Saturday sees another fabulous night at Perry Barr which hosts the ARC Laurels – one of the original classic races dating back to 1930.

Perry Barr Racing Manager Martin Seal has been casting his eye over the final and nine supporting opens.

 

Tonight’s open race action kicks off with a 480m maiden. Moyar Brow’s winning streak ended last time out, and a trap 5 berth may again prove troublesome for Dave Welding’s pup unless he can clear Heathmill Silver in the early yards. Swift Prank boasts a decent all round game, and would be one of those expected to be in the firing line soon after the start. Home Bronagh is terrifically consistent, and although likely to be tacking in on the run up, could have the run of the race on the outside. Druids Movin On is strong, but John Lambe’s runner is a big unit, and may be better off sightly further out.
Sel: 3-6-5

 

A trap five draw proved too much for Hawkfield Mia to handle on Judgement Night, but the black jacket suits Patrick Janssens’ bitch perfectly, and anything close to her 23rd March trial effort would make her very hard to beat. Ballymac Slapup’s strike rate bears the closest inspection, and John Mullins’ star could easily get a flyer from trap 3 and make a race of it. Noels Fleck is a nine time winner over course and distance, and with trap 1 perfect, always has a shout on home soil, regardless of the opposition. Savana Flying landed Mullingar’s Fair Warrior Open 400 last autumn, with no less a dog than Gizmo Cash back in fifth, and is worth a second glance on that basis alone.
Sel: 4-3-1

 

Olympic and Blue Riband finalist Deelish Frankie has been absent since being bundled out of a Romford Cat 3 in February, but has been brought back steadily, and looked on good terms with himself in last week’s four bend trial. Savana Titan and Chelms Chris have been kept busy round Towcester in recent weeks, and both would be capable of clocking a fair time if getting loose. Headford Mike exited the Laurels at the first round stage, but racked up a Perry Barr/Towcester hat trick earlier in the year, and has a shout on that basis. Chubbys Whisper returns following a couple of months on the injury list, and has early pace at his disposal, but will be tacking in from trap 6.
Sel: 3-2-5

 

A 710m super stayers contest, and with all 6 combatants unseeded, the first half lap could prove crucial to the outcome. Westwell Diego found himself on the floor at Monmore last time out, but an earlier 40.09 clocking over the 660m trip here bodes well for this tough examination. Annadown Danny was a comprehensive winner at Towcester last month, and is expected to be staying on when others have cried enough. Peregrine Ryan broke his duck in the first round of the KAB Maiden Derby, but interestingly, routed the opposition in a Shelbourne novice 750 back in January. Savana Heross got off the mark in cosy fashion at Nottingham on Monday, and is a half brother to Irish marathon star Dana Point. Ratchies Saphire reached the semi-finals of last year’s PGR St Leger for Gary Ferguson, but is asked a tough question this evening with the striped jacket on her back.
Sel: 4-1-2

 

Shall We was knocked out of the first round of the Brighton Belle, but had previously covered herself in glory with a valiant effort from a tough draw on Judgement Night, and with a class advantage over most of these, can take this bitches open if clearing the first bend in front. Faypoint Susie finished in behind on that occasion, but has since flown round Towcester in graded company, and could be coming to hand. Billis Nipper has shown improved form since reverting to four bends, and is not lacking in the early pace department. Greenhill Evie and Scarsdale Lassie are closely matched, and with the latter proving slightly disappointing last week, Dave Acott’s bitch is fancied to claim the runner up spot.
Sel: 4-2-3

 

A competitive maiden as we reach the halfway point in the evening. Faypoint Angry exited the Laurels at the first round stage, but had some useful Irish form when known as Angry Uncle, and may be one for whom a step up in trip could be on the horizon. Lynnwood Assin went one better when reaching the semi finals, and has been rewarded with a decent draw as he bids to secure his first open race success. Mineola Fortress has bits and pieces of decent form in Ireland, and may be one to keep an eye on in the coming weeks. Cape Legend missed his break in the final of a Monmore Cat 3, but possesses decent early pace, and remains of interest for the excellent Mark Skeech. Trap 5 looks ideal.
Sel: 3-5-4

