98 Not Out

On July 24 1926, greyhound racing took place on an oval track in the UK for the first time. Belle Vue was the venue with the opening race over 440 yards won by Mistley. 

We are just two years away from a centenary celebration. What the sport looks like in two years is open for debate. A recent Editor’s Chair gave a potential overview of the future and one that could be considerably closer to us than 24 months away.

We hope to celebrate a huge day in the sport in two years, but hopefully with stronger racing than is on show tonight!

Joe’s Wednesday Tips

Yesterday was a successful day on the tipping front with two winners from two selections at Central Park. It could have been even better but the NAP Outdoor Cracker was a late non-runner so we’ll take two from two.

Romford NAP

This evening we head to Romford for the NAP of the night. Underground Roxi lines up in the S1 at 9.46pm from Trap Six over 575m. She drops back into graded company having been competing with the best over the six bend trip including Miami Bullet, Fabulous Sonique and Drive On Lad.

Droopys Stairway in Trap Four can go to the bend well but if Underground Roxi can come away, and keep herself to herself out wide then I’m hoping she would have too much for Trap Four from the fourth bend onwards.

Yarmouth Next Best

The next best tonight is at the East Anglian Track, Yarmouth. Sandra Clayton’s Bonjurno Boy has blown hot and cold over four bends recently with a D1 success in between but he can get back to winning ways over the 462m trip from Trap Four in the A1 at 8.31 pm.

He has some solid lines of form at Yarmouth behind the likes of Pall Mall finalist Wrighty. Trap Three Chelms Bob will edge in slightly from his draw so as long as Bonjurno Boy doesn’t make any mistakes early, he should get a nice run to the bend. If leading, he should go on to dominate proceedings.

Yarmouth Value Bet

The third bet will be in the 8.13, A3 at Yarmouth, Trap Three Freedom Odin trained by Kevin Cobbold. This dog was off the card from the beginning of February to his first competitive start back on June 26.

He was a consistent top-grade performer prior to his break so three runs back in A3 should see him coming on for each run. With two dogs drawn inside him he can lead, Freedom Odin just needs to break on terms to dictate matters and have the race at his mercy.

***NAP***
9.46 Romford – Trap Six Underground Roxi

**NB**
8.31 Yarmouth – Trap Four Bonjurno Boy

*Value Bet*
8.13 Yarmouth – Trap Three Freedom Odin

Crayford to host Grand National

Crayford is back as the home of hurdling after confirmation the Grand National will be held at the Kent track in November.

That was the news following Nunhead Shiv’s success in the Ladbrokes Champion Hurdle Final on Sunday. Barry O’Sullivan’s charge grabbing gold in the £10,000 feature – the second time Crayford has staged the event.

The track now looks set to retain the Grand National after talk it would switch to Hove. That track hosted the Springbok, the novice hurdlers’ championship, last year. That event was cancelled this year but could return in 2025 – at Crayford.

“There’s plenty to discuss but we’re hoping to release details of this year’s Grand National shortly which, with the Champion Hurdle here, means we’re the only track to champion hurdlers and that helps our trainers here,” the track said.

Champion Hurdle Quotes

Ricky Holloway was denied a seventh Champion Hurdle win on Sunday by Nunhead Shiv having fielded four finalists. While disappointed not to win, he appreciates the efforts Crayford are making to continue and encourage jump racing.

Of Sunday’s race, Holloway said: “Well done to Barry (O’Sullivan) and his team – Shiv’s been a cracking bitch for them, but I was delighted how Harlequin Ernie ran. Like a lot of my team, he’ll continue to improve.

“It was disappointing to hear Hove is discontinuing hurdles racing after just one Springbok. I thought it went well, actually – but we’ve got to look ahead. It’s great Crayford is keeping these historic events going and Danny (Rayment, Crayford RM) deserves a lot of credit.

“However, I’m still surprised other tracks don’t get involved, especially some of the northern and Midlands tracks. They could have a thriving scene away from Crayford and that would drive competition – and also help trainers get dogs in.

“Barry (O’Sullivan) was right when he said he’s finding owners with hurdles are bringing their flat dogs to him also – so it’s a win-win. And, of course, the strong argument remains that hurdles racing can extend a greyhound’s career, which helps the sport overall.”

Updated Betting Guides

The latest prices for the big competitions which are currently in progress. There are four Category One finals to look forward to in a busy week. We will have a runner-by-runner guide to each of the Category One finals as well as tips from each undercard.

Time Northern Flat

7/4 Wicky Ned 3/1 Delvin Cat, Romeo Crossfire 9/2 Slingshot Sam 6/1 Tonelagee

PGR Regency

15/8 Cooladerry Dust 7/2 Ballymac Taylor, Haka Carlo 5/1 Baywatch Bullet, Bubbly Scorcher 14/1 Lightfoot Falcon

Coral Sussex Cup

6/5 Droopys Clue 7/4 Romeo Command 8/1 Newinn Bennin, Wasted Monday 10/1 Clona Uriel 12/1 Uncle Freddie

BetGoodwin Pall Mall

4/5 Aero Sacundai 3/1 Droopys Hanover, Long Fellow 16/1 Eze 20/1 Madabout Peck 25/1 Wrighty

Opens

Thursday: Newcastle ♦ Swindon
Friday: Romford
Saturday: Central Park ♦ Doncaster ♦ Hove ♦ Monmore ♦ Perry Barr
Sunday: Sheffield ♦ Towcester