Neither the Coral Brighton Belle or the Coral Puppy Trophy started out with the prestige that they now command. The bitches event originally carried a £1,000 winner’s before becoming a Cat 2 competition in 2001. The £2,500 winner’s prize remained unchanged for 20 years before gradually creeping up. Betsys Bullet was the first £10K winner.
The track has been rewarded for its commitment with a final that would do credit to an English Oaks and ‘the Belle’ now stands as an equal alongside the Olympic, Sussex Cup and Regency as a major event in its own right.
The Coral Puppy Trophy – which became a Seasons Scaffolding sponsored event – has a Roll of Honour that includes the likes of Bubbly Bluebird, Boherna Best, Billys Bullet and of course Trumps Benefit, trained by Carol Weatherall, who turned over Brookside Richie in the 2021 decider. Which, or how many, of this sextet are destined for massive careers?
Our huge thanks to Hove Racing Manager Rob Abrey for his insight into the 12 race card which includes three open race finals plus a graded sweepstake.
Rob said: “I make this race all about the draw. I have no doubt that there will be plenty of support for King Sydney, not least because of his 16.16 sprint. But I can see there being some crowding on the outside. None of that should affect Chelms Lambo who is ideally plotted in six and if he steps up on his 29.24 run would appear to be a good option. 6-4-1
Rob said: “I was hugely impressed with Newinn Syd last week and think he could get another clear run here. There is no disrespect to King Memphis whose record speaks for himself. In fact, if they drawn the other way around, he would be the selection. But I think he may struggle to get around Mark’s dog. Either way, I’m expecting to see them meet again on Judgement Night. 3-4-2
Rob said: “I love it having a hurdle race on the card. It reminds me of the days when there was always plenty of variety of race distances on the big nights. I can’t look past Coppice Fox here. I thought he could have won the Springbok but it was probably a race or two too early in his hurdling career. But he has since gone on to establish himself a top class jumper and he loves Hove. Can’t be opposed.” 6-3-5
Rob said: “We are delighted, once again, to remember a wonderful homefinder in Jenny Bunting who did so much great work for the local homefinders.
“I wouldn’t be keen to comment on a race that I had graded, but this is a sweepstake final with the draw made by GBGB. But most of the locals will probably want to avoid anything I tip up anyway!
“I expect the race to be dominated by the outside pair who are both in good form. Given the draw, I’m just edging it to Clairkeith Santi.” 6-5-1
Rob said: “Anybody who saw last week’s race couldn’t have helped notice that Marko The Great ran an absolute blinder in defeat. Richard knows that I wasn’t convinced that he was good enough to be in the puppy competition so it was nearly an ‘egg on face’ moment. I won’t be making that mistake again. Soul Reason is a progressive sort and looks the danger.” 3-6-1
Rob said: “It is so rare to be able to fill a consolation final with runners who actually made the semi finals. We made it with a couple of entries to spare.
There might be a slight element of ‘heart over head’ in here, I don’t know, but I’m going for Betsys Bullet in what will be her last race before retirement. What a servant she has been for connections. That isn’t to say that I might not have selected her anyway. It is as good a consolation final as you will see and Queen Georgia looks the obvious danger. 3-2-4
Rob said: ”
Rob said: “What an incredible competition this has been. There is so much talent in there and some of it is still unexposed. When you see that the heats were the first races for Droopys Pivotel and Good Couture, you can only guess how much development is to come.
But it isn’t just them, there is quality throughout the race, none more so than in Untold Dollar. This is only his fifth race and he has a Cat One win under his belt already. I can’t oppose him. He has the draw and the ability to make all and then go on to a fabulous career.” 1-6-2
Rob said: “There is no doubt that as a quality sprinter, Quarteira will carry plenty of support in here. But I have decided to oppose him with Moustows Muttley who beat him when they last met. On all known evidence, Derek Knight’s dog is likely to ping from trap six and I think he can give the favourite a surprise.” 6-2-1
Rob said: “I couldn’t have been m,ore impressed with Crafty Shivoo last week, possibly even more than when she won. She encountered some early bumping and looked as though it would cost her but she was having none of it. She looks so determined not to let anything stand in her way; she just barged her way to the front.
“The obvious danger is Queen Joni who has already won three Category One finals and whose quality cannot be disputed.
“But I can’t emphasise enough what a good quality field this is; it is exceptional!
