Perry Barr RM Martin Seal has kindly previewed tonight’s open races including the semi finals of the ARC Laurels.

The first semi final of the Arena Racing Company Laurels is now a five dog affair following the defection of Feora Noel, but still boasts plenty of excitement and intrigue. Havana Class has become something of a Perry Barr specialist following his exploits in last year’s Laurels and Birmingham Cup, and Liz McNair’s fawn knows only one way of running, and that is to go hell for leather as soon as the traps open. Chief rival Lautaro has taken to the Birmingham track like a duck to water, and with Patrick Janssens’ heavyweight displaying early pace as well as his trademark strength, he will be a tough nut to crack with the draw having worked out in his favour too. Kennelmate Aussie Captain showed great tenacity to come from off the pace in his heat, and although perhaps a shade up against it with just two going through to next Thursday’s final, the trap 2 runner should not be underestimated. Droopys Flight may need to get a flyer from trap 5, whilst Swift Cope is a battler and never knows when to give up.

Sel: 4-3-2

The first heat of The Good News At Stud Stakes, generously sponsored by ARC Oaks winning John Kennedy and his family. Bred in the purple Signet Goofy has been a terrific acquisition for long time owners Lee Calcutt and Chris Waters, and reached the decider of the ARC Scurry Gold Cup here last October. The trap 4 runner has been in top form for some time, winning five of his last six, Crossfield Dusty ending his winning streak at Hove a couple of weeks back. Scala Omeara has done his bit to put Nathan Hunt on the map, chiefly at home track Romford where he has been successful on nine occasions, although March’s 15.71 win at Sheffield is very quick indeed. You have to go back to October for the last time Matts Malibu visited the winner’s enclosure, although the resulting 16.02 (calc) over course and distance warrants plenty of respect. Luck Box Blue has bits and pieces of decent form at Central Park and home track Crayford, whilst Shelone Milo continues to serve connections well.
Sel: 4-5-6

Trionas Travel went within 3 spots of Drumkeen Oyster’s 2015 track record when running away with his heat, and is a credit to the Skeech family. The trap 5 runner may have to be careful on the run to the first turn though, with Headford Flash possibly tacking in a little from trap 6. The excellent Paul Burr is double handed here, with Drumdoit Bomber having ruffled a few feathers in recent weeks, and Zari Rosie likely to set a scorching pace sporting the white jacket. If she times the start right, the 480m sectional record (Ballymac Kite, 03.39, 2016) could be under threat. Romeo De Niro and Frankies Jet have battled hard to get this far, but may require a little luck in running to qualify for the final.
Sel: 5-3-1

Early Knight appears well drawn in this second heat of The Good News At Stud Stakes, having won at no less than five different tracks in his short career to date. His 16.22 success last month is the fastest time over Yarmouth’s 277m trip this year. Ballymac Slapup gives the Calcutt/Waters/Mullins combo another strong hand, the trap 2 runner having seen off Vaunt Lad in 16.19 here last October. Bad Alibi has made a name for himself at home track Sheffield, and steps down in trip here, with a recent Monmore 15.15 trial effort very fair indeed. Jazz Toes racked up a Sheffield hat trick in February, but needs to ping the lids.
Sel: 6-2-5
The third semi final of the Arena Racing Company Laurels, with no let up in the quality of the hounds doing battle. Candy Man is another who clearly thrives around the Perry Barr circuit, having finished a close up fourth in last year’s event, and backing that up with a thrilling success in September’s Birmingham Cup. British bred representatives Shockwave Onyx and Signet Denver are quality operators, and are perfect examples of the talents of both their handlers. Antigua Woofwoof boasts scorching early pace, and his best chance may lie with hitting the lids and leading off the second turn. Gymstar Elusive and Chelms Yes have a bit to do on the clock, although the latter has a squeak if able to enter the back straight in a handy position.
Sel: 6-1-2