The 2023 Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks and the Arena Racing Company Scurry Gold Cup both come to conclusion at Perry Barr this evening.
Punters are treated to a tremendous 12 race all-open card and we are delighted that Racing Manager Martin Seal has once again agreed to lead us through it.
Martin says: “Bought out of Towcester’s September sales, Savana Roisin certainly wasn’t disgraced on debut, and is still in the early stages of her career. Bettys Jack has been plying his trade at Romford and Suffolk Downs, with his splits indicating it might take a good one to lead him up. Tromora Janu has compiled a fifty per cent strike rate at home venue Sheffield, and track and trip here could well suit. Mystical Angel continues her return from seasonal rest, and this litter sister to the exciting Juvenile Derby runner up Short Grip could be hard to beat if replicating her latest trial effort under race conditions. Bloos Boy Rapido has been gradually working his way through the grades at Monmore, but the draw in five presents him with a challenge.” Sel: 4-2-1
Betting: 11-8 Mystical Angel, 3-1 Bettys Jack, 9-2 Bllos Boy Rapido, 6-1 Savana Roisin, 10-1 Tromora Janu
Martin says: “Longacres Breeze landed a Towcester maiden back in September, and followed that up with a Monmore graded success last time out. Brickwork Ruck struggled to handle a trap 1 draw last week, but the blue jacket appears much more likely to suit, and Phil Barlow’s charge stays well. Acomb Jasper has been sent off at big prices on his travels around the country, with his most recent win being in a May Sheffield open. Craiobhin Skip was a good winner in A2 company at Swindon in September, and moved smoothly when grabbing a look round here later that month. Saka Falcon was two from two at Thurles in the spring when known as Star Jack, but things have not been plain sailing since then, with only a Hove maiden success to his name. He appears the most likely winner here if approaching his trial time and handling the draw in five. Acomb Johnny has been mixing two bends with four, and is likely to be moving in on the run up.” Sel: 2-1-5
Betting: 5-4 Saka Falcon, 5-1 Craiobhin Skip, 11-2 Brickwork Ruck, 6-1 Longacres Breeze, 10-1 Acomb Johnny, Acomb Jasper
Martin says: “Just four going to traps, but a good race in prospect nonetheless. Savana Queen routed the field over course and distance back in April, and although not over raced since then, could prove difficult to catch if getting on the bunny on the first circuit. Aayamza Dancer has won two of her three starts from off the pace over Towcester’s 712m trip, and her Limerick August second behind the useful Hukum reads well in the context of this race. Tommys Dove is into her fourth year now, but wins her share over four and six bends at Monmore. Vixons Sparkle takes a big step up in trip here.” Sel: 2-1-3
Betting: 4-6 Aayamza Dancer, 11-8 Savana Queen, 10-1 Tommys Dove, 28-1 Vixons Sparkle
Martin says: ” Haka Carlo is a member of Ballymac Merkle’s superb debut litter, and after reaching the Champion Stakes semi-finals, raised a few eyebrows when comfortably under the 40.00sec barrier (hand timed) in a preparatory trial. Coppice Zaya only just failed to hold on at Oxford on her six bend debut, but is likely to get stronger with a few more of these under her belt. Skirk Syd made every yard in A2 grade here last time out and, like a few of these, this is his first venture over an extended trip. Bellmore Lola covered herself in glory to reach the PGR Oaks semi-finals, and is expected to turn much handier in this company. Staying trips have been on the horizon for puppy Swift Paloma, and John Hewitt’s bitch is expected to come into her own now presented with a test of stamina. Courty Suzie has been patiently handled by Phil Holder, and is quite capable of ruffling a few feathers.” Sel: 1-4-5
Betting: 8-13 Haka Carlo, 5-1 Bellmmore Lola, 7-1 Coppice Zaya, 10-1 Shirk Syd, 12-1 Courty Suzie, 14-1 Swift Paloma
