If ever there was an example of the greyhound and betting industries working in complete harmony, it is the BAGS/SIS Track Championship which concludes at Perry Barr on Friday afternoon and will be the main feature in betting shops around the country writes Floyd Amphlett.
Prize money has been flowing throughout the event with the winning team ready to add a £15,000 bonus to racing at their home tracks (almost £25K for the other five based on performance), with each race on finals day worth £1,000.
But what really makes it special, is the enthusiasm of the participants, not least the racing offices. Graders who can barely force out a quote from one December to the next find themselves extolling their plans and cunning insights. There is mass scheming, manipulating and plotting to ensure they have the strongest possible team. Oh this matters!
And it will all be sorted on Friday! Bragging rights for a year. Sheffield and Towcester are now 3-1 joint favourites, they then bet 4-1 Newcastle, 8-1 Nottingham and Romford, 12-1 Peterborough
SCOTT HARVEY
BAGS’s spokesman Scott Harvey said: “Without doubt, this year’s event is the most competitive we have seen. The format of four groups of five tracks has worked well for the second year running, and two of the groups have gone right the wire, resulting in a count back for both runners up spot. It could not have been any closer.
“The racing itself has been of the first order, with the Elite Standard qualifier adding that extra interest. This year’s decider is also red hot as the betting suggests, and its impossible to rule any of the finalists out with conviction. Yes Towcester have the dogs, but I think they are there take on with Nottingham who were 20-1 antepost.
“It’s the first time they have made it through to finals day and as a team, I think they look in the ascendancy and would have them over Romford who ran riot in southern region, but will need to make an impression early on if they are going to have a say.
“The Toon Army will be out in force on Friday. They are sending two coach loads of supporters down to Perry Barr and I’m looking forward to seeing them all. They really embrace the Track Championship and although Newcastle have struggled on their journey to reach the finals this year, I think the draw has worked out kindly for them and at 5-1 they look a solid each way bet. Crooks Cruiser and Milesian Mecca are stand out chances for them to get points in.
“Both Peterborough and Sheffield have won it before and therefore know exactly what is required, as do reigning champs Towcester.
“I would like to personally thank all of the trainers and owners who have thrown their weight behind the event again. Peoples enthusiasm for the Track Championship really adds to the sense of occasion that Finals Day generates.
“So put the shopping on hold and get yourself to Perry Barr. We could be in store for a thriller and may the best team win.”
So what do the teams think?
Peterborough’s Martin Race said: “Our dogs seem to run Perry Barr well and I think we can get 50 points. If others can get more than that, then I would expect them to beat us. I originally fancied Newcastle but after the draw, changed my mind and think Sheffield are the ones to beat. I have enjoyed the competition, it brings people together for a change.”
Towcester’s Chris Page said: “I have seen the betting and personally thing it would be 5-2 co-favourites ourselves, Newcastle and Sheffield. I think we have two outstanding chances with the result likely to depend on how whether the rest of the team can pick up points. We have several ‘may or may not’ performers who have not performed away from home. Thankfully, we have some superb trainers who you can expect to get the most out of the runners including six for Mark Wallis without whom we wouldn’t be in the final.”
Romford’s Peter O’Dowd said: “Last year we had little chance. We took part, but that is about all we did. I think we have a stronger team this year. We will need some luck in running and I would be delighted to finish in the top three.”
Newcastle’s Ian Walton said: “I probably feel more confident now than at any previous stage, though I haven’t been particularly bullish at any point. I think we have three/four very good chances but are a little bit let down by our stayers. We definitely have a chance, we have been in every final and will enjoy the day.”
Nottingham’s Jason Smith said: “It is our first time in the final and we plan to learn from the experience. I think we could have a couple of winners but don’t think we can beat the likes of Towcester who appear to be the likeliest winners.”
Sheffield’s Sam Tweed said: “When the draws were first made for the finals, I thought they were a disaster, But on closer inspection they weren’t too bad at all. I will be very disappointed if we don’t finish in the first three but it is very open, I double there will be more than one odds-on shot on the day. You could even imagine a track winning one or two races but being carried over the line by the other high point scorers.
We have split the card up, with full form and the views of the respective track representatives.
