BRITISH PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK

Although we are committed to one selection per track, there were two races at Towcester that each deserved their own special accolade.

‘The race’ of the week was that sensational First Containers Marathon semi final won by Antigua Lava. Two laps, 912m and you couldn’t be certain of the result until the final metre where the litter sisters Lava and Space Jet were separated by a head. Greyhound racing at its best.

Which brings us to an equally thrilling BGBF Puppy Cup Final where Moments of Magic snatched victory from brother Signet Denver with sister Sleek By Design in third. Fabulous racing and a magnificent advertisement for British breeding.

The Hutton winners continued into Sunday evening where Blankie Bullet produced the run of the week at Swindon. Despite showing little in three A4 races at Towcester and 29.05 in his first four-bender at Swindon, the big man obviously saw some potential and three races later, he had found almost ten lengths.

It isn’t a case of calling the result after the event but Sunday night’s ARC Kent Derby Final always had the potential for a shock. The favourite was flanked with early pace – if he was to miss his break – or stumble – anything could happen. Ex-Shelbourne A3 runner Galaxy Freedom took full advantage to produce the performance of his career.

If you are going to go quicker than the ante post favourite in the opening round of the BresBet Steel City Cup, you are an obvious selection for the week. Gary Ferguson’s Duke De Janerio did just that with a 28.66 run at Sheffield.

This week’s Perry Barr story is virtually a repeat of last week’s. Irish bitches dominate the Oaks with Skywalker Cilla once again absolutely majestic in 28.04.

Romford’s Champion Stakes is building to a great final and none performed better in the semi finals than Bo Shine Bullet who just held off a game Leger runner-up Night Time Danny in 35.07.

Apologies are in order for Heather Dimmock after Popworld clocked the second fastest 540 of the year on Saturday (33.46) but is overlooked for the Crayford nomination, in favour of the fastest hound over the 380m hurdle course this year, Toughest Test. It is more than just about times though; Jim Reynolds’ black – a litter brother of Antigua Fire – celebrates his fifth birthday on Wednesday.

Monmore’s reigning champ Shelbys Memory won again on Saturday but on this occasion was outshone by the dog who finished three places behind him last week, Droopys Cavalry.

So that’s five-in-a-row at Nottingham for Peter Holland’s Ramor Jet including an A1, a six bend marathon and three 500m opens for an £1,154 profit on a tenner acca. Meanwhile former Nottingham trainer Lawrence Tuffin took a rare venture to Doncaster on the same night. The result was a win for Towcester A4 regular Awesome Cian who was eight spots off the fastest 450 of the year.

The return of opens to Hove on Thursdays has resulted in some higher class racing, though not necessarily any flashy times. The 515m final went to Homeward Bound who beat last week’s POW Smurfs Machine in 30.66 for the 515m, but we are edging it to Lanzo who picked up the 500m decider in 29.85 (both -50). By way of comparison two more 500m opens were won in 30.31 and 29.98 and two A1s, both in 30.32.

Newcastle was also on the slow side this week with nothing breaking 28.50. In fact Emers Toms 28.56, on debut, put him several lengths clear of the opposition. Sunderland was a tighter call with Stranger Things winning consecutive A1s, but a mention too for Jan 20 puppy Bernabia (27.50). While at Pelaw Grange the invincible Marinas Artist (26.00, 25.87, 25.82) was turned over for a second time, on this occasion by sprightly veteran Ashbank Boss.

Last week the Yarmouth spotlight shone on Roxholme Irene following a 27.73 win. Native Flower was a strong finishing third. Fast forward a week and Graham Page’s black showed what she can do when she is wearing her trapping boots – 27.65. There was a similar story at Kinsley where Cloneen Alba reversed form with Peads Dazzler to seize the crown. Henlow’s All About Taylor is another A1 regular who has been struggling to find his best form, but the dog who clocked 27.29 over c&d back in the summer reminded punters that he remains a force to be reckoned with when he gets the red jacket.

Harlow’s Benwell Girl deserves a nomination as much for her consistency as speed. Her Sunday morning open race effort was the week’s fastest 415m run. It was her 10^th win (9 x 2nds) in her last 21 races.