Martin says: “Savana Heross arrives in rude health, having beaten a good field here on St Leger final night, and following up by a wide margin over eight bends at Sheffield. Slapdash Tommy is a consistent sort over both four and six bends at Monmore, but this is a bit harder. Longacres Serta bowed out of the PGR St Leger at the semi-final stage, but bounced back to form at Towcester the time after, and could go well. Gutsy Jet clocked a fine 35.00sec at Romford last month, and has also shown that he has the ability to cope with a stiffer examination. Millridge Tanic met with trouble in running in the St Leger final, but quickly shrugged that off with two decent Nottingham efforts, and represents a new kennel this evening. The striped jacket was made for Jacktavern Magic, and Mark Wallis’s likeable sort has looked on good terms with himself in two trial spins.” Sel: 1-5-6
Betting: 11-8 Savana Heross, 4-1 Millridge Tanic, 9-2 Longacres Serta, 13-2 Jacktavern Magic, 8-1 Gutsy Jet, 20-1 Slapdash Tommy
Martin says: “Cappaneale Rocky has flourished in recent weeks, winning heat and final of a Nottingham Cat 3, and could go well if breaking on level terms with his rivals. Glenmalure Flyer has faced a few stiff tasks in recent weeks, but has taken them on with relish, and is a credit to connections. Hopes Knight fluffed his lines in the heats of the Scurry, but is better than that, although a draw slightly further out might be ideal. Mustang Ojay near enough came through the bars when breaking the Oxford sprint clock last time out, and will make them all go if producing something similar here. The wheels came off for Farneys Trend in the Scurry semis, and Kevin Boon’s big black is capable of beating anything on his day. Halcrow Belter comes in for Merlins Mate, and was a decisive winner in top grade last week.” Sel: 4-1-5
Betting: 2-1 Hopes Knight, 7-2 Farneys Trend, 5-1 Glenmalure Flyer, 6-1 Cappaneale Rocky, Mustang Ojay, 7-1 Merlins Mate
Martin says: “All traps seem to come alike to New Destiny, and Mark Wallis’s black has looked fresh and well in two trial spins following three months on the sidelines. Droopys Fidget was a touch unlucky to be eliminated from the Oaks at the second round stage, but despite only five going to traps, this is not any easier. Rosshill Dana also faced a tough task on the same evening, and will surely be more at home with a slightly easier assignment. Antigua Bingo was unfortunate to be drawn in a red hot Oaks semi, and is a very talented greyhound. Acomb Irene chose to take in Sheffield’s Steel City Cup, where she reached the penultimate stage, but clocked a fine 28.21sec (calc) here back in July.” Sel: 1-4-5
Betting: 6-5 New Destiny, 2-1 Antigua Bingo, 5-1 Acomb Irene, 6-1 Droopys Fidget, 20-1 Roshill Dana,
Martin says: “Savana Jazz has developed into a very decent six bend performer, and was considered unlucky in running over course and distance on St Leger final night. Pomba Jake has been keeping good company since stepping up in trip, and warrants plenty of respect in this Premier Greyhound Racing Stayers. Longacres Nutty has gone a while without winning, but posted two good efforts in the Champion Stakes, and has a squeak. Ballyhimikin Mel did connections proud in the Oaks, and clocked a good 39.91sec here back in June. Bet Shop Boy has been far from prolific so far in his career, but this sort of trip could be just what he wants. Droopys Creative continued Kevin Hutton’s good run of form with a record breaking Oxford effort, and although lacking a look round, has to be a player here.” Sel: 4-1-6
Betting: 2-1 Ballyhimikin Mel, Droopys Creative, 6-1 Savana Jazz, 7-1 Pomba Jake, 11-1 Longacres Nutty, 12-1 Bet Shop Boy
