Eleven open races at the newly opened Oxford stadium for enthusiasts and punters alike to enjoy this evening. A good mix of races with opportunities provided over 2 , 4 and 6 bends for both fully fledged open race competitors and maiden class greyhounds.
Kevin Hutton’s HEADFORD HARRY (NAP) set an early doors track record for the 253m sprint trip when clocking 1513 on a track rated 10 slow over course and distance last week. Anything like a reproduction of that effort should be more than good enough in an eminently winnable race from his draw in trap 5. A game and consistent son of Laughil Blake he’ll be priced accordingly but should have far too much within his armoury and looks the most solid bet on the card when he lines up in the Botley Sprint over 253m at 745pm.
Connor Smith’s HAZELHILL HARE (Nb) doesn’t win as many races as his ability suggests he should do with 5 wins in 27 career starts overall and just 3 from 22 since arriving here in the UK. A son of Droopys Sydney he’s a dog with plenty of all-round pace and should be well suited to this sharp enough 650m trip at Oxford. He trialled well from these boxes a couple of weeks ago when recording 1535 calculated and though as can often be the case with him , he did run a very eye-catching race in defeat at Swindon last time out. He’s already a 4-bend open race winner by virtue of good success over the 500m Derby trip at Towcester at both maiden and standard level and opportunities to open his account in open class over 6 bends won’t come much better than they do in the Botley Maiden Stayers over 650m at 800pm.
Frank Gray’s MAKEIT BOMBAY is improving week by week and she comes into tonight’s Botley Standard 450m open at 830m in top form having contested the final of the Bet365 Empress Stakes only last Sunday. She trialled well here at Oxford prior to that competition where despite a moderate enough sectional she still recorded an excellent 2757 calculated. Bombay is well drawn for a break here and if turning handy heading onto the back straight should take some holding at what could well be a fair enough price.
