish before!

Goliath: T4 – Ballymac Brogan

8:51 – Super Stayers

An off-colour (get well soon) Townhill Lad came as a shock to the greyhound world when Droopys Tamera got knocked out of the Golden Jacket on Saturday morning.  Her added presence here gives Billys Bullet something more to think about but the bitch to keep onside in any contest is the admirable Swansalona Diva who can lead the 15/8 reserve and test out any chinks in Bullet’s sadly diminished armour.  A great story it has been for him to come back from a serious hock injury but head has to rule heart and whilst Diva arguably doesn’t stay this far either, she’ll be on the bunny if she leads Dean Childs’ reserve.

Goliath: T5 – Swansalona Diva

9:08 – Standard

If it does come down to the last race of the evening like last year we have a cracker here as Jet Stream Jack is not as quick as these over this trip but he has a monster draw for Kevin Hutton.  Can Domino Storm clear Southfield Jock?  Probably not.  She is likely to head for lane 3 inwards as well but if she does clear then fair play to the goofy yet admirable Bitch of the Year.  A huge negative in this race is for Southfield Jock who simply did not stay this course and distance on the bunny when caught by Swift Whirlwind last year.

Goliath: T6 – Jet Stream Jack

Here are the recommendations:

7:11 – Clondoty Alex – 1 dog bone @ 11/4

7:26 – Ajlo Legalbeagle – 1 piece of bread @ 10/1

7:43 – Roxholme Bob – 1 chewstick @ 4/1

8:16 – Forest Twilight – 3 breasts of chicken @ 7/4

Trainers’ Championship:

Mark Wallis – 1 doggie treat @ 7/2

So there are my thoughts on the proceedings! As ever, please tweet me if you have any comments and I promise to bark back at you with all the excitement I have when seeing the lovely Twilight chasing that bunny tonight!  The plan with Mr Wallis’ victory is to slowly accrue 2nd and 3rds throughout the evening before coming down to that final showdown; hopefully he won’t need it as I can’t see Domino Storm clearing Jock but Wallis is still too big all the same.  The Champion Trainer can become Trainers’ Champion.

Enjoy the racing,

Jimmy

The Sky cameras descend upon Hall Green this evening with the St. Leger hero Fizzypop Buddy looking to start his first full campaign with a victory in this prestigious competition.  It is easy to forget that he is still very inexperienced due to his exploits and he is entitled to improve further this year which would be ominous for his 6 bend rivals.  Elsewhere, it is a decent card with a local flavour to it which should not go ignored as Hall Green’s kennel strength has risen in recent years, shown by their commendable 3rd place finish in the BAGS Track Championship against titans Towcester and Newcastle.  The “best of the rest” title that Hall Green effectively received there should not go ignored this evening when assessing their dog’s chances and the best bet of the year so far can be found in the track’s star.  There is a Lolly Goliath advised for the Faithful who wish to have an interest in every race for a small cost (we’re looking for a big profit of £50,000 tonight!) and I’ve found the value for those singles players out there:

19:11 – Puppy

The young tykes paw off the action here and a useful contest can be upstaged by the rapidly improving local Quivers Manor.  Manor has shot through the aformentioned strong grade at Hall Green and his progress was only halted by the well-bred bitch Ballymac Madge (Ballymac Bull x Moyar Kite) who’s exploits in the past couple of months include being on the floor in a graded contest and still getting up on the line to win in a memorable contest; when Madge led Manor down the back in their contest he didn’t have an answer for her but that would be folly to dismiss that as a paw effort.  From 5 this evening, he can be characteristically slow away before pacing up and riding the bend (like a proper dog) to lay down his challenge down the back.  It’s a strong race, however, with the likeable Castell Henry (who won at Romford for the Lolly Faithful on Sky at 8/1 last week) who has useful early and gets the trip and Mystical Dreamer who caught the sadly now-retired Droopys Sarafina to land the Sussex Puppy Cup; neither have had a look at the track though which is a recipe for disaster at Hall Green as dogs invariably swing off at the 2nd bend in particular, losing ground in the process.  Romeo In Milan is a quick hound but it is questionable whether he stays and I would expect Quivers Manor to progress past him in the not-too-distant future: perhaps tonight.

Lolly Goliath: T5 – Quivers Manor

7:26 – Super Stayers

The comeback of Billys Bullet is a joy to behold as the unquestionable stayer of 2015 suffered an awful injury down the back straight during the Regency when he was so far clear; sentiment aside however, the 2015 Prestige champion looked to my eyes like he didn’t stay in his trial around the Birmingham venue.  He is strongly taken on at odds-on.  Racenight Jenny has been disappointing since lighting up the first round of the St. Leger in 2014 but if she retains any of her former ability, she should be able to lead the mid-to-rails to hamper Bullet (who didn’t ping in his aforementioned trial either).  Trapper Kate is a bitch going places but is desperate for trap 0 and her draw is a disaster for connections.  The dog to get onside here is the in-form Barnish Panther who needs to negotiate the wide Oneco Sky (who pings and then drops himself out over the first circuit) and then get on the bunny where ‘Barney’ is rapid on the flat.  Unlucky to be withdrawn for the Great North Run final last year (where he surely would have gone close), whether ‘Barney’ actually stays 670m is questionable but this is not a strong contest and quotes of 9/2 are too big for a dog that could easily be on the bunny out wide down the back after he posted a rapid trial over the 480m here (the quickest of the session by some distance).  Uncharacteristically, he flew out at Wimbledon in his Springbok Trial Stakes victory and whilst he looks a live contender for the Springbok, a change of tracks is also a blessing for this enigmatic dog who it took what seemed like an eternity to register his first UK victory last year.  Now connections have got to the bottom of him, he’s a dog to keep onside in contests where he is simply quicker than the opposition.

