The switch from the SIS to ARC schedule is working out equally well for the Central Park racing office and trainers.
The Kent track, bought two years ago by ARC, was contracted to the SIS service until December. From January 1, they adopted a completely different schedule which has one major benefit.
“The opens being switched to Sunday afternoon” said Racing Manager Rob Killingbeck without a moment’s hesitation.
“The Sunday night opens could be a big disadvantage, particularly at this time of year. If the last race was 9.30pm, it might be 11 o’clock or midnight by the time the trainer got home and kenneled the dogs away. Now we are finished at 5pm.”
Last Sunday was the first under the new schedule and featured seven opens including the semi finals of the Cesarewitch. Rob is hoping for another decent entry this week (entries close Noon on Wednesdays).
He said: “I am expecting a few more in general. Kevin Hutton had one entry and some trials last week. The bitch came in season and I was expecting him to cancel the trials but he came anyway because he wants to run a few here.”
It was a fairly open secret that the track was struggling with runners by the end of the year. Things have eased slightly.
Rob said: “We now race Tuesday and Friday mornings but only 10 race cards (from 12). We also have a Wednesday evening and the Sunday afternoon for 11 races each. That is virtually half a meeting less and filling six or seven Sunday opens makes a big difference.”
This Sunday features the final of the ARC Cesarewitch and the £500 Jenningsbet Maiden Trophy. So how does the RM see them developing?
He said: “As far as the Cesarewitch is concerned, the draw works strongly in favour of Jurassic Rose who is the only railer in there with five middle seeds. Kevin Boon’s Farneys Chloe is the obvious danger. She wasnt beaten far in the semis after finding trouble.
“In the Maiden Final, I think they all have to beat Carol Weatherall’s Untold Zloty.”
Cesarewitch betting: 6-4 Jurassic Rose, 9-4 Farneys Chloe, 4-1 Cochise, 10-1 Close The Sky, 16-1 Luna Jezabelle, 25-1 Slaneyside Harvy
