Ratings and Analysis by Pete Walker
The next category one competition at Swindon is the four bend 480m Calne Racing Arc event worth £8,000 to the eventual winner. Two heat favourites, Riverside Oscar and Proud Graham lost out on qualification from the original thirty-six runners. Not only that, there was just one winning favourite amongst all six first round eliminators. I have compiled comparative ratings with the top three from each race indicated below as well as the overall top four of the semi-finalists with best prices available at the time of writing.
1st Semi-Final
T1 (R) – 189: Garryvoe Bobby
T2 (R) – 144: Droopys Costa
T6 (W) – 135: Huarache Finn
2nd Semi-Final
T6 (W) – 169: Brinkleys King
T2 (R) – 161: Oscar Whisky
T1 (R) – 157: Astute Missile
3rd Semi-Final
T6 (M) – 185: Glenkeel
T1 (R) – 168: Lenson Rocky
T4 (R) – 146: Huarache Scotty
Top 4
(189): Garryvoe Bobby (6/1)
(185): Glenkeel (12/1)
(169): Brinkleys King (8/1)
(168): Lenson Rocky (6/1)
Ratings based on a maximum of 200 reflect only recent performances over the course and distance. Track conditions at the time of racing may affect future performances of course. There were 12 railers, 4 middle and 2 wides who qualified for the penultimate stage. The inexperienced Garryvoe Bobby asserted quickly in his heat but is short enough in the outright betting to be of any value at 6/1. The second semi-final is difficult to call but Brinkleys King as the only wide runner may have the race run to suit. However, Ladbrokes appear to have underestimated the quickest winner Glenkeel and at 12/1 looks a stand out each-way proposition. The final is live on Sky Sports on Wednesday 22nd so good luck to all greyhounds, especially Coolavanny Rebel who as co-owner have a vested interest in of course.