Goliath: T6 – Barnish Panther

7:43 – Maiden

As I’ve barked already, the local runners could have a field day this evening and whilst Barricane Tiger could be a class above these in due course and almost certainly wins if he gets on the bunny, the bitches Ballymac Spacer and Nippy Chick are class acts round this course and distance.  Spacer has won useful sprint races and rushes up from her favourite trap 1 in strong A1 contests so Tiger will have to be paw perfect to clear her, but the value in the race is Chick. Never posting a flashy time, this bitch just gets the job done out wide round here by flashing out and making-all in around 28:80: that could easily be good enough.  Ballymac Moran has been driven by his humans (dogs can’t drive) down to Wimbledon a couple of times (with a Derby entry in mind possibly?) and landed a huge gamble in A2 company last month: he clearly has ability and should not be dismissed entirely.

Goliath – T6 – Nippy Chick

7:59 – Sprint

Everyone’s favourite race here sees the winningmost open racer of 2015, Cape Impact, draw time on his work and hang up his racing muzzle.  A hound that loves trap 1, has always been a useful sprinter and has arguably improved as he comes to terms with his greybeard can see off his career in style here.  He’s not won at Hall Green before from 2 efforts but don’t be put off this dog leading the inside here where he’ll rail them to death.  Quivers Lima is a useful early-paced local and the presence of Kavarna, who you do not lead round Hall Green in any company, will put paid to the gamble on Romeo Assembly out wide.

Goliath: T1 – Cape Impact

8:16 – Standard

It’s not often I fall off my beloved sofa.  When I do, it’s normally due to my pre-nap routine of stretches and licking the armchair being disturbed by a ridiculous price on a greyhound: step forward Paradise Cuba.  It is hard to see how this Derby-bound hound gets beaten tonight with anything like a level start.  A superstar for the Hall Green Intertrack team, he’s won at Swindon and on finals day at Perry Barr before returning a triumphant dog with a devastating display of early and middle speed against arguably the 5 best dogs at Hall Green; the grader tried to compete with this dog by having him in 5 with pace either side of him and the railers drawn in their favoured boxes. Cuba blew them away.  Kilkenny Treve is a sprinting hound who is well in himself, he can hassle Supreme Turbo on the inside enough to stop either from getting near to the selection.  From trap 6, this is like finding doggie treats littered on the street.

Goliath: T6 – Paradise Cuba

8:33 –  Stayers

The draw is so crucial in greyhound racing and this is a prime example of a bitch with an absolute solo at 10/1: Garryglass Zara.  Trapper Kerry is a rails-lover like her litter-sister Kate so is going straight left, Leons Buck wants the middle-to-rails ground and arguably doesn’t stay and Cabra Miller is a dog blessed with pace but Towcester hounds seem to struggle on their travels for whatever reason (he ideally wants to be middle too).  That leaves Garryglass Pixie who trialled well for the first 5 bends but is struggling to get home which was certainly evident in her defeat over 750m at Romford where she cramped with at least 100m to go. Zara can stay high-wide-and-not-so-handsome-as-me to make her odds look very generous; she has useful looking form at Wimbledon, posted a good time for the C&D behind the Prestige favourite this evening and can avoid the inevitable chaos on her inside.

Goliath: T6 – Garryglass Zara

8:51 – Standard

Two experienced, versatile stalwarts of the open-racing scene line-up here in Blackstone Marco and Calco Flyer and both are hounds that if they lead, you are not picking them up (you cannot write them off from in behind either!).  Without their preferred draw nearer the rails though, preference is for Ballymac Darragh to upset the established pair with his time of 28:57 round the venue showing his liking for the track.  He’ll most likely move mid-to-rails on the run-up which could give him that all important impetous at the first bend to assert over the 3 and 4.  Fabulous Expert is no mug but the old adage of a good dog beats a good bitch could be her undoing in this particular contest as drawn.

Goliath: T1 – Ballymac Darragh

9:08 – Prestige Final

At the start of this competition, it was hard to see who could get near Fizzypop Buddy in the field and so he was advised to the Lolly Faithful as favourite at 7/2.  After his beneficial further sighting of the track in the heats, he can win decisively here.  It has been barked elsewhere that Elwick Glory is well-drawn in trap 1 but I’m not so sure as I think Wiki Waki Woo rails round here and Deanridge Pennys rushes to the rail on the run-up in my dog’s honest opinion.  If Buddy can negotiate the talented but often clumsy Farneys Cookie, I can’t see Ferryforth Fran picking him up and it will be all over bar the woofing.

Goliath: T5 – Fizzypop Buddy

Here are the recommendations:

7:11 – Quivers Manor – 1 doggie treat @ 6/1

7:26 – Barnish Panther – 1 piece of bread @ 9/2

8:16 – Paradise Cuba – 3 chewstix @ 15/8

8:33 – Garryglass Zara – 1 breast of chicken @ 10/1

Already Advised:

Prestige:

Fizzypop Buddy – 1 dog bone @ 7/2

So there are my thoughts on the proceedings!  As ever, please tweet me if you have any comments and I promise to bark back at you louder than you will hear me on Sky Sport this evening when Cuba turns down the back: “WOOF WOOF WOOF!!!” It should be a great night’s entertainment, and let’s hope a buddy sorts the Faithful out.

