LADBROKES GOLDEN JACKET – CRAYFORD
Ratings and Analysis by Pete Walker
The first category one competition of the year is the Golden Jacket over the eight-bend 714m trip at Crayford sponsored by Ladbrokes. Of the fancied greyhounds, Slick Sebastian and Fizzypop Buddy were just out of the qualifying positions while Huarache Madison with Diego Flo took a fall but thankfully both appeared to recover alright. I have again compiled analogous ratings with the top three from each race indicated below as well as the overall top four of all the semi-finalists. In addition to this, I have also used adjusted times (finishing and split) to calculate the quickest first and second laps of the heats to the overall ratings
1st Semi-Final
T2 (R) – 165: Rubys Razzle (23.29 / 22.42 = 45.71)
T3 (R) – 116: Trapper Kate (23.88 / 22.00 = 45.88)
T6 (W) – 113: Jaytee Patriot (23.83 / 22.04 = 45.87)
2nd Semi-Final
T4 (R) – 161: Jimbobjoe (23.53 / 22.15 = 45.68)
T3 (R) – 157: Russelena Reggie (23.44 / 22.41 = 45.85)
T6 (W) – 133: Romany Rouge (23.60 / 22.25 = 45.85)
3rd Semi-Final
T3 (R) – 163: Slippy Maska (23.57 / 22.02 = 45.59)
T4 (M) – 121+: Boylesports Star (24.00 / 21.81 = 45.81)
T6 (W) – 121: Ferryforth Fran (23.31 / 22.67 = 45.98)
Top 4
(165): Rubys Razzle 6/1
(163): Slippy Maska odds 8/1
(161): Jimbobjoe odds 10/1
(157): Russelena Reggie 14/1
Ratings based on a maximum of 200 reflect all recent performances at the track and distance. There were 11 railers, 4 middle and 3 wides who qualified and coincidently the heat winners were spread out evenly when the semi-final draw was made. Mark Wallis’s top-rated Rubys Razzle has the quickest sectional time and been made second-favourite by the bookmakers, partly due to the fact he is coached by the champion trainer.
Slippy Maska may have been slightly underestimated. Although inexperienced and still a puppy, her all-round performance has a solid look to it. Boylesports Star is entitled to improve on his first outing at the track but cannot afford to give too much ground at the start, especially on a tight track as the competition hots up. At or near the front is still relevant at Crayford, even over a relatively easy yet very competitive eight-bend event.
Russelena Reggie at a best priced 14s appears to have a little more scope than some of his rivals and is usually up with the pace which is an important factor. The final is on Tuesday 21st February covered by Sky Sports so good luck in your selections.
