The end of the year is nigh and what better way to see in the New Year than open racing at Romford. With all thirteen races opens there is plenty to enjoy. Along with the semi finals of the category two Coral Festive Bonanza Bitches a category three stayers competition over 575 metres starts. With the prestigious Coral Essex Vase starting next month there are several greyhounds being tested at Romford for a potential tilt at it. True to form your favourite scribe has endeavoured to find out more about two of them along with two making their Romford race debuts.
Droopys Fidget for local handler Nathan Hunt is not only making his Romford debut in a maidens race at 6.28pm over 400 metres but his race one as well. The novice puppy after only four trials goes straight into action at open level. The August ’21 whelp has had three trials at Monmore over 480 metres and one over C&D. In that trial the daughter of Out Of Range ASB and Droopys Natalia clocked a good calculated time of 24.55. She will be expected to improve on that and may not be a maiden for very long.
Nathan on her said: “She surprised me a bit a Monmore when she clocked 28.58 in her first four bend trial. That was a very good time for her first 480 metres trial and impressed me. In that trial she beat Astra Illusion who has won top graded races at Monmore and open races.
“We gave her a couple of weeks off to let the bad weather pass and then gave her a trial at Romford. She would have gone into A1’s at Monmore so thought we would start her at Romford in a maiden race. She did a nice trial and expect a bit of improvement from her.
“She is still only a puppy and there is hopefully still a lot to come. We are looking forward to next year. We will hopefully aim her for the puppy competitions.
“She has trap one and definitely wants the rails. We started her off middle but the rails are where she wants to be.”
Romeo Top Gun for Towcester trainer Patrick Janssens is making his Romford and six bend debut in a maiden stayers affair at 6.43pm over 575 metres. Although attempting six bends for the first time the May ’20 whelp has proven form over four. In only eighteen races on these shores the son of Droopys Sydney and Drive On Betsy reached two category one finals. In late October he finished last in the Kent Derby at Central Park over 480 metres and this month came third in the BGBF British Bred Derby at Sheffield over 500 metres. He is clearly blessed with consistency and looks tailor made for longer trips. He is in fine fettle and with the Essex Vase looming he could be a player if he proves his staying potential as expected.
Patrick on him said: “He is a very fast dog. In his last race he was coming from off the pace. He hasn’t won many but 575 metres could be his distance. He will get the trip.
“He is very consistent and the Essex Vase is the plan for him. I’ve not seen many with pace like him but have to keep him interested. It is a very good maiden and a good test.
“He has trap two and that is fine for him. He is a railer and ideally needs trap one but over six bends two is fine.”
Hawkfield Ozark is making his Romford race debut in a maidens only race at 7.18pm over 400 metres for trainer Patrick Janssens. Although the son of Laughil Blake and Brownstown Tango is racing over here for the first time under the care of Patrick he had three races back in December. Those races were at Towcester over 500 metres with then Irish trainer Jamie McGee. Since then, back in Ireland the January ’20 whelp has won the 2022 Bar One Racing Irish Sprint Cup at Dundalk over 366 metres collecting €20,000 for connections. He has also won over 480 metres at Shelbourne Park and Cork. In his three trials at Romford he has shown all is well with calculated times of 13.45 and 13.58 over 225 metres and 24.15 over C&D. His litter sister Hawkfield Mia won first time up over 400 metres two weeks ago and he will be looking to do the same.
Patrick on him said: “He has great early and middle pace. He will stay 480 metres. We will see how he gets on but the Golden Sprint at Romford and Winter Derby at Monmore are targets.
“At Shelbourne Park he was one of the quickest dogs to the third bend. That is some feat. Right now, a short four bend trip is ideal for him and hopefully will improve from his trials. He has trap two and that is a good draw for him.
“He is one for next year.”
Tammys Jane for Crayford trainer David Lee is tackling 575 metres and Romford for the first time in a winner of one stayers at 9.12pm. The July ’20 whelp has won over 540 metres at home track Crayford in both open and graded affairs. When winning her open race she claimed a category three competition. The daughter of Droopys Cain and Kilgowan Kiwi has attempted further than 575 metres with races at Harlow over 592 and Crayford over 714 metres. The track and distance tonight should not cause her any problems and will be looking to add to her sole open win.
David on her said: “She will get the distance lovely and run the track well but may struggle with the class. She is not really an open class dog but is running well and nicked a category three comp at Crayford. We would love to see her do it.
“We are hoping for a good run but it is a tough race. We are totally hopeful but the race looks like it could be won in something like 35.50. I can’t see her doing that but won’t mind being wrong.
“The track and distance will suit her down to the ground. The Essex Vase is not in the plans but never say never. She may surprise us.
“We seeded her rails as she looks for the inside. She can go middle but early on wants the rails. We have no problem with trap one.”
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all readers a Happy New Year.