Enjoy the racing,

Jimmy

The first Sky Sports card of 2016 greets us tonight with a Coronation Cup final to savour as the Lolly Faithful have Bubbly Gold and Chaotic Lynda running for us (16/1 and 33/1) as our antepost selections: at least top 4 for either would give us great profit!  They both were chosen on their ability to keep qualifying and will chase their hearts out in pursuit of their competitors and that pesky hare over the 575m at Romford; it must be barked that this is Bubbly Gold’s 9th Category 1 final!  Elsewhere we have a competitive card that arguably lacks in quality but the usual protagonists from Romford Friday nights are in action so hopefully I have found some value for the Lolly Faithful.  Play along in every race with the Lolly Goliath which after being launched last year proved profitable and good entertainment for those that followed!  Here are my thoughts on the proceedings:

7:11 – Winner of One

This race, specifically for hounds that have won one race at the track, throws up an intriguing puzzle.  Normally at Romford, the dog out in front has a good chance of clinging on so colleagues of mine used to the boxes and making the bend in front have a great chance.  On that basis, Blackthorn Brae can lead the outside and post a time around 24 seconds to continue his progression from useful A1 form over the course and distance to open class.  Young Romeo is a danger with a clear run round the inside as he clearly has pace but whether Romford is suited to his middle paced style is questionable. Rock of Avoca landed a nice gamble before Christmas for the Lolly Faithful but has been disappointing since when droped to the minimum trip; the form of that win is also paw with Kentish Rose (who nearly caught him) failing to get her nose in front on numerous occasions since and so if Avoca leads, he is almost certainly still vulnerable.  Gortkelly Nidge has been disappointing since a promising start to his career.

Lolly Goliath: T6 – Blackthorn Brae

7:26 – Puppies

The young tykes have a go here and in the favourite, Droopys Sarafina, we own her sister Droopys Zarkava (a.k.a. Sophie).  She is a worthy favourite drawn in 1 and having won impressively round the track before but the presence of Holdem Rio (who looks tailor-made for Romford) and Bang On Ella means that Sarafina will have to be on her toes as those two rivals both ping out and rail.  That leaves a great draw in 4 for Castell Henry whose form is perhaps misleading as he completely missed the break (actually hit the left side of his box) at the BAGS Track Championship final at Perry Barr and he is no 8/1 shot round this venue where he is proven.  On the draw with 5 not set to hold him up, Henry could hoover up here.

Goliath: T4 – Castell Henry

7:43 – British Bred

The best bred dogs in the world preside in this race and with it, comes the best bet of the night in Calco Flyer to show he is a different class to these, despite his age.  At his peak he was 3rd in the 2014 Eclipse and has been a solid, dependable hound in top company around the country with his win on Derby final night last year typical of his ability to ping the lids, show decent early and stay every yard of a 480m trip; he won’t have to stay as far today but if he leads at any point this dog does not get picked up.  The dangers come in Wednesday Adams who invariably misses the kick but then shows brutal pace up (as he did in A2 company last year when completely missing it) who has a solo to the bend this evening with Flemish Status being tardy away and looking to gain down the back.  That is not to disregard Status who has electric chasing pace and is a forecast dog for those that like to be greedier than me when presented with sausages!

Goliath: T2 – Calco Flyer

7:59 – Hurdle

Those hounds who like to jump a hurdle whilst chasing that elusive hare line up here and there are some seriously quick dogs on display: particularly Bubbly Ninja.  Ninja’s problem is that he tends to race like a crab looking (and occasionally attacking) his competitors so if he keeps his eyes on the prize he wins this by a mile, but he is also as likely to fall sideways over an obstacle!  The classiest performer in the line-up is the old boy Alittlelesslip who has competed against the best hurdlers over the last couple of years with aplomb and showed he still retains his enthusiasm for his job by scoring from last to first in Wimbledon’s top grade last time out.  If Ninja runs off at the first or second bend, then Slip has a solo as Razldazl Bigbear is tardy to the bend so the selection can get on that bunny: he stays further than this too.  Bua Frank is a decent jumper around Crayford but lacks the genuine speed of some of these and Soviet Jackson is an inconsistent sort who turns up when he wants.

Goliath: T3 – Alittlelesslip

8:16 – Standard

Two of the top competitors round this course and distance line-up here in their preferred boxes and on the draw, favourite Laughing Gravy can get the better of the likeable Clondoty Alex.  Alex will have the early of Special Guvna to clear and whilst Canvas Costa struggles to get home, he posted the fastest visual sectional to the bend at Romford that I’ve ever seen last year when he came from under the traps, was 3 lengths clear of the rapid pinger Bolshoi Booze after 3 strides, and kept so low for at least half the run-up in an exhibition of sprinting technique that was quite extraordinary: he is perhaps big at 7/1.  Costa’s presence will give Alex plenty of work to get round the bend unscathed.  Gravy on the other paw has Sneezys Hero to clear who flew out in A1 last time but likes to run middle and so the selection (who concerningly, I’ve always believed prefers being in 5 than 6) can make the bend and hopefully avoid a damaging collision as he invariably attacks and chops the corner.  Perhaps a race best to watch as that old addage of “whoever leads wins” comes to the fore between some seriously quick hounds to the bend: Gravy the tentative selection to mop up.

Goliath: T6 – Laughing Gravy

8:33 – Stayers

In effectively the Coronation Cup consolation race, we have a favourite in Ribble Aon who the Lolly Faithful got involved in one of the biggest gambles in many a year at the track as she was smashed last week from 9/2 into 7/4f; she pinged like me and absolutely hosed up but this is a huge step up in class and the market has more than found her.  The dog that is continually underrated over this course and distance is the value here in Jaytee Berlin who loves it in trap 1 (even in the much maligned 1 box at Romford) and if he pings has enough early to lead Savana Razzle and Corrin Bob, who are not devoid of early but will struggle to clear the selection in my dog’s honest opinion.  Even if Aon gets a flier from the same box as last week’s demolition job, Berlin can still turn second and see how good that bitch really is as he does not give up lightly (very nearly got up on the St. Leger final card over 480m at Wimbledon).

