Kinsley’s hare will barely get a time to cool down in the next few days as the Category One Betfair Gymcrack possibles begin their preparation.
The 462m event, originally scheduled as a ‘Cat 2’ (May pups and younger) had its prize money enhanced earlier in the year but it was only given a change of category in the last few days.
The Open Race Planning Committee determined that the switch could be made as there was no likelihood of a clash with another ‘Cat 1’ event – the original purpose for creating the classification system.
The main benefit for the £8,000 to winner event – up from £6,000 plus loads of additional prize money bolt-ons, is the additional Trainers Championship points now available.
Keith Allsop’s Slick Seacat was hugely impressive in Friday’s trial sessions with a 27.74 (-30) first look at course and distance.
Locally trained Headford Make was quickest over the sprint trip with a 16.60 (-15) run.
On Sunday Paul Young will be trialling 28.71 Limerick winner Aero Felony, 28.91 winner Bubbly King and Millwards Shay.
Hazel Kemp has Bodell Spark and Finlays Spark. Gerry Ballentine’s former Rosney runner Tin Soldier also gets a first look at the circuit.
Rosney, whose Newinn Yolo was turned over by Mill Jolson in last year’s decider, sends along a hugely promising team on Tuesday including Vatican Cohiba, Swift Carter, Vatican Ghurka and Vatican Dino.
Sandra Ralph’s Monmore stars Droopys Genoa and Droopys Turin trial the same day, along with entries from the Evans, and Gomersall ranges.
One dog who will demand plenty of attention is Stay Loose (Kinloch Brae-Cornamaddy Tiny, May 13).
The youngster clocked a sensational 27.57 over course and distance at only 19 months old when handled by Christine Parker.
But the dog ‘went wrong’ soon afterwards.
Now with Elaine Parker, the youngster recently clocked 16.16 for the Sheffield sprint and looks back to his best.
