Time Northern Flat Final – Runer-by-runner

Newcastle welcomes a new sponsor tonight for one of the sport’s most longstanding competitions. First run in 1927, the final of the Time Greyhound Nutrition Northern Flat takes centre-stage at the Byker venue. Trainers with runners at the track are invited to join the party!

Time representatives Willie and Shane Rigney will be on hand to meet with clients – old and new – with a section of the bar area behind the grandstand restaurant set aside for the sponsors of the £12,500-to-the-winner Cat One.

Check out Joe Conneely’s thoughts on each runner below.

1 ROMEO CROSSFIRE 

(Droopys Sydney – Fabulous Skylar, Feb 22) – Tom Heilbron – Mr D Firmager

A length behind Wicky Ned in the first round before following that up with an impressive second behind Delvin Cat in last week’s semi-final. He was beaten three-quarters of a length having found first bend trouble that day. His chance lies in a mistake early from Wicky Ned to allow him to turn in a position where he can pounce.

2 WICKY NED 

(Droopys Sydney – Ballycowen Lucy, Aug 22) – Jimmy Fenwick – Mr N McGregor

Jimmy Fenwick is trying to defend his title having won the competition in March 2023 with Brookside Richie. He is the 7/4 favourite for the race and was 11/4 ante-post favourite for the competition before the first round. He didn’t trap as well as he can from trap one last week in the semi-final when running behind Slingshot Sam. A better break from trap two for the favourite is key to his chances. A clean break should see him clear Romeo Crossfire.

3 SLINGSHOT SAM 

(Droopys Sydney – Burgess Madam, Dec 21) – Brian Fairbairn – Mr C Armstrong

Trained by Brian Fairbairn, he comes into the final off the back of a mightily impressive semi-final victory beating Wicky Ned by two lengths in 28.61. He was in trap five on that occasion and kept a straight line to the winning line before cutting across heading into the bend. Trap three shouldn’t be an issue for him. His winning chance lies in a repeat of last week’s semi-final run where a slight mistake from Wicky Ned allowed Slingshot Sam to go around in front. He could be a spot of value.

4 TONELAGEE

(Dorotas Wildcat – Droopys Megan, Sep 21) – Savva Roberts – The Hammer Foot Syndicate

This September 21 dog has been faultless during the competition winning both heats and semi-final. Albeit they have been in slightly slower winning times but plenty of interference would be the reason for that in last week’s semi-final. He’s another who won from trap five in last week’s semi-final. Was one spot behind Slingshot Sam to the winning line the first time around so trying to clear the former could be a big ask unless Slingshot Sam doesn’t time it right at the boxes. He is the outsider of the field and I would suggest that being drawn outside Slingshot Sam is the reasoning behind his price.

6 DELVIN CAT

(Dorotas Wildcat – Fahy Ruby, Nov 21) – Stephen Caile – Mr R McKenzie

The best-drawn dog in the race. His blistering early pace always gives him a chance when breaking on terms. Having a vacant box on his immediate inside should pave the way for him to keep himself out of trouble out wide.  His chances lie in trapping, leading at the first bend and holding on from late challenges.

Conclusion

Wicky Ned is the one to beat for me. A better break this week can see him be in front of the early pacers on his outside between the first two bends. If he leads at any stage then he should give Jimmy Fenwick a second successive win in this competition. Romeo Crossfire would be the biggest threat as a bit of trouble is possible. He can take advantage of any crowding up front but this is all about Wicky Ned for me to dominate from the first bend.

Good Luck to all connections involved in the Time Greyhound Nutrition Northern Flat Final