Goliath: T1 – Jaytee Berlin

8:51 – Marathon

Due to her inconsistency, Bubbly Time often makes a great market for her rivals and here she is more than capable of getting turned over as favourite as she so frustratingly does time and again for her followers: if she fancies it she is arguably unbeatable over this trip, however.  She also has the early over this trip of Rearguard Bond (got up in a messy, messy affair last time out after flopping out) and Black Francis who are two sizable dogs looking for the rails pretty religiously; Time might overtake them on the outside or might just fly out and lead but she’s too short to be relied upon as drawn.  Quite incredibly, the bitch who is unbeaten over this course and distance and is 5 from 7 in general at Romford can be backed at 4/1 with a beautiful draw: Gleneagle Tina is huge value.  Drawn in between the slow hounds Be Witch and Pittsburgh Storm she can easily lead them up and then get after the leader on the inside who will almost certainly get pestered by one of their rivals for the rails.  Tina has shown at Monmore and now Romford that she does not give up wherever she is situated in a race, she’s as genuine as they come, and if Time has her all-too-often paw performance, this is Tina’s race.

Goliath: T5 – Gleneagle Tina

9:08 – Coronation Cup Final

These Romford tournaments over 575m are great occasions throughout the year and here we have a race that could be landed by any of the 6 hounds lining up.  Patchys Kerry is looking for a second tournament victory over the course and distance having landed one last year (denying the legend Adageo Bob who memorably came back later in the year to claim his much-deserved Romford competition win) and Jet Stream Sound is a favourite looking to make amends for a shock defeat as Evens favourite in another Romford tournament in 2015.  Those two bring real form to the table and can easily claim this prize but the value lies in Bubbly Gold picking up the field in a race that looks destined for chaos.  Chaotic by name, and chaotic by nature, Lynda (an each-way selection for the Lolly Faithful) is “the fastest bitch” her human Kim Billingham has ever trained as she will either chase and chase the hounds in front of her, or wait and wait for the hounds behind her if she leads: she’s a fascinating character who can create a huge pile-up between likely leaders Sound and Whirlwind for the others behind to get involved.  Gold has decent enough pinging prowess to be at the bend with Kerry and Millwards Master and if he can negotiate that first couple of bends relatively well, Lynda can set the race up for him and 8/1 is too big for this mercurial character in himself.

Goliath: T2 – Bubbly Gold

Here are the recommendations:

7:26: Castell Henry – 1 doggie treat @ 8/1

7:43: Calco Flyer – 1 piece of bread @ 2/1

8:33: Jaytee Berlin – 1 dog bone @ 5/1

8:51: Gleneagle Tina – 2 breasts of chicken @ 4/1

9:08: Bubbly Gold – 1 chewstick @ 8/1

So there are my thoughts on the proceedings!  As ever, please tweet me if you have any comments and I promise to bark back at you faster than Calco Flyer makes the bend tonight.  Ex-Snappers Lad has been a grand servant to his profession and you’ll hear me going woof, woof, woof on the terraces of Romford tonight if he leads at any point!

Enjoy the racing,

Jimmy

A fascinating final of the St. Leger awaits us this evening in front of the Sky cameras where defending champion Roxholme Dream looks to make history by retaining her crown of this illustrious competition.  She has not quite been the force of old in terms of staying following a difficult season for her but she will no doubt be attempting to ping like me and make all which would be a fantastic achievement.  That final also has the unbeaten stayer Diego Flight as short as 4/6 but he will have to be on his toes to beat a quality field that includes the progressive Fizzypop Buddy who could be anything.  Elsewhere, it looks a very competitive card, much moreso than those pesky bookmakers have it in some contests, and as ever I have found the value for the Lolly Faithful!  We’ll also be dabbling into a goliath that pays a mammoth £43,000 for 10p a line steaks – hold on to your muzzles!

7:11 – Sprint

Everyone’s favourite race kicks off the proceedings and Ballybee Brewery, unbeaten at Wimbledon from 3 starts, is still too short as drawn in a competitive field.  Comrades All is likely to give him room as he runs in lane 7 but Brewery is a hound who would arguably prefer to be nearer trap 3 and will have to be on his toes to clear the dependable Blue Bees Bolt who is running consistently well at Romford.  Indalo Flame caused a shock when last seen on a Sky card (which came as no surprise to his connections) but it is his tardiness at the boxes, along with the terrible starter Who Needs Pace, that makes Stellars Avenger the value to ping-out (as he does so brilliantly) and cling on to his ever-diminishing lead as he gets tired.  Avenger has proven he can handle a change of venue in terms of his trapping ability and he just might be able to nick this at 7/1 if Brewery finds any sort of bother.

Lolly Goliath: T2 – Stellars Avenger

7:26 – Maiden

Mustang Milo is yet to get his nose in front in either Ireland or England (hence he is in a maiden I guess!) and that record makes it hard to justify support here at 5/4; he could just be too quick for these as his trials look sharp but the way he ran in the first round of the Puppy Derby hardly instils confidence that he should be nearly evens in a race full of potentially decent types.  Ballymac Lyster is well-bred yet a very young tyke to trust to win on debut and with both of those dogs making the market, the value in this race is to side with the local improver King Dan. Dan has gradually worked his way through the grades at Wimbledon and was impressive winning in A1 last time where he caught Hallies Boy (who admittedly was perhaps flat on his return) down the back and readily pulled clear from the odds-on gambled Ashburn Lark: that is strong form in the context of this race.  With trap 2 having some “swerved-start” comments on his card there is every chance that Dan will have a solo to the bend which cannot be guaranteed for the favourite in 6 who will have to contend with the useful early of Jaytee Linford on his inner.  In a race full of questions, Dan has the least to answer and if he is not too perturbed being in trap 1 himself, he can outrun his odds.

