The Premier Greyhound Racing St Leger Final takes place at Perry Barr this evening at 9.52. The most prestigious staying race in the UK is a true test of speed and stamina over the gruelling 710 metre trip at the Birmingham venue.

Trap One – Droopys Clue
Out Of Range – Droopys Natalia, Aug 21
Keylight Hire Ltd – Seamus Cahill

Droopys Clue is looking to be the first greyhound in history to go back-to-back in the competition. That would cement his place as one of the very best greyhounds that fans have had the privilege to watch perform over the last couple of years.  He is as short as 2/7 and as big as 2/5 to write his name in the history books from a good draw in trap one. If winning the sprint leg, he will take some stopping. His 42.44 in round one was sensational, however, he had to work hard in his semi-final when leading later than usual. He had to battle to beat Trickycinderella but to still clock 42.74 was an equally impressive run. He takes all the beating.

Trap Two – Coonough Crow
Eden The Kid – Coonough Dolly, Oct 20
MWD Partnership – Mark Wallis

Coonough Crow in trap two is a real credit to connections. Whichever six or eight-bend trip she gets put over, she finds a way to make it through to these big finals. This competition has been no different. Two professional second place finishes in heats and semi-final see her heading into this race as second favourite, but can be backed at 10/1. She is going to have to avoid Droopys Clue and Tuono Bella but she is the one who could give Droopys Clue all the room he needs at the first bend.

Trap Three – Tuono Bella
Good News – Farronrory Bonny, Sep 21
Mr P M J Dyer – Paul Donovan

Tuono Bella is another who has made two big finals this year. She contested the Golden Jacket Final at Crayford and the Hunt Cup Final at Oxford. Seasonal rest gave her plenty of of time off before restarting at Central Park in graded four bend company. That was followed by a gradual step up in trip to Crayford’s 540m, warming her up for a tilt at the Leger. A game success in round one was followed by a close finish second in the semi-final. She is going to need the break of her life to lead and hopefully hold on. There could be worse 14/1 each way bets, however.

Trap Four – Clona Curly
Droopys Sydney – Newinn Cuckoo
Mr K A Boothby – Diane Henry

Clona Curly has been stepped up in trip the last couple of months, and has found a track and trip that suits. He takes a couple of bends to get going but once he gets into full stride with a full lap to go, he shows how fast he is. That was shown when catching Tuono Bella last week and holding on to win his semi-final. He is going to need to keep himself to himself between bends one and two and then look to use that pace to take him to the front. If he manages to find himself off the fourth bend in front of them, he is a big player and is a 10/1 chance to land the spoils.

Trap Five – Trickycinderella
Superior Panama – Te Amo, Sep 21
Mr R Holt – Robert Holt

Trickycinderella is another who has put in two consistent second place finishes in heats and semi-final They include a length defeat to Droopys Clue last week when closing in on him late on. She has only had three races away from her local track Sheffield, her last three all at Perry Barr. She’s taken to the track extremely well, heading into this race the 16/1 outsider. Her performances have shown she is here on merit, and is looking to go one better than heats and semi.

Trap Six – Hurry Up Jordan
Droopys Cain – Droopys Esther, Apr 21
Mr I Freeman & Mr J P Lambe – John Lambe

Hurry Up Jordan has had a sensational return to racing. He’s gone unbeaten through this competition having not raced competitively since March 29. That is testament to his trainer John Lambe. He has shown his versatility by winning differently. In round one, he left it until the last bend to lead when winning by half a length. In last week’s semi-final, he led at the third bend going on to beat Coonough Crow by three parts of a length. He is drawn to go well and although doesn’t have the times to match some of his rivals, he will certainly keep himself to himself out wide. As such, he should be in all forecast and tricast bets, with 14/1 available for today’s decider.

Conclusion

I was trying to find a way to get Droopys Clue beaten but I found it extremely difficult to do so. He is a true superstar of the sport that we should all get behind and celebrate. If he traps on terms, he is in front at the first bend. Therefore, he is in front at the winning line first time round. From there, he wins the race as he opens up down the far side before heading for home. So, it’s Droopys Clue for me with Hurry Up Jordan finishing second and Coonough Crow in third. Good Luck to all Connections!

1st Droopys Clue
2nd Hurry Up Jordan
3rd Coonough Crow