The £11,500 decider is the feature of the Sheffield card at 5.19.

Wicky Ned can land a £10,000 bonus from the sponsors if he takes the final for Jimmy Fenwick, following his Gymcrack victory in April. A third Category One final on start 14 of his career is a remarkable effort. From the rails slot with a slow starter (at Sheffield so far) in two, it is no surprise to see him as the red-hot favourite to land the prize.

Sheffield suits him much better than Newcastle did in the summer but it is a testament to his class that he won the Northern Flat despite not really liking the track. He fully deserves his position at the head of the market with another victory putting him right in the running for greyhound of the year.

The Challengers

Tom Heilbron has a pair in the final with Romeo Cypher and Links Maverick occupying the middle slots. There has been little between the pair on the splits, with the two a combined 6/6 when in action at Owlerton.

This is a third Cat One final for Romeo Cypher in 2024, winning the BGBF Puppy Cup in January before finishing fourth in the Produce Stakes. Links Maverick enjoyed an exceptional 2023, making the Winter Derby final to kick off this year. He has roared back to his best of late and is a potent threat if he can clear his kennelmate.

Union Rebel was in front of Romeo Cypher in the Produce Stakes final but behind him in the BGBF Puppy Cup. Kevin Hutton’s charge was a length and three-quarters behind Wicky Ned in the semis last week. That was the second quickest qualifying time for the final and he has only finished out of the first two once in his last 14 races.

The other pair are both strong over this trip. Bombay The Joker closed Links Maverick down to half a length last week for John Mullins. He has a 15.75 sprint win at Towcester earlier in the year so he has the natural speed to get himself involved.

Richard Wales has Farneys Willie in another major final. He won the ARC Grand Prix for Wales after the trainer had only had his license a matter of months. He is suited better by six bends but the wide runner is capable of punishing any trouble inside, even as the outsider of the field.

Good luck to all connections.

Human charity race

Don’t forget that you need to be at the track early for the human race. Our very own Dani Jackson is back to defend her crown in a tougher heat. It is all in aid of a great cause so, if you would like to donate, head to https://gofund.me/6e36d202

Photo credit – Rob Crawford