Goliath: T1 – King Dan

7:43 – Standard

Jaytee Berlin won the first and second rounds of the Derby this year, has ran some of his best races from trap 1 and clearly loves the course and distance so he has to be backed at as big as 5/1.  It is a strong race, mind, but Berlin has every chance of holding My Real Mutley to the corner and then powering away down the back.  The favourite, Ballymac Brogan, won the Juvenile round here and is an impressive hound on his day: he is inconsistent though.  He will also have to contend with Trade Biscuit taking a step right from the boxes and it looks as if it could be a troubled run for him on this occassion.  Yassoo Martin is definitely of interest out wide as he goes well fresh and has the potential to be a serious hound if his humans can keep him right, but the value is Berlin who is performing quietly well around Romford over their 575m trip.

Goliath: T1 – Jaytee Berlin

7:59 – Puppy Derby Final

The young tykes have a go here in their final and Droopys Roddick can claim revenge over his kennelmate Droopys Nine for his last final defeat in Enniscorthy.  Nine managed to get clear in this tournament’s semi-final but then we witnessed a performance from Roddick that was pawsome as he flew down the back in pursuit of the fast-away leader; that run saw his price crash for the Derby next year and it’s understandable as it really was a breathtaking effort.  Pretty Lane is a bitch who continues to improve following a loss in an A5 at Henlow not so long ago and has enough early to perhaps give Nine something to think about on the run-up.  The last time Ballymac Ramsey was in trap 4, at his local track Sheffield, he darted straight left out of the boxes and any repeat of those shenanigans will surely put paid to his chances.  Jaytee Spartacus is still very much an unknown quantity but he will have to improve a few lengths again unless it gets scrappy and noone would begrudge Millwards Mates in the circumstances to pick up this big prize.  Expect Roddick’s price for the Derby to shorten even further following this evening.

Goliath: T1 – Droopys Roddick

8:16 – Bitches

I love a good bitches’ race and whilst this hasn’t got the strength in depth that particularly gets my juices flowing, it should be a procession on the dogwalk for Forest Sara who is too quick for these and has a vacant trap next to her.  Sneezys Lily is very dependable, gives her all, and can punish any mistakes from the long odds-on favourite.

Goliath: T6 – Forest Sara

8:33 – Marathon

It has taken a little while for Burgess Borna to find her paws this term but “Jenny” came back with a bang on Saturday at Crayford and provided that didn’t take too much out of her, she can follow up here.  All of these races are just in preparation for her Christmas trip to Harolds Cross where she will be fancied to go very deep in the marathon there once again.  Some of her competitors here need 2 miles, let alone 874m.

Goliath – T5 – Burgess Borna

8:51 – Standard

In a very competitive penultimate race, it is still surprising to see Lenson Tiggy as big as he is from the 5 box that he loves, a nice draw to lead the Perry Barr specialist out wide and potential for trouble on the inner.  Southfield Jock completely missed the break here from trap 1 (as many dogs can do with the rail jutting out on the inside at Wimbledon somewhat inexplicably) and Fire Height Tosh is a rails-lover who can hassle the in-form Sheffield raider.  Whilst Tiggy isn’t the strongest of 4 bend performers, he stays well enough which cannot be barked for Jock who needs an oxygen mask from the 4th bend!  Tiggy is too big to fly up the middle to the first bend, chop off his competitors and produce a 28:40 like his trial which will be enough for the spoils here.

Goliath – T5 – Lenson Tiggy

9:08 – St Leger Final

This has the potential to be a classic final with the draw throwing up some interesting questions.  Diego Flight has been all-conquering thus far but in the Derby he showed he can be clumsy in behind dogs and it is a case of if he leads out of the 3rd bend it’s all over, but that is not a pawgone conclusion.  Roxholme Dream will be looking to fly out to defend her trial from trap 2 (the box she won from this time last year) but it is hard to justify backing her as that last 30m or so is just proving beyond her reach these days: maybe she has saved her staying paws for the final!  Fizzypop Buddy has developed into an admirable type and whilst he was bought as a Derby dog, his destiny is surely over 6 bends already as he has shown he can do it from the front or off the back over a trip like this if needs be; he is not devoid of early over this trip himself and could provide a further nuisance to Flight as they all scramble to the bend.  Teejayspowerhawk has his own ideas about the game but his enigmatic style means that he can ping out and cause a nuisance, be behind and chase to cause a nuisance, or simply run off at the 2nd bend as he invariably does to cause a nuisance: this is a concern to all those drawn outside him if they do not clear him by this point.  If there is trouble on the inside, it will set it up for a bitch who is running out of her hair at the moment: Droopys Tamera.  The Kent St. Leger heroine is not getting the credit she deserves for how well she has been running for some time now and her defeat of Roxholme Dream in the first round was somewhat overshadowed by analysis of Dream’s first defeat over the course and distance.  That was still a serious effort to catch last year’s St Leger winner and with Ferryforth Fran on her outside being tardy for the start of his races, there is every chance Tamera will have a solo and can punish any trouble inside of her at a very generous 10/1.

Lolly Goliath: T5 – Droopys Tamera

Here are the recommendations:

7:11 – Stellars Avenger – 1 doggie treat @ 7/1

7:43 – Jaytee Berlin – 1 piece of bread @ 5/1

7:59 – Droopys Roddick – 1 dog bone @ 5/4

8:51 – Lenson Tiggy – 1 chewstick @ 4/1

9;08  – Droopys Tamera – 1 breast of chicken @ 10/1

So there are my thoughts on the proceedings! As ever, please tweet me if you have any comments and I promise to bark back at you faster than Stellars Avenger makes the bend this evening!  It should be a cracking night with plenty of value out there, let’s hope the Lolly Faithful have found it!

