This afternoon, Central Park stage the final of the £20,000 Premier Greyhound Racing Kent Derby.
Around £500,000 was spent revamping the circuit in the last year. The racing surface is now fully bedded in and on the evidence of the consistency of the times, absence of bias and quality of racing, it looks a great investment.
The big race will officially be held over the 454m course for the ‘first time’, though realistically, it has always been that size. We just weren’t able to confirm it.
It is the second biggest circuit on the island, a mere metre less than Hove’s 455m. Evidence of the fairness of the gallop can be demonstrated by the presence of the last two St Leger winners in the 491m line-up.
The Racing Office’s widely experienced RM Daniel Rankin assesses the fields for the final and four supporting open races on the card.
Daniel said: “I would make this a match between the three and the six. Camarue Lemon is a big galloping dog, and was running well here before heading off to Crayford. I think he has the early pace to lead at the bend. Rydons Ranger is a good A1 dog stepping up in trip. The rest have a bit to find. Sel 3-6
Daniel said: “Rossa Rise has had a few niggles but has plenty of pace and looks well drawn. Salthill Sniper has been running well at Henlow and ran well here before but I would think Pawpaw Sean looks the biggest danger. Ridgedale Terri is up against it in this company and I think Kevinsfort Duke’s future is over four bends.” Sel 1-3-2
Daniel said “It is a very good final with a lot of early pace in there. You would expect Churchfield Syd to lead up on the inside and then it is a case of who gets a run behind him. I think Droopys Clue has more of a chance of finding a way through than Romeo Command who could have a lot of dogs in front of him on the rail. With all the uncertainty, Churchfield Syd might be the only one to get a clear run and once he is in front, he wouldn’t look a bad bet.” Sel 5-4-1
Betting: 6-5 Droopys Clue, 9-4 Churchfield Syd, 9-2 Romeo Command, 11-1 Havana Lover, 25-1 King Ezra, 28-1 Asbo Lenny
Reminder of the semi finals. Reminder of the first round
Daniel said: “Lostrigg Paddy has plenty of decent form here and is coming back to his best after being off injured for a long time. My Girl Mia’s Hove form is pretty decent but she doesn’t know the track, and some dogs find Hove and Central Park quite different to adapt to and from. Edwards has to have a chance based on his last line of form while I think Tintreach Bono looks as though he might end up going over a long distance in time.” Sel 6-2-3
Daniel said: “This is a very decent race on a supporting card with (Puppy Classic winner) Slick Sabo well drawn on the inside and likely to get a good run. (East Anglian Derby winner) Watch The Limo looks the obvious danger from either Havana Top Note or Bluejig Baron.” Sel 1-4-2
