GRAND PRIX GALA CARD
The final of the ARC Grand Prix is the feature event at Sunderland this evening. It is supported by a very high class Category Three decider and six additional opens.
We are grateful to Sunderland Racing Manager Joe Frelford for giving his views on the entire card, comments below each race.
However, just to spice things up a bit, we’ve also asked his assistant Dean Kirk (a budding Steve Nash – note the main image) to take on the guvnor with his own set of selections.
Let battle commence
“Coolavanny Mercy went very well in trials despite stumbling at the traps. She was unlucky last week and can improve. Witton Supremo looks the best drawn of the local.” 5-6-4
“Harley Lous Girl has decent form and went very well in her trial. She knows the track anyway. Savana Shay would have to be a danger if he was to produce the sort of early for his 15.67 run though this really looks on the short side for him.” 3-1-4
“That was a terrific first trial here in the sprint for Untold Ruble in a race where there are a few graded dogs. She has the draw too. Takinitallin has been around here before and ran it well enough.” 1-5-6
“Witton Magnifico would start favourite if the four local runners were in a D2 together. The five will probably come on for the trial.” 2-5-3
“I thought Toddys Turbo was very unlucky last time out and should improve for that experience. Unreal Bruiser is clearly a fast dog but doesn’t know the track.” 3-1-6
“Romeo Turbo is just a class open racer. He knows the track and ran it very well back in November. Highview Sean went well in trials and looks a serious danger. Bluejig Ophelia is just coming back from a lay-off.” 2-3-4
“It’s got to be Savana Heross for me. He ran very well in both the heats and the semi finals and looks perfectly drawn on the rail. I would expect Agile Ange to be running on well at the end but Farneys Willie ran very well last week and isn’t out of it. 1-5-3
Semi final result Videos: Agile Ange Farneys Willie Savana Heross
“I’ve got to go with a Harry Burton treble here, it’s a case of ‘in which order’. Jonny Whiskers and Ballybough Mags have already won big competitions here and there isn’t much between them but I really like the way Mags went last week. The draw in five isn’t ideal but she is running so well that I can’t oppose her.” 5-1-2