Enjoy the racing,

Jimmy

The best bred hounds in the world line-up in the feature at Nottingham tonight and with the Wimbledon track-record holder and Derby finalist Eden The Kid likely to go off one of the shortest prices in recent Sky memory, it is likely that the feature race will be more a race to savour the speed of Rab McNair’s powerful galloper than a contest.  Elsewhere on the card, we have an intriguing array of races over various trips and with the likes of Greyhound of the Year elect Swift Hoffman gracing the card it should be a great night of action!  As ever, I have found the value for the Lolly Faithful and also the ever-popular Lolly Goliath so my human followers can have an interest in each race for a relatively small stake!

7:11 – Puppy

The young tykes have a go here to paw off the proceedings and one of the most exciting dogs of his generation lines up at a track he knows very well for one so young: Camp Joker revels around here and is a worthy favourite.  He would perhaps prefer to come out of the 500m boxes to these halfway up the straight but that’s the only real negative for a dog who is drawn to make the bend ahead of his outclassed rival in 1 and fend off the challenge of the interesting prospect Roxholme Scolari.  Scolari (and his brother Roxholme Barkley) descended upon Romford for their Puppy Cup recently and both showed great pace at times, but also inconsistency that can occur with these pesky youngsters; Scolari will have to be paw perfect at the start here and even then will have to progress on what he has achieved to date to match Camp Joker around this circuit.  He is entitled to progress and 3 is probably his favoured box but he looks held by the odds-on jolly on all known form.  Why Droopys Buick is on the supporting card and not in this race is puzzling and could have made it more mouth-watering than gravy-soaked brown bread!

Lolly Goliath: T2 – Camp Joker

7:26 – Bitches

The Faithful know by now that I love watching a good bitches contest and here we have some decent ladies looking to strut their stuff on the dogwalk.  Greenhill Gem lacks a trial but looks to have the measure of Peerless Trio to the bend and if she can get on the bunny she should be able to see out this 500m trip well enough to repel the challengers.  Trio is clearly talented and will relish every yard of this galloping track but she will have to be smart out of the boxes to avoid Clounamon Queen who takes a step right coming out.  Even if she does go round clear, Trio has a couple of lengths to find with Gem on their exploits around Perry Barr of late and whilst the extra 20m of this track probably favours Trio, Gem should be clear favourite to be out-and-gone this evening.  The local Roo Wen is running out of her hair and is drawn to punish any mistakes from the more established open racing bitches.

Goliath: T5 – Greenhill Gem

7:43 – Dogs

We have two cracking dogs races tonight and this first one has the Yarmouth and Kent Derby victor priced at over 4/1!  Do It For Twiggy has progressed rapidly since he switched kennels but even here he looks held and will have to avoid Hovex Prince on his outer as the Irish Derby runner will be looking for the rails straight away.  That makes a case for Rafas Wee Jet who is flying round this course and distance of late but that hound has had his problems in classy company and he will have to be completely gone to beat these in my dog’s honest opinion: he could easily do so and 6/1 does look big!  The even better value in the race, however, is to back Aero Inferno to fly out (as he has done on 3 of his last 4 starts) and clear the excellent Swift Keith.  The reason for thinking Inferno can clear Keith is that on his only look at the circuit, in the Select Stakes, Keith completely flopped out of these boxes from the red draw that he faces tonight and whilst he does like to be on the inside, if he repeats that effort then Inferno has an absolute solo as Do It For Twiggy rarely produces a flying break or the early to match quality hounds like these.  If Inferno and Jet turn the bend together I more than fancy the former to show better pace and desire down the back to get on that elusive bunny!

Goliath: T2 – Aero Inferno

7:59 – Stayers

Those hounds who like to run for 4 bends too many have their race here and the ever-likeable bitch Moss Lane Sue is drawn to get on the bunny and stay every yard of this 680m trip.  Worsboro Phantom falls out before making his progress from around the 3rd and 4th bends but his chances in the race might be scuppered by Charlie Lister’s Oneco Melissa who will be heading straight right from her draw in 4; if she turns second to Sue it is hard to see her either overtaking the leader or succumbing to Phantom out-wide when he is beginning to make his move.  Of course, if Melissa flies out then she can make-all as she is definitely keen on this venue but her defeat in early August at the paws of Moss Lane Sue looks like repeating itself here in a case of dogja-vu.

Goliath: T6 – Moss Lane Sue

8:16 – Sprint

Everyone’s favourite race graces the card in the middle of the card and it involves some of the top sprinters from across the country.  Ballybee Brewery is going from strength to strength over the optimum distance and his victory over Skate On on Derby final night was particularly memorable to catch that bitch on the bunny.  In his quest to maintain his winning streak he will have to be paw perfect here though as Cloncunny Ardera is no mug as Daytime Flyer found out when he tried to clear him at Monmore earlier in the year.  Brewery will have to be a length clear of Ardera in 3 to make the bend and that is debatable he can have the speed to do so at such odds of 11/8.  Target Harris is now known as a shocking trapper but he could easily turn up at any point and whilst his undoubted pace is respected, it is hard to make a case of backing him at close to 2/1 against such a quality field.  Ballymac Cathal failed to land a gamble when last seen on the Sky cameras and that race was nowhere near as classy as this ensemble.  The value in the race is to back Tiermana Power as drawn to step slightly right from the boxes, before pacing up and leading Who Needs Pace (who has completely lost his way and didn’t trap at his peak!) and being just within touching distance to rail at the bend and power his way up the inside.  He looks the value call in a very difficult race to make a strong case for anything at the prices.

