“The Irish runners have given this year’s competition an extra dimension. They have been fabulous.”
The 2021 Arena Racing Company Oaks reaches a conclusion this evening, and in previewing the event, along with the Scurry Gold Cup decider, Perry Barr Racing Manager Martin Seal could not be more appreciative of the Irish entries.
He said: “It is so pleasing to see Billys Diva and Skywalker Cilla through to the final. Along with Front Amani, who had previously been sent over but sadly went lame, I think you could argue that we have seen three of the six best bitches in Ireland this year.
“So when you take into account the cost and time involved in one or two trials and four rounds, it has been a fantastic effort.”
There are seven opens in total on tonight’s card, here is how Martin sees them playing out.
Signet Denver landed a Cat 3 puppy event in impressive fashion here on St Leger and Birmingham Cup final night, and is compiling quite a record for Kevin Hutton. A middle draw proved no obstacle for Romeo De Niro last week, and his early pace is a potent weapon. Zari Mike and Rock On Ronnie have ground to make up on the trap 4 runner accordingly, whilst Baggios Turbo has a tough draw to overcome.
Sel: 1-4-2
Lights Out repeatedly performed miracles in reaching the semi-finals of the Oaks, and was only a whisker away from getting to the decider. A step up to six bends looks the natural progression for Kevin Hutton’s white and black. Lightly raced Baggios Champ is one of two for Haverfordwest based Frank Bryce, and with his two preparatory trials being of the highest order, the British bred son of Irish Puppy Oaks semi-finalist Samiya warrants maximum respect. Adachi Lil Kim tries her hand over a trip for the first time, and may be one for the notebook in the weeks ahead. Magical Bumble stays all day for veteran Perry Barr trainer Bill Russell.
Sel: 3-4-2
A few of these contested the Scurry Gold Cup, and with their sights lowered slightly here, there is an opportunity to get back to winning ways. Matts Malibu has won all over the country for connections, and David Mullins’ black is versatile when it comes to the trap draw. Noels Fleck gave it his best shot in the semis of the Scurry, and will hope to get first run on his rivals drawn in red. Ballydoyle Jewel seems likely to be tacking in on the run up, and this may leave the way clear for Vaunt Lad to run into a place.
Sel: 5-1-4
Good Diva took a tumble in the second round of the Oaks, but her 28.33 trial from early October reads well in the context of this race, and the red jacket is absolutely made for her. Garryglass Abbie slept in the boxes at Romford last time out, but perhaps that was a one off, and she certainly has a few gears under the bonnet. Hather Daisy is usually seen at her best over a stiff six bends, and with James Gaskin’s bitch likely to be flying at the finish, a middle berth may not be the inconvenience it first appears. Baggios Sky and Swift Sinful will need to keep tabs on the leaders before doing their best work late on.
Sel: 1-4-2
Crossfield Dusty has plainly fallen in love with the Perry Barr circuit, giving Horseshoe Ping’s 2007 track record a bit of a shake on more than one occasion, and the draw for the Arena Racing Company Scurry Gold Cup Final appears to have swung things in favour of Patrick Janssens’ flying blue brindle. Shrewd Call reminded us of his admirable battling qualities in last week’s semi-final, but connections will probably have been hoping for a draw slightly nearer the rail. Geelo Gold Dust has finished in the first two in 28 of her 34 starts, and will doubtless give it her all once again. Knocknaseed Gem and Signet Goofy represent John Mullins, but may require a personal best to emerge victorious. Newinn Tik Tok has yet to trap in the competition, but watch out for him if he does.
Sel: 2-3-6
Gymstar Elusive had to give second best to the prolific Night Time Danny in the Champion Stakes Final, but that was certainly no disgrace, and the big blue seems sure to be up with the pace in what appears a competitive Arena Racing Company Standard. Wingman arrives in sparkling form for new trainer Gerry Ballentine, and a trap 1 pitch is ideal. Pinpoint Villa has been patiently nursed back to health by John Lambe, and this pacy individual could have more to offer. James Gaskin is doubly represented here, with Santro Duke quite capable of improving on last week’s effort, and Produce Stakes finalist Bernard having been wisely given a couple of looks round by his young trainer. Bower Turbo is more than capable of upsetting the apple cart.
Sel: 4-1-6
The best is undoubtedly saved until last with the final of the Arena Racing Company Oaks. The Irish entry has added lustre to what is already the pinnacle of the sport for bitch greyhounds, and the sportsmanship and commitment displayed by the Kennedy and O’Donovan families is very, very welcome and heartily applauded.
Billys Diva has been a natural from day one, and the National Puppy Stake winner, Easter Cup and Irish Oaks finalist has been nothing short of prolific for connections.
Droopys Samantha is one of the least experienced of the finalists with just 9 races under her belt, but a noteworthy Monmore debut followed by decent times at Swindon and Towcester confirm she possesses plenty of ability.
Ballymac Trend returns to defend her title under the stewardship of David Mullins, with the daughter of Ballymac Best also sporting the white jacket when successful at Swindon last December. Could lightning strike twice?
The Champion Bitch Stake at Thurles is nearly always won by a top class individual, and Skywalker Cilla rubber stamped the form of her March procession by landing the Irish Derby Consolation in a flying 29.19 for Shelbourne’s 550yd trip. The switch to a middle seed for that contest has proved an inspired move, with Mark O’Donovan’s black looking the complete package at Perry Barr. In clocking the equal second and third fastest times ever for the 480m trip, she stands on the cusp of classic glory, and it will surely take a tremendous effort to deny her the Oaks crown.
Anniversary Girl is the second finalist for the excellent Kevin Hutton, and has been expertly handled to progress through the graded ranks at Towcester to land open victories at Hove and Perry Barr, culminating in reaching the final of the premier bitches’ competition in the calendar.
Ritzy Lady was certainly a shrewd purchase out of an A5 Clonmel contest by connections (when known as Galloping Lupin). Jim Reynolds has wisely taken his time with the daughter of Laughil Blake, and has been rewarded with trap 6 in the final of the Oaks for his talented youngster. We could well be seeing more of her over a short six bends in 2022.
Sel: 4-1-3