Martin says: “It’s fair to say Antigua Big Syd has had his issues over the past twelve months, but the trap 1 runner is still capable of a run on his day. Acomb Felix has been running really well for Kevin Ferguson, reaching the finals of both the Produce Stakes and Steel City Cup, and this tough competitor contested a sprint open round here in July. Savana Bailey has made his mark over six bends of late, and cannot afford to be caught napping at the boxes. Moyar Brow ran away with a top grade contest last month, and went well in a sprint trial prep last week. Signet Goofy won semi-final and final of the BGBF Stud Book Trophy with the minimum of fuss, and this exceptional brindle continues to light up the track wherever he goes. Forest Icon ran up in September’s M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup, and is quite capable of a very big run.” Sel: 5-6-2
Betting: 4-5 Signet Goofy, 5-1 Antigua Big Syd, 11-2 Forest Icon, 10-1 Savana Bailey, Moyar Brow, Acomb Felix
Martin says: “Crossfield Larry is one of two hounds to arrive at the Arena Racing Company Scurry Gold Cup Final unbeaten, and this ferocious competitor could set the others a big task were he to break smartly from trap 1. Quarteira set the standard in both heats and semis, and his overall record bears the closest inspection. Headford Sonny made up good late ground to be beaten less than a length last week, and it would be interesting were Robert Hall’s black to hit the lids. Laughil Flash continues to do Robert Galloway proud, but it has to be said the draw in four is a tough one, and he may require a little good fortune. Bluejig Ophelia would ideally prefer to be sporting the white jacket, but will still give it his best shot from trap five. Different Speed becomes Kate Harrison’s first Cat 2 finalist a month after taking out her licence, and it would be a fairytale for all concerned were the blue brindle to come home in front.” Sel: 2-1-5
Betting: 2-5 Quarteira, 5-1 Crossfield Larry, 6-1 Bluejig Ophelia, 25-1 Laughil Flash, 33-1 Headford Sonny, 66-1 Different Speed
Martin says: “Starshinestunner gave us all notice of what she is capable of with a scintillating semi-final win, and Richard Rees has timed his bitch’s preparation to the minute. Kennelmate Whats Up Eva was amongst the vanquished on that occasion, but this tough competitor never knows when she is beaten, and has to have a chance on that basis. Chris Fereday has got a fantastic tune out of Droopys Request these past few weeks after spending most of the summer on the sidelines, and I expect her to keep a straight line to the first bend. Jet Stream Angel is probably going to have to work hard to get into a challenging position from trap 4 but, that said, Kevin Hutton’s charge has hit form at just the right time. Credit to Robert Gleeson and Paul Allen for making the commitment to run in the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks, with the likeable handler picking up many friends along the way. Droopys Ailsa has shown us that she possesses a bit of everything, with a slightly longer trip unlikely to prove an issue, but the draw is a horrible one for this close railer. Multiple big race finalist No Rush has enjoyed a fine career, and it would be a feather in the cap for British breeding were the trap 6 runner to prevail in the bitches’ classic from what appears an ideal draw.” Sel: 6-1-2
Betting: 2-1 No Rush, 3-1 Droopys Ailsa, Whats Up Eva, 13-2 Jet Stream Angel, 10-1 Starshinestunner, 16-1 Droopys Request
Martin says: “Truth to tell, I expected Antigua Eclipse to go a little bit quicker last week, but that may come in time, and the draw in red is spot on. Salmic Fitz had a couple of decent lines of form on his card when arriving on these shores, and is expected to be happier sporting the blue jacket this evening. Always Wishing has found one or two too good for the most part in recent months, but can still produce a quick start nonetheless. Final Blast exceeded expectations when winning his heat of this ARC Maiden Trophy, and it will be a question of whether he is capable of repeating that performance. Glimmer Man set the standard in the heats, bringing up the hat trick in the process, but has work to do from a draw slightly further out. Narcos Pablo stays well, and will hope to pick up the pieces should the leaders become involved in crowding. Sel: 1-2-6
Betting: 6-4 Antigua Eclipse, 5-2 Glimmer Man, 6-1 Final Blast, 7-1 Narcos Pablo, 7-1 Slamic Fitz, Always Wishing