Goliath: T2 – Tiermana Power

8:33 – Dogs

The second of the two brilliant dogs races here is a pawfect opportunity to take nearly Evens on the Select Stakes hero Swift Hoffman to dish out another beating to some fantastic hounds around arguably his favourite circuit.  His sprint trial as a warm-up to this would have arguably won the sprint that precedes this race and that is ominous for a dog who is finally getting the hang of coming out of trap 5.  Crossfield Cesar next to him runs off at the bend and is a powerful galloper who just does not have the early that Hoff can hassle a field with; that means the selection can make the bend and if he is anywhere near the front down the back then even this lot won’t have enough to live with him.  Maum Legend is consistently a great performer who can do it off the front or from the back but is another hound who is giving us a great price on the Greyhound of the Year elect.  The inside draw for Light Foot Mata is not one that he would ideally pick for himself and whilst he could potentially be a very special hound, La Maqina will be diving straight into him and they look drawn to scupper each other’s chances.

Goliath: T5 – Swift Hoffman

8:51 – British Bred Oaks Final

David Firmager lines up with 4 of the 5 runners here but quantity can’t quite outweigh quality on this occassion and it is hard to see how Russanda Blue doesn’t get a run and pick up the likely leader of the Hall Green human’s runners in trap 6.  Blue is an enigmatic bitch who is sometimes not entirely focussed on the prize but she is too classy for this depleted field.

Goliath: T2 – Russanda Blue

9:08 – British Breeders’ Stakes Final

Eden The Kids’ meteoric rise from Newcastle handicapper to Wimbledon track record holder and Derby finalist seemed to take a bit of the zest out of his effort’s following that epic final of the English Classic.  After having a rest, he returned for this tournament and whilst he looked rusty in the first round, in the semi-final he simply blew the opposition away with a galloping stride of a serious hound and he can win this with a bit to spare.  Damson Jam is drawn to lead but also to block the chances of Fabulous Expert getting a run and so it looks like it will be down to her litter-sister in 6 to offer any sort of challenge to Rab McNair’s machine.

Goliath: T4 – Eden The Kid

Here are the recommendations:

7:26 – Greenhill Gem – 1 breast of chicken @ 11/4

7:43 – Aero Inferno – 1 piece of bread @ 7/2

7:59 – Moss Lane Sue – 1 dog bone @ 5/2

8:33 – Swift Hoffman – 1 chewstick @ 10/11

So there are my thoughts on the proceedings!  As ever, please tweet me if you have any comments and I promise to bark at you faster than I barked at a squirrel on my walk earlier today!  It looks a decent card for this time of year and let’s hope we get to see some special performances from two of the best hounds in the country: Hoffman and the Kid.

Enjoy the racing,

Jimmy

A fascinating Yorkshire St. Leger final could have seen the first 3 from last year’s renewal line-up against each other were it not for the unfortunate withdrawal of defending champion Millwards Teddy this morning to lameness.  His human has suggested the Saturday-Wednesday schedule is too short for stayers but it is the same format for all of the hounds in the competition and everyone knew the format before entering.  It will nonetheless be a great race and it would certainly be fantastic to see Romantic Rambo come back from a serious hock injury to claim a big Category Prize after a rehabilitation process more befitting of Rocky than Rambo!  Elsewhere, we have a tough supporting card with Doncaster offering a new challenge to many of the established open racers so it is hard to call how they will take to the track on some of their first looks at the Yorkshire circuit.  Local knowledge may provide the key to many of the contests and should be treated with respect, as it should be at most tracks.  As ever, I have found the value for the Lolly Faithful and a Goliath which could have us jetting off to Barbados with a doggie passports and shades come the morning!

19:11 – Sprint

Everyone’s favourite race starts the proceedings and this race centres on how well Bramble Bruno (ex-Bruno Ya Know) takes to the Doncaster track and particularly the boxes.  His profile in Ireland reads very well as a potential superstar sprinter and whilst he doesn’t get home over a standard trip, his blistering early has seen him lead many top Irish early-paced merchants for a long way.  On British debut, in the Derby, he posted a 4:81 sectional before getting the bend horribly wrong yet it still showed his sprinting capabilities that came to fruition when he ran a stunning 4:56 split to the bend on Saturday in a Newcastle A1; he simply didn’t get home that day and was caught by the very useful, strong Sandyhill Hitman (which is top Open race form) and so the first 3rd of that race is what to focus on here.  If he repeats that here he wins this race and is a huge 7/2 which has more than factored his lack of course knowledge.  In his career his sectionals have often been at their premium from trap 4 and with Unique Wishes looking to rail and the local Mays Zigzag running the standard 3rd bend (so their 1st here) pretty wide, Bruno has a draw to show his devastating early.  Those two dogs are dangers either side but Wishes is taking a marked step up in class from standard Yarmouth and Nottingham sprints and Zigzag is getting no younger, would prefer 6, and has been winning the weak graded round Doncaster which is not solid form at the moment.  The favourite Soviet Paddy is running well on his travels in defeat but typically misses the break before pacing up and the fact he tries to cut the bend (won well when pacing up on the last Sky card and driving the bend from 4) suggests he could just prove a hindrance to the 5 as opposed to a winner (he is also without a look at Doncaster).  Ballaghboy View has had a look for Charlie Lister OBE in 1 but he looks a dog without a trip and is perhaps being brought on slowly by his human master to tackle the easy 4 bend tournaments that are coming up where he could poach a cheap lead if given a good draw.  Bramble Bruno could be a very useful sprinter even if he fluffs his lines here, keep the faith.

