There are few – if any – racing managers who have consistently proven themselves to better pre race pundits than Perry Barr’s Martin Seal.
Last English Oaks due to be staged at the venue star gets underway this evening and Martin has once again agreed to share his views on the eight first round heats.
A mouthwatering clash to open proceedings, and although connections would likely have preferred to cross swords a little later on in the event, both bitches arrive at the top of their game. Druids Say Go gave the Yarmouth clock a bit of a shake when landing the East Anglian Derby Final, and although Patrick Janssens’ bitch is one from three when sporting the black jacket, a reasonably straight path from traps should see her hit the front before the first turn. Empress Stakes heroine Avongate Venus has only tasted defeat once in twelve starts, and Phil Milner’s pride and joy has barely seen another rival since that June loss behind Crafty Shivoo. Highview Jasman is a thoroughly likeable sort, and will doubtless give Mick Freshwater plenty of fun over the coming months. January’s Essex Vase could be a medium term target to consider. Sel: 4-5-2
Jet Stream Angel was subsequently promoted to first place in last year’s PGR Oaks decider, and clearly loves the place, being yet to finish out of the first two in eight Perry Barr starts. Kev Hutton’s star is eleven weeks out of season. Leighas Dream clocked 28.84 round Towcester at the start of last month, and warrants plenty of respect on that basis. Starshinestunner hasn’t been seen in competitive action since January, but finished a close up fifth in the 2023 PGR Oaks final, and her latest Hove trial must’ve pleased connections no end. Sel: 2-5-4
Fabulous Terra missed her break in the Empress Stakes Final, but Dave Firmager’s bitch is strong, and a 28.37 trial gives plenty of room for improvement. 480m is probably at the upper end of Rioja Maxi‘s ideal trip, but Kev Hutton will have timed her preparation perfectly, and the trap 5 runner clocked 28.40 round here prior to going in season. Delicate Lass has had a stop/start career so far, with only four races on the board since arriving on these shores in the spring, but John Lambe’s charge should be able to bag a qualifying place if able to avoid traffic en route. Sel: 2-5-3
Monmore scorer Icemans Girl performed with credit when running up in the Empress Stakes, and Gerwyn Price’s star is expected to go a long way in the competition. Bred in the purple Produce Stakes heroine Southfield Poppy has been given a thorough education by her excellent handler, and significant improvement on her 28.58 trial effort would come as no surprise. Nathan Hunt is doubly represented here by British bred Bang On Edith, and a trap four berth is unlikely to prove an issue as she goes in search of a place in the second round of the bitches’ classic. Sel: 3-2-4
Queen Joni skipped round in 27.90 at the first stage of last year’s PGR Oaks before enduring a rough ride and elimination the following week, and heads the ante-post market for the 2024 edition. The talented brindle looked on good terms with herself in a sprint trial earlier this week, and is a major contender once again. Signet Tess performed with credit on her first look at the Perry Barr circuit last week, and that sighter should stand the trap four runner in good stead going forward. Paradise Sky may have a few in front of her by the halfway mark, but there was a lot to like about last week’s trial effort, just her second four bend spin following seasonal rest, and the trap one runner is expected to be finishing well. Sel: 3-4-1
Front Alice reached the semi-finals of the ARC Laurels here in the spring, and Kevin Proctor’s bitch completed her preparation for this with two noteworthy trial spins. Bockos Sapphire’s career comprises just three races, but this daughter of the great Susie Sapphire could surprise a few people as Patrick Janssens attempts to land consecutive Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks titles. Allowdale Cazoo hasn’t been seen in competitive action for over three months, and it has clearly been a bit of a race against time to get her to the start line. Nathan Hunt’s heavyweight is strong though, and that may be enough to see her into the next round Sel: 4-3-5
The switch to a rails seeding has paid dividends for Distant Cara, Matt Dartnall’s bitch having landed a Hove dual distance Cat 3 in July, and a thorough PGR Oaks preparation could see her go an awful long way for her band of excellent owners. Coppice Ella exited the Produce Stakes at the penultimate stage after being fancied to go all the way by many, but the draw here appears a good one, and can see the trap 6 runner safely through to the next round. Tony Harmes landed the ARC Laurels here in April with Kilwest Ranger, and has another useful sort on his hands with Chakra, a thirteen length winner at Newbridge on debut. Displaying both promise and a commendable attitude in her races to date, the trap 5 runner is quite capable of ruffling a few feathers.
Sel: 1-6-5
Runner up in the ARC Northern Puppy Derby Final, Droopys Eunice has proved herself over a variety of tracks and trips, and is expected to give another good account of herself for Maxine Locke. Queen Dusty arrives here fresh and well, and is expected to reach the latter stages of the competition at the very least. Too Wright is proven over further, and could stay on best to grab the third qualifying spot in this final first round heat. Sel: 2-6-4
