The KSS Syndicate seem set to be the highest profile entry both in terms of numbers and quality for the 77th Two Year Old Produce Stakes which closes on Monday and gets underway at Swindon next Thursday writes Floyd Amphlett.
Officially the event is open to 72 entries, though that was an optimistic figure even in the years when the Greyhound Stud Book was registering 700-800 litters per year. These days it is around 180, so the track has done well to register 34.
Common sense suggests that barring a last minute flurry, the first round will probably consist of six heats with four to qualify. GBGB have made provision for the draw to be made on Monday, despite it being a Bank Holiday.
In acknowledgement that there is ‘more than one kennel involved’, it is impossible not to be drawn to the Kings and Queens of the McNair kennel. There are six Kings and four Queens among the entries though one of the males – ‘the bargain buy’ King Stevens – is now handled by Tony Collett.
Last week, King Memphis (Droopys Sydney-Queen Beyonce, Dec 21) clocked the only sub 28.00 run of the year, 27.89 (-10). ‘Cousin’ Queen Joni won in 28.17.
On Wednesday, three of Memphis’ littermates all won their opens with King Capaldi clocking 27.95 on his racing debut.
Rab McNair said: “I think they could be as good as we’ve ever had, which kind of makes me nervous. I knew Capaldi had the most early pace because he led Memphis to the third bend at Central Park and they bumped each other which allowed King Combs to beat the pair of them. But you can see how green he still is.
“I was thrilled with how well they went on Thursday. Considering how difficult it is to keep the tracks in good order, I thought Josh Sealey had made a terrific job of the resurfacing. The track was wet but ran very true which always gives me confidence to run the youngsters there. Hopefully we get a good run at it throughout the event.”