Lolly Goliath – T4

7:26 – Mini Standard

A weak looking affair can see the useful trials of Pinpoint Dazl assert from the off having posted some eye-catching runs around Newcastle for a dog so inexperienced.  It is hard to see how he doesn’t get a cheap lead here unless he completely misses it (which is possible) and so the odds-against is just about the right price; Mays Minstrel is a now-veteran who knows his way round and could punish any mistake made by the jolly.

Goliath – T3

7:43 – Bitches

Regular readers of the dog blog will know the Lolly loves watching a good bitches’ affair and this sees some useful ladies tussling round Yorkshire.  Biddys Fire is a favourite to take on here as she is not as effective from 5 as 6, has never won away from her beloved Sheffield (has only ran in races twice at Nottingham) despite being tried in trials at Kinsley and Towcester too: she does not like travelling.  That coupled with the constant question mark of whether she stays a strong 4 bends or just poaches a lead on the short run to the bend at Owlerton over the 480m and then just has too much speed in the first half for the 500m dogs and clings on, begs the question she could even be caught here.  If one bitch is going to catch her it is the much improved Toottootootsie who has made staggering progress since stepped up in trip this term.  She returns to 4 bends here but she knows her way round having been a standing dish in A1 recording 29:80s for fun (29:54 her best time) and the fact that Biddys might even be a bit moody and miss it on away turf from 5, means Toot could actually lead and she will not be caught if doing so.  Golden Apple has pace in spades from her dam’s side but has question marks over her temperament when faced with 5 rivals; she is undoubtedly quick enough and could go in at a juicy 10/1.  It is hard to see how the locals won’t get involved with Toot here and she could even go off favourite.

Goliath – T6

7:59 – Stayers

Liosgarbh Charl takes a marked drop in class here from the St. Leger itself where he won the 1st round against finalist Swift Curie before that form was reversed, probably based on the swapping of draws.  He has his 1 box again this evening and following he can muscle his way past Tivoli Ransom (who turns sharp left at the bends for a mid dog) then he should outstay this field.  Ransom was a gamble at Romford over 750m but simply didn’t get home as Janoan (a proven non-stayer at top marathon level) caught him and for an easy marathon trip, this 661m is arguably as testing so it is hard to see how the Wimbledon raider can get home despite him running the best races of his career to date.

Goliath – T1

8:16 – Mini Standard

Like all of us at some stage, we need to retire and find a sofa to claim as our own and that glorious fate looks set to befall on Southern Mesut soon.  He has been a top dog for at least 2 years but his desire for the game looks to be on the wane and in this sort of class, he has to be opposed as favourite here: I’m not sure he was ever keen on being drawn rails either.  Coolavanny Rebel is a dog who has ran in top class company throughout his brief career and could simply have too much pace and desire for the old boy in 2 as Rebel looks to build on solid efforts in defeat and victory against decent sorts.  Incidentally, trap 6 Silvio Scolari lost in a graded race to a dog called Who Needs Lollie.  The cheek!  Who Needs Lollie? The Faithful that’s who!!!

Goliath – T4

8:33 – Marathon

Roxholme Magic simply didn’t handle Towcester and looked ridiculously short anyway to navigate herself through a field around a notorious front-runner’s circuit to claim the TV Trophy.  As Ballymac Bonnie did come from the back in the final of that tournament it would have been fascinating had she lined up there but it was not to be: she can make amends slightly here by showing why she is the best English marathon performer by quite some way.  Burgess Borna is being nursed back to fitness and will always give her best over any trip, but especially noticeably over a ludicrous one like this, and Alma Prince will plod along and bumper car his way through some of the field as only the Prince knows how to do.

Goliath – T6

8:51 – Standard

An intriguing race this which is hard to dissect but the value surely has to be with Next Weeks News on the outside of a dog who backs off at the bend.  News could easily turn handy enough to reproduce his 29:70 trial which could easily be good enough to win this as the favourite, Farran Sexton, is perhaps the classiest dog but doesn’t seem like he’s a hound who is desperate to be in trap 2 and could be looking for more middle ground where he could meet the buffer in Southern Henri.  Lister’s charge is of interest too with a favourable draw next to the tardy Magical Garth but this all looks like a scrappy encounter and News is too big to skip clear as drawn.

Goliath – T6

9:08 – Yorkshire St. Leger Final

These big finals often come down to the draw and that’s why the bitch in 1, Swift Curie, has a great chance of maintaining her progress over 6 bends and claiming a Category One prize by railing them all off.  Connections have openly said they are unsure of Romantic Rambo being drawn in 2 (wants 4) and he could well hold up Farley Rio in trap 3 who is an enigmatic sort who can beat any dog in the country over this sort of trip when he is in the mood.  Barking of moods, it is hard to work out the mental state of Romany Rouge as he has never shown signs of any awkwardness but continues to either not-stay (almost definitely) and then not surge past dogs when he does stay over a shorter trip: he is a frustrating colleague to say the least!  That cannot be barked about Kakantu as he runs his same honest front-running gallant race each time he lines up over any trip against any class of oppposition: no dog would begrudge him a big win I’m sure.  It has to be the bitch in 1 though who has enough 4 bend pace and enough scope to stay the required amount to win this big tournament.

Goliath – T1

Here are the recommendations:

7:11 – Bramble Bruno – 2 doggie treats @ 7/2

7:43 – Tootoottootsie – 1 breast of chicken @ 5/2

8:16 – Coolavanny Rebel – 1 dog bone @ 9/4

8:51 – Next Weeks News – 1 piece of bread @ 11/2

So there are my thoughts on the proceedings!  As ever, please tweet me if you have any comments and I promise to bark back at you with as much pace as Bruno shows in the opener!  It should be a cracking final with some top hounds running and let’s hope we find a few winners along the way for the Lolly Goliath too!

Enjoy the racing,

Jimmy