By Mark Pierrepont
(Update – see below)
The A2 at 7.05pm is of interest given that there is a greyhound in the race who is likely to be short odds but eminently beatable. Hopalong Randy has been sent off short odds for his last couple of runs but has found himself lacking in the latter stages against dogs with stronger reserves of stamina. Given that each of tonight’s 5 rivals all have six bend form on their cards , it’s a given that one of them is going to drop second and have first run on a dog who’s been struggling to get home. I’ll take a chance on the Anneliese Thompson trained Harts Beauty who not only has some decent six bend form down at Hove , but also has a fair degree of early pace judging on her 512 sectional from a recent trial. If she leads the inside she shouldn’t be too far away at the finish at what could be generous odds , especially given the excellent recent form of the Thompson kennel.
Hopalong Eleni (TREBLE) trained by Lynn Cook must be an absolute dream to own. Greyhounds like this don’t come along often and it’s only once they’ve retired do connections usually realise what they’ve had. Eleni has started either favourite or co favourite in 16 of her 30 career races to date. Knowing that as an owner you can turn up to watch your greyhound racing each week and have a live chance of winning is a rare phenomenon. Eleni yet again has a solid favourites chance this evening in the A3 at 7.36pm. A somewhat unlucky loser behind Wealing Dealing last week , who backed up that run with a creditable half length third in the same grade on Friday , Eleni can make amends and have her lucky set of owners back on the winners podium for their eighth A3 win since October.
The Stadium Bookmakers Standard Trophy Final takes place at 7.52pm and i’m siding with Barry Denby’s Alfies Prince (NAP). With so much early pace on display amongst the other 5 finalists something will have to give. Alfies Prince has the ability to give a start and a beating to some of the best greyhounds in training and so long as he navigates the first couple of turns without too much trouble , the writing could be well and truly on the wall before they make the turn for home.
Aqua Glider – who was originally slated as Mark’s NB – has been withdrawn from tonight’s race
It’s the Greyhound Media Group Puppy Classic Trial Stakes at 8.51pm and Swift Taxman can make it a double on the night for the Cook kennel. He might not be the fastest in the field but what he does have is a terrific make up and searing early pace. If he leads around the turn which if he traps level he should , then that would immediately be a negative to the chances of Arthur Noodle in 2 and Seaglass Phantom in 3. With the 4 box vacant the only feasible danger would come from Colston Havana in 5 who could quickly become a runner if there was inside crowding. Charlie Lister’s runner in 6 looks like he’ll improve for experience but shouldn’t have the pace to trouble tonight’s rivals at this stage of his career. I’ll side with Taxman though and for the sake of one of the countries mega punters , who still has a tax bill to pay , I hope and pray he obliges.
Following a dodgy run of results, Andy Mullen, who works for Bob Halls has challenged Mark to a punters challenge. Andy has staked his £100 virtual bet on a £100 double of Hopalong Randy (7.05pm) and Alfies Prince (7.52). Mr Pierrepont has staked the whole £100 on the same runner, who is also his nap.
BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY SPECIAL OFFER
- £13.00 per person to include admission, racecard and a 3 course meal
- Final of the Category 1 GMG Puppy Classic
- Heats of the Category 1 Lowther Stakes
- 2 x Category 3 finals
- Other supporting open races
Must be booked on-line
