BresBet bookmakers once again sponsor the category one £8000 to the winner Steel City Cup at Sheffield. One of the most prestigious races on the calendar it takes a classy greyhound to emerge victorious. Last year that greyhound was the John Mullins trained and Lee Calcutt & Chris Waters owned Signet Goofy who attempts to defend his title lining up in heat six of tonight’s first round heats. Mark Pierrepont previews the card –
Graham Rankin’s RALLYING RANGE has his issues but is a hugely talented sort when right. He was ultra impressive when winning a maiden here last week by a long way and although this is a step up in class he really only looks to have Kevin Hutton’s Forest Icon to beat. Icon wouldn’t be the most consistent at the start so take Rallying Range to hit the front early and make all with Icon following him home for the forecast.
Jimmy Fenwick’s BROOKSIDE RICHIE is a class act and looks very much the one to beat from a nice looking draw. He’ll be short enough in the betting but looks banker material for those who like to get stuck into a short one.
Patrick Janssens DROOPYS DOUGHNUT reached two years of age just a few days ago but he very much looks likely to have no issues at all in showcasing his ability in against all aged company. He possesses a nice turn of early pace once his feet touch the floor which admittedly isn’t always as quickly as connections might like but he has plenty of time to improve upon that yet. He’s nicely drawn against the rail here and should have no trouble landing the third heat of the evening.
Angie Kibble’s EZE has a great attitude to his racing be that off the front or from sitting just off the pace. A greyhound with a real will to win who never knows when he’s beaten he can take this and it would be no surprise if he were to go a long way in this competition.
John Mullins Yarmouth Derby runner up SWIFT ICONIC is a real talented sort and is another greyhound with a great will to win. He’s nicely drawn against the fence here and with any kind of break he should land this. The main danger looks to be Kevin Ferguson’s Acomb Irene who has won her last two around here nicely but might just have to settle for second place on this occassion.
Patrick Janssens COOLAVANNY SHADO is one of the fastest greyhounds currently in UK training and though he’s not always foot perfect at the start he doesn’t usually have to be so long as he gets that little bit of room to run. A level enough start should see him leading at the bend and from that point home he should be away and gone. John Mullins Signet Goofy ran out an impressive winner of this competition last year and still retains a high level of form. If the selection does fluff his lines Goofy will need no second invitation to take full advantage.
