HARRY WILLIAMS pictured at Sunderland back in 2010 – Pic Steve Nash
Remembering Harry on ARC Puppy Final night
It is a special night at Sunderland. ‘The Gentleman from Jarrow’, the late Harry Williams, will be remembered in a meeting which also features the £7,500 Arena Puppy Cup Final.
The card also features the BGBF Harry Williams Blue Artisan British Bred Final, one of a number of races named after the local owner/trainer/breeder who as part of a consortium, built the modern Sunderland Stadium on the site of the old flapping track.
In addition to the regulars who knew the popular Geordie, the meeting will also be particularly poignant for General Manager Joanne Wilson who was introduced to greyhound racing through her parents visits to Harry and Rita Williams’ Whitegate House kennel.
The Arena Puppy Cup Finals in recent years have not gone well for punters. Brookside Richie (15/8f), Arkady (4/11f) and Glenvale Bill (1/2f) have all been turned over in the last three years.
So the pressure is on Untold Ruble (7/4) who has been an expensive failure in his two qualifiers. Punters might find that price a bit skinny given the trap draw. In last week’s semi final, Keefill Maverick (5/2) moved across to middle from his inside draw, albeit he railed at the bend. Given the comparative sectionals, there must be a significant chance of early crowding between the pair.
Conversely, No Better Feelin looked desperate for the rail in his semi final. Chris Fereday’s hound looks as fast as any in the field and his price is probably more reflective of his moderate sectionals. However he is improving and 11/2 looks decent value.
Of course, if any of the inside trio miss their break, it is a whole different scenario.
Droopys Extragud is a fast hound but possibly the worst drawn runner in the field. Slingshot Ali and Newinn Souly would appear highly tried on all known form.
The BGBF Harry Williams Blue Artisan British Bred Final is similarly complicated given the two railer/four middles lay-out. On known class and experience, Acomb Irene looks as good as any in the line-up and can step up from her semi final run. Full card in ‘Opens’ link below
Towcester confirm fixture switch
Towcester have informed trainers that the planned change in fixtures will take place from July when they will race every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoon.
Opens over all distances will continue to be advertised for Sundays. The likelihood is there will be some graded races on Sundays as well.
Finally – a big thanks to Mark Pierrepont for managing the day-to-day site content for the last eight days. -Ed
Opens
Tonight: Romford ♦ Sunderland
Saturday: Monmore ♦ Central ♦ Towcester (DERBY FINAL CARD) ♦ Oxford
Monday: Nottingham
