BRITISH PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK

The first open races of 2021 were staged on Sunday and no winner was more impressive than Westway Blake with a near ten length Swindon win in 28.27 (-20) for Angie Kibble. The other pup to be nominated was Kinsley’s Ballymac Lucanne,

British bred pup Galley Cashin clocked the fastest time at Towcester’s Sunday meeting, though mention must also be made of a trialist. Romford 575 and local 500m record holder Sparta Master’s career is usually overshadowed by debates about his running style. A 29.03 run, 17 spots inside his own clock, is a reminder that he really is one very pacey hound.

With no opens at Nottingham or Romford, it gave an opportunity for the graders to shine. Although Panda Blue was marginally quickest at Colwick Park, the nod goes to Swift Canary for her fifth win in her last six including a first top heat. Romford’s was also about fast A1 and S1 winners (Bubbly Bonanza). The selection though is the former, Aero Rackitup, with six wins in his last 11 outings. Toughest call of the week though must have been at Sheffield where Geelos Josh (28.76), Demi (28.80) and Davy won on the same card. The selection Geelo Josh.

The best flat performance at Central Park on Sunday was arguably the S1 win by Matt Dartnall’s Stoneyhomeblitz with a 40.21 run. Staying with the stayers, and Crayford’s Rising Coco showed what she can do when she traps in front, with a near nine length victory in S1.

Yarmouth are still to stage a 2021 meeting, but veteran dual distance runner Going Forward was the most impressive top heat winner at the fag end of 2020. A4 represents top heat at Harlow and Moaning Matrix has two wins and a second in his last three outings. Neighbouring Henlow has an A1 top heat, though not many go quicker in a year than the 27.38 of Fernhall Roxy. Sunderland’s Killahan Diver was equally as dominant following a 27.22 A2 win.

Hove have staged five A1s in the last week, four have been won between 29.72-29.75. Quickest of the lot was Bodhis Bullet. Monmore have had six A1s, including four last Wednesday, of which Shelbys Memory went best.

Nothing compares though to last Friday’s ‘top heat on steroids’ at Newcastle where, on a slow track, Coolavanny Bani led home Bramble Oliverj, Droopys Dazzler, Morpeth Lad, Waltham Magic and Nice As Ice.

Winter going is making form judgement a tricky task at Doncaster, but by any standards, Toms Rambo’s six length win in 28.30 (-50) was a worthy performance. Covid has restricted Perry Barr to just one meeting this week – so a simple choice, the fastest winner, Premier Lady. Less choice still at Pelaw Grange, six races on heavy going and veteran, Expert Droopy.