The British Greyhound Breeders Forum have put a lot of effort into arranging competitions this year and we hope to take full advantage in the coming months starting with the British Bred Oaks Final at Doncaster next Monday.
Some people might think that these British bred races are either uncompetitive or low quality. Tell me how Monday’s final stands up . . .
Assuming Cozzys Fozzy and Fabulous Amity are the outsiders, neither is probably over its ideal trip but have 29.80s form. Witton Derecho did 29.61 last time out and looks a very decent quality bitch. Harry’s bitch Pond Natlaya is unbeaten with the best times in the competition, which just leaves our pair.
This trip is really a bit far for Queen Cher, but to only be caught by a head by the favourite in the semi finals tells its own story.
As for Queen Franklin, what can I say? A January puppy who has eight races on her card, has won half of them. When you school pups, you can only take them so far before it is down to them. Franklin is showing great early pace and at this stage she really could develop into anything.
I am happy with the draw and could do with Cher trapping in front and going straight for the rail. Providing they don’t get in each others’ way, I would be quite hopeful.
Franklin’s litter, out of Queen Asia is looking very promising. Two of the sister are just out of season and are with Dan Brabon. Queen Tammy won an A2 at Central Park last Friday (29.40calc) while Queen Dolly was beaten a length in A1 in a calculated 29.16.
I have no doubt that King Louis is the fastest of all of them. I was disappointed with his run when he was beaten in an open at Central Park on Sunday, but he was lame after the race.
It was nothing serious, a slight hock strain, but the sort of thing that a young dog can pick up. It’s a bit like teenagers getting shin splints. I am not in the least bit bothered, I know there is a top class greyhound in there. We will give him three months off and give him a bit of time to get older and stronger.
As for the mum, she won the British Bred Oaks at Doncaster back in 2016, something I intend to mention to Franklin on parade on Monday. It is exciting to know that Asia has the potential to be as good a brood as her mum, Shaws Dilemma, and I am planning to have her (Asia) covered by King Elvis when she next comes into season.
I have also made up my mind that Skate On’s final litter will be by King Turbo.
I am pleased that Liz is still a few points clear of Angela (Harrison) and Jimmy (Wright) – or as I know them – the Bonny and Clyde of the North East – in the trainers championship.
Jimmy starts twitching when he thinks about all the points in these British bred races so I am determined that we grab a few more from under their noses in the British Bred Northern Plate which starts next month.
At this stage the team will probably be King Turbo, King Sheeran, King Idol and King Cash, with the possibility of Queen Cher. The Geordies hate to see their cash heading south so I’ll be keeping my eyes and ears open.
Lennon, Cash, Turbo and Dylan are already pencilled in for the British Breeders Stakes at Nottingham and if all goes to plan we’ll have two vans full for the British Bred Derby at Sheffield.
Obviously plans change depending on how the young dogs progress and which ones we move on. King Diamond was sold into Paul Young’s kennel recently and I gather is being aimed at the Yarmouth Derby.
I am at Central Park today (Wednesday) for the second handslips for the Leamaneigh Turbo/Skate On litter. One pup picked up a slight knocked toe in his first handslip and will be off for a month. No rush.
I am also planning to give Queen Beyonce her first handslip since the Derby semis when she finished sore on a shoulder. She has looked fine running around the field at home and we will bring her back slowly. If all went to plan, she would also be in the van for Nottingham in October.
Liz and I are off to Benidorm next week for a few days holiday with Jimmy and Angela, and Dan Brabon and his partner Charlie (Charlotte). I am planning to pack a couple of boxes of confetti. What great place for a double wedding?
