ELWICK GLORY (2) can cause an upset in the final of the Pinpoint Health and Homecare Three Steps to Victory Final over 660 metres at Sheffield in tonight’s SKY televised card writes Jason Craddock.
St Leger winner Roxholme Dream is the worthy favourite after reaching the final unbeaten and she did beat Elwick Glory by a fast diminishing three quarters of a length in the 500 metres semi-finals.
The final is now over 660 metres and features hardly any run to the first turn and with Elwick Glory being drawn on the inside of the favourite, she could possibly get the run of the race.
The Westmead Hawk bitch is four from four in races over six bends and we may not have seen the best of her.
Roxholme Dream has won 13 of her sixteen races mainly over six bends. She has registered the best time in the first two rounds of this competition over 480 and 500 metres but unusually was coming back to her field last week and connections have had her checked out in the meantime.
Farneys Cookie is another big runner and has actually scored over the course and distance in 38.69sec (+30) in March.
Should he get on the skin he could prove hard to catch.
Elaine Parker’s Droopys Knox is another who has scored over this course and distance. Although well drawn he must step up on the clock.
Kennelmate Russanda Brax like Roxholme Dream is unbeaten in the event so far.
The Black Shaw dog has never been over six bends and there must be a nagging doubt that he will stay.
Charlie Lister’s Coolavanny Fish has won over six bends at Yarmouth last year but was all out in the closing stages and must lead to figure.
The next richest race is the William Hill Greyhound Derby ‘Win and Your In’ Trial Stakes over 480 metres at 8.51 and it has attracted a star-studded field.
The line-up includes English Derby runner-up Droopys Ward, Laurels winner Jordans Brianna, Monmore Puppy Derby winner Glenpadden Rock, Gold Cup winner and William Hill Classic winner Pinpoint Maxi.
However a slight preference is given to John Mullins’ SWIFT KEITH (4), who can turn in a handy position and forge clear along the far side.
Swift Whirlwind and Glenpadden Lord look set to dominate the opening race, the Pinpoint Training Puppy Trophy over 500 metres at 7.11
Mark Wallis’s SWIFT WHIRLWIND (6) landed the Puppy race on Trainers Championship night at Sittingbourne but on his first sight of Sheffield last week gave himself little chance when fluffing his lines at the start and finding early trouble.
As the sole wide seed he can make a better start and sweep around the outside missing the inevitable first bend trouble.
Glenpadden Lord is a top local that finished in front of the selection last week but may have to ride his luck in the early stages being surrounded by early pace.
The MJK Sporting Events – An Evening With AP McCoy @Elland Road Sprint over 280 metres looks the best two bend race seen this year at 7.26.
Target Harris won a two round event at Hove recent in a fast time while Walshes Hill racked up a recent 12-timer.
National Sprint winner Geelo Vegas is respected as is local runner United Leeds. A slight preference is for CONNA TRIGGER (3), who flew around in a recent trial over the course and distance.
Mark Wallis’s CALCO FLYER (1) is fancied to land the Winning Lines British Bred Stakes over 500 metres at 7.43.
The son of Blonde Snapper has run two solid races over course and distance including a 28.87sec effort back on March 10.
His main threat appear to be Klockwork Kannon, who won here in 29.25sec back on March 24 and local runner Russanda Revenge who came back from a long lay-off last week to score in 29.15sec.
PINPOINT FINAS (1) looks the night’s best bet in a rare ‘greybeards’ contest in the Total Recycling Veterans Trophy over 480 metres at 7.59.
Kelly Macari’s runner easily has the best recent form in the race including a solid effort at Newcastle where he was outstayed by Magical Reid.
The son of Royal Impact has a great draw on the fence and went well in a recent trial over the 480 metre trip clocking a decent 27.96sec.
Ashbourne Rail and Fridays Daryl look set to give him most to do.
Prestige winner BILLYS BULLET (3) is fancied to land the Pinpoint Healthcare Now in Aberdeen & Leeds Stayers Stakes over 660 metres at 8.16.
Mark Wallis’s runner gained valuable experience of the course when winning last week in a decent 39.05sec and can step up on that effort and make all.
Harry Crapper’s Dinzeo is the main threat. The Queen Mother Memorial third has won four of his last six and is would be hard to knock off the bunny if pinching an early lead.
Sole wide seed Lowgate Jasper is another to throw into the mix.
BALLYMAC VICKSON (3) can score one for the locals in the Total Recycling Services 480 metres Trophy at 8.33.
Barrie Draper’s runner impressed at Perry Barr at the end of last month, winning in 28.32sec and has also clocked a slick 27.84sec over the course and distance.
He can beat Droopys Alessio to the first turn and see off his strong rival Making Paper.