 

Only four going to traps but still great to see a marathon on the card as they usually lend themselves to plenty of excitement, and there is the potential here for a thriller. Callmesteve has only contested a couple of marathons to date, but with a stiff six bends seemingly the minimum requirement for John Mullins’ black these days, and the likelihood that he will lead this field from an early stage, he has every chance of seeing out the trip. Savana Spartacus has always struck me as something of an enigma, but a test of stamina is just what he requires to be seen at his best, and in a four runner field Diane Henry’s charge could be inspired. Don’t forget his five length thrashing of a certain Space Jet over 942m at Towcester in March of last year. Not two years of age until next month, Savana Queen has few miles on the clock, but reached the final of the TV Trophy earlier this month, no mean achievement for a puppy. Sure to be brought along steadily by her talented handler, Kevin Boothby’s bitch may well have her best days in front of her, but could easily have a major say in the outcome of this 915m contest. Affane Cherry may struggle in the latter stages, but is unlikely to be disgraced.
Sel: 3-1-2

 

Sixth Gear set the standard in the heats, posting a time far superior to anything she had achieved before, but may not have everything her own way up front on this occasion. Kennelmate Go Go Harriet came from out of the clouds to get up right on the line in her heat, where she committed a minor indiscretion, and will have to hope that the gaps appear at the right time if she is to confirm the form. Lightfoot Clark finished runner up on that occasion and, having developed into a consistently good six bend performer, looks the percentage call to lead the race. Coppice Psyche is not far behind her compatriot on the clock, both here and at home track Newcastle, but may struggle to get a run early doors. Silverspring Ria and Tingo Maria have done well to reach the final, but will have to improve on the clock to have a say in the outcome.
Sel: 1-4-3

 

Mystical Mario exited the Laurels at the first round stage to end a sequence of four consecutive wins, and a trap three berth should not prove an obstacle to the heavyweight black. Barley Panther has ground to make up on the trap 3 runner based on 6th April running, but remains a quality operator in his own right. 2022 Laurels finalist Lautaro has had a few blips of late, having not raced since mid-February, but Patrick Janssens’ brindle and white is still very decent on his day, and his latest trial work has been of a good standard. Chelms Switch has been competing solely at Towcester since the start of the year, and has been handed a tough draw. Bit View Mikey lost his race at the boxes in the first round of the Laurels, whilst Billis Hurricane clocked a fair time in A2 company last week, although it goes without saying this is tougher.
Sel: 3-4-1

 

Betting: 7-4 Hawkfield Ozark, 9-4 Arkady, 11-4 Hurry Up Jordan, 13-2 Goldies Perryman, 14-1 Ivanexile

Hawkfield Ozark is as reliable a proposition as you will find and a credit to his handler. Although a trap 1 draw is relatively unusual for him, it is unlikely to cause him any issues, and I still expect him to lead up, moving across slightly on the run up, although a repeat of last week’s 3.41 sectional may be a tad optimistic. Goldies Perryman is unequivocally the blueprint for a syndicate dog, wearing his heart on his sleeve every time he steps on the sand, and taking his legion of owners on a rollercoaster ride. Credit to Paul Foster for getting such a sweet tune out of his three and a half year old charge, and no one relishes a challenge more than this fella. Here he is winning his semi final.  PGR Kent Derby and RPGTV Juvenile winner Arkady has not been coming away here, with his battling qualities having had to be brought into play to reach the final. The Wizard of Wickford will have left no stone unturned as he seeks to rectify matters, and Kelly Searle’s pride and joy is a smashing dog. Ivanexile has similarly been making life difficult for himself at the start, in contrast to last year’s Birmingham Cup final where Matt Dartnall’s charge was foot perfect. It is worth noting, however, that he improved a fair bit on the clock in his semi-final, despite missing the break, and remains of significant interest for this decider. Hurry Up Jordan is an absolute crowd pleaser with his off the pace style of running, and continues to put in performances which belie his tender years. Having lived up to his lofty reputation by reaching a Category 1 final in just his seventh race, everyone will have one eye on John Lambe’s heavyweight at the halfway mark.
Sel: 1-3-6