SECOND FASTEST HOUND EVER OVER 480M IN BRITAIN?

A track record and four more fastest times of the year feature in a surprisingly busy December catch-up on the year’s best performances.

The track record comes courtesy of Peterborough S1 winner Sensual. David Pruhs’ didn’t just nick it either, she actually took three lengths off Ballymac Eliza’s previous best. The black was completing a hat-trick over course and distance when clocking 37.79 on going rated (+30). Her previous two 620m wins had come in 38.94 (-80) and 39.41 (-100)!

At Sheffield on Tuesday, British bred Raise The Stakes became the second fastest runner ever over 480m in Britain. Heather Dimmock’s beaten Produce Stakes favourite was one spot outside Candlelight King’s track record with a 27.34 run on a track rated just .10 fast.

There were two fast times at Shawfield with Jaguar Jack and Gartcloss Hunter adding their names to the charts. Interesting perhaps on two levels. Firstly, the absence of Southerners, three of the four dogs on the table were locally trained. Secondly, surely a big shout for the trackstaff – Shawfield in November/December. . .?

Last but not least, a second entry for the king of Nottingham. Roxholme Hat‘s 17.43 was less than a length slower than the 17.36 FOY he recorded in 2017.