Newtown Sydney finally gave us what we’d been waiting for in the ARC Scurry Gold Cup heats last week, and Horseshoe Ping’s long standing track record is within striking distance. Paul Donovan has a sure touch with his greyhounds, and both Tintreach Jet and Lenson On Ice arrive at the top of their game. In an ideal world though, they may be slightly better off drawn the other way round. Noels Fleck saw his winning run come to an end last week, and only his very best effort may be sufficient to earn him a place in next Thursday’s final. Ohalabamaslama and Haileys Bunch may need a flyer from traps to give themselves a chance.

Fabulous Azurra shrugged off an early impediment to ultimately run out a comfortable winner in her second round heat, and although successful from trap 1 in the past, is likely to be edging out on the run up, thus bringing into play the possibility of crowding with Bonjour Bullet and Moments Of Magic. The latter is herself a better proposition drawn off the fence, and her tracking skills may well be required to negotiate a passage round the first two turns. Front Pasha has run well against two of the competition’s big guns so far, and it is to her credit that Kevin Proctor’s charge remains of significant interest. Droopys Samantha retains plenty of ability, but a draw further in would probably suit her a bit better, and she may have to do an awful lot of running to get herself into a challenging position. Droopys Optimal has done well to keep herself in the competition, and will be there to pick up the pieces should the leaders meet with any crowding. Either way, Eric Cantillon’s bitch will be one to look out for when eventually stepped up in trip.

Early Knight was foot perfect in the heats, and only the best are able to dip below the 16.00sec mark around Perry Barr. Mark Wallis’ black is probably a better dog than he is given credit for, and it may take a special effort to deny him a place in the final. Ballymac Slapup was fairly motoring into the first turn after giving the leaders a bit of a start last week, and ultimately he did well to stay on his feet after significant first and second bend trouble. It therefore says a lot for the constitution of John Mullins’ dog that he is back for more this evening, and he looks a serious challenger from what appears an ideal draw. Luck Box Blue concedes plenty of size and weight to some of these powerhouse sprinters, but the trap 1 runner lacks for nothing in the bravery department. It’s not really been happening for Adeles Duke in all honesty, but perhaps a switch to the orange jacket may trigger a better break and show the handsome fawn in a better light. Vaunt Lad has a squeak if able to catapult from the boxes.

It’s something of a surprise that Westwell Emer has just the three career successes to her name, as Kevin Hutton’s brindle has looked the total professional so far in this competition. On paper, a trap 2 berth looks just about perfect, and if able to get first run on the pair drawn either side, she may prove difficult to beat. Global Prima was unlucky not to get up in her second round heat after having her path blocked on more than one occasion, and seems likely to be a player if turning handy. Mustang Kim is one of two still flying the flag for Perry Barr, an Oaks semi-final place being no mean achievement at all. Gerry Ballentine is getting a decent tune from the trap 6 runner, and she will likely give it everything she’s got. Savana Ruinart has had to work hard to get here, understandably so after leading quality six bend fields for fun previously, but if Diane Henry’s bitch can turn third or fourth, then her strength could well come into play in the latter stages, and a place in the final is possible. Glengar Jenny and Roanna Storm have justified connections’ faith in them by getting this far.

Gougane Jet maintained his unbeaten sequence following an almighty battle with the unfortunate Bad Alibi, and the trap 3 runner did well to maintain his equilibrium after a shuddering first bend bump. Such commodities are prerequisites for a champion sprinter, and the son of Droopys Jet has what it takes to reach the very top. Steve Anderson has had to exercise plenty of patience to see Ballymac Jet make his first competitive start in this country, and a fluent success will have cheered the Newcastle trainer no end. Roman Arch arrived here without the benefit of a look round, but it mattered not, the trap 6 runner taking to the circuit like a duck to water. Castlehill Best has a bit of time to find on heat running, but further improvement is a definite possibility. Roxhill Merchant and Waikiki Max cannot afford to miss the break.

Slick Sakina is two from two in the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks, and following a decent third place finish in a warm maiden here at the end of September, has stepped things up in no uncertain terms, and has not looked like getting beaten in truth. She is one who courses the hare to a degree in her races, as is fellow unbeaten runner Longacres Queen, and both will be looking to be out and gone. On that basis, Patrick Janssens’ charge appears the better drawn of the pair. Accordingly, Distant Emma may be squeezed for room on the run up, the trap 5 runner having displayed battling qualities in her second round heat. Orange Josie’s best chance rests with hitting the lids, but Marlene Westwood’s black is capable of doing just that, and has compiled a decent record round here. Luck has been on the side of Ballymac Intent so far in the competition, but the trap 1 runner has taken those opportunities when presented, and arrives slightly under the radar. Ratchies Saphire has done well to reach this stage.

Sel: Slick Sakina