“It was without doubt the best meeting of the year so far. There have been some good ones at Hove and Central Park, but for quality with the best dogs coming from all over the country, I thought this was real top class. The Ladbrokes Coral people have done an outstanding job.”
The thoughts of Rab McNair after a largely positive night at Monmore on Saturday. The star of the night was Queen Jessiej, one of the few females who can beat the best of the males over the standard distance course.
The British bred black it nine wins from 13 races with the fastest run over the 480 metre course. The kennel had less luck with King Sheeran who was eliminated from the first qualifier.
McNair said: “Sheeran came off a bit sore and needs to be checked over. I’m gutted because I thought he looked odds on to win his heat until he was done at the bend.
“I was delighted with Jessiej. This will be a tough competition to win; there are so many good dogs in there. I was particularly impressed with Patrick’s two; the dog coming back from the broken hock (Seaglass Tiger) and Bocko who was straight back to Monmore from Hove without a trial.”
SEAGLASS TIGER wins heat 1 of the Ladbrokes Gold Cup Photo: © Steve Nash
McNair had less success in the Stayers Classic with King Cash and Lennon eliminated and Dylan beaten. But reckons his good friends Jimmy Wright and Angela Harrison have a very strong chance with Waltham Magic.
He said: “I said to Jimmy before the event that I thought their bitch could be the one to beat and I haven’t changed my mind. But it won’t be easy. There are a lot of very good greyhounds in there. I thought Bubbly Dave was really impressive to pick up John’s bitch (Smallmead) and of course the times are there for both of them. There are some very good local dogs who will have a say too. It really is a great competition.”
