By Rob Abrey
It’s the semi finals of the Romford Puppy Cup (link to full card), but my main focus is elsewhere. There are a few interesting greyhounds running for the first time on theses shores and I have scratched the surface to find out more . . .
With any luck Civility Counts in the third race at 8.02pm in a four bend maiden over 400 metres is overlooked. The more I looked at his Irish form the more I liked it. Trained by local handler Philip Simmonds and owned by Peter Claxson who has owned a many a decent hound in the past, Civility Counts looks a bit special. The son of Definate Opinion and Blacknomilk has won over 480 metres so staying will not be an issue. He reached the Irish Laurels semi finals unbeaten before being eliminated. One of the dogs that beat him in that semi final is none other than Rural Hawaii, the recent winner of the Irish Greyhound derby.
Is he suited to Romford? Trainer Philip Simmonds has the answers. “He has been in the kennels for four weeks and has settled in really well.
“We decided to start him off somewhere and he has taken to Romford quite well. He didn’t quite get the 480 metres at Cork so 400 metres should be ideal. If he gets a run he could clock a sub 24.00 time as he is capable of that. If he gets out and gets round the first bend in front we can see what he is made of.”
Well Reem in the 7.47pm maiden over 400 metres makes his debut over four bends. The June ’14 whelp has had a couple of useful trials over the 400 metres trip and will be looking to improve on those times. Trained by Ernie Gaskin, the question that needs answering is can he stay the four bend trip? If he can he could be a player at a big price. The problem is a leap of faith into the unknown may be required. Trainer Ernie Gaskin explains “I’m not sure if he stays. I really wanted to enter him in a sprint but couldn’t find a suitable one. He was bought as a sprinter. I’m hoping he does stay and if he does he could be useful.”
As it the semi finals of the Coral Romford Puppy Cup I will suggest one from each heat taking on the short priced favourite as anyone can suggest a favourite.
In the first semi final at 8.50pm, March On Monty trained by Philip Simmonds could be worth a small interest at a big price. Bet 365 are offering 10/1 and if Toolmaker Rambo slips up at the start the middle traps look odds on to tangle and March on Monty could take advantage around the outside to take all.
The second semi final at 9.06pm can see To Tone Eileen at 10/3 with Paddy Power upset the favourite Droopys Schnozz. With the favourite doing his best runs from trap five and now in trap three the wide seeded To Tone Eillen trained locally by Martyn Wiley can take advantage and with a 24.17 calculated time to his name is more than capable of claiming gold.
Charity Dragon in the third semi final at 10/3 with sponsors Coral looks the most likely to topple favourite Kooga Klammer. Trained by Pat Rosney, Charity Dragon is the sole wide seed with electric early. With his early pace the son of Dragon Shield and Arboy Niamh can steal a lead on the outside and build up a lead for the others to aim at. With his recent calculated times of 24.15 and 24.24, going past the October ’14 whelp will not be easy.