Let’s put it this way. When was the last time that you saw a greyhound that has reached five Category One finals being quoted as a 16/1 chance? Queen Dusty has.” 1-4-6
Rob said: “I’m sure that there will be plenty of support for Coss Tokyo in here given what he has already achieved so far. But will he be suited by the draw? That won’t present any issues to Lucky Sevens who is probably the widest runner at the track. I expect him to get a clear run and he will make a decent alternative to the five.” 6-5-1
Rob said: “A difficult one to call. Droopys Auntie just missed out on the consolation race and looks the most likely in here. She loves Hove and should get a decent run. There is very little between the six and if I was forced into a 1-2-3 it would probably be Senahel Pikachu to be running on strongly for second from Drive On Lad. 6-5-1
Rob said: “We finish with another competitive maiden featuring five locals. Given the draw and what she has achieved so far, I think Chelms Vickie is the one to beat with Clairkeith Prinz the danger.” 1-6-2
According to the ante post betting, the ARC Laurels was set to be dominated by joint favourites King Capaldi and Links Maverick who departed in the first round and semi finals respectively.
At that stage, punters could have helped themselves to 20/1 Jet Stream Angel and Wicky Hiker, 25/1 Acomb Felix, 40/1 Acomb Irene, 66/1 Kilwest Ranger and 125/1 Brickwork Ruck.
The odds have tumbled somewhat since and when they go to traps on Saturday night, the odds will not be too far from: 7/4 Jet Stream Angel, 7/2 Acomb Irene, 6/1 Kilwest Ranger, Wicky Hiker, 13/2 Acomb Felix, 14/1 Brickwork Ruck.
Here is a reminder of the semi finals (results) and videos: Acomb Irene – Jet Stream Angel – Kilwest Ranger
Our utmost thanks once again to Racing Manager Martin Seal for his insight into the night’s eight open races:
Martin said: “Puppy action kicks off a night of competitive open racing at Perry Barr this evening. No Better Feelin appears to be improving rapidly, contesting Sheffield’s Gymcrack Final, and was far from disgraced in claiming third spot behind a worthy champion.
Ballymac Bingley hasn’t enjoyed much fortune on home turf, but could be one of whom we have yet to see the best. Bower Linda was picked up right on the line last time out after earning a healthy lead by halfway, and repeat tactics would appear to be the order of the day.
Longacres Urban went down by just a short head at Towcester last time out, and moved smoothly in a sighter here last month. Art Beat has won two of his three starts in this country, but may be obliged to deliver his challenge from off the pace here.
Mister Fezziwig has been climbing the graded ladder at home track Monmore, and could be ready for this step up in class.” Sel: 1-3-5
Martin said: ” Lasso The Moon and Dreamin Sunshine have achieved success in top grade contests over course and distance in the last couple of months, and have been presented with favourable draws in this stayers contest.
Millbank Della and Narcos Pablo have gone one better by landing maiden stayers opens, with the latter looking to claim a first bend advantage from his trap 6 berth.
Hurry Up Bella landed a similar contest on her sole attempt at this trip last August, and has been noted finishing strongly over four bends in recent weeks.
Moss Summer ran up over 550yds at Dundalk last October, and has always given the impression that a test such as this would be within his compass. Sel: 2-6-3
Martin said: ” Unraced in Ireland, Delicate Lass has exceeded expectations in two smart qualifying trials, and could have a prosperous career ahead of her.
Droopys Request reached the PGR Oaks Final here last October, and returns to action this evening following seasonal rest.
Camp Parachute‘s race experience so far comprises all three rounds of a Tralee novice stake, and Mark Skeech’s puppy appears a useful stayer in the making.
Early paced Rioja Maxi has won ten of eighteen starts for connections, and picked up course knowledge here back in February. Strideaway Roxy did herself proud by reaching the semi-finals of the ARC Laurels, and is capable of a smart break.
Swift Regina has enjoyed a successful campaign for the Fantasy Eleven syndicate, and could improve for her Laurels first round effort. Sel: 1-4-2
Martin said: “Headford Sonny came out under the bars in a top grade sprint last week, clocking a good time in the process, and the red jacket is just about perfect. Tip Top Maverick fluffed his lines at the boxes in the same contest, but is certainly worth another chance.
Magical Bluebear has not been over campaigned since arriving on these shores at the start of the year, but the race and trial record of Billy Russell’s blue bears the closest inspection.
With a short four bends probably the ideal trip for Fair Joe, John Lambe’s charge did well to reach the Laurels semis, and is more than capable of posting a fast time over two bends.
Vixons Sparky competes in good grade at home track Monmore, and arrives on the back of two comfortable successes. Sel: 3-4-1
Martin said: Great to see a British bred open well supported at Perry Barr. Blackhawk Moon arrives from Oxford, where he accrued a solid record over both four and six bends.
Dreamin Folly has steadily climbed the graded ladder at Perry Barr, and landed an A1 in trap to line fashion earlier this month. Connections must have been as shocked as I was that Darley Diglake exited the Laurels at the first round stage, but that blip could well be just a one off, and don’t be surprised if the white and black posts a faster time than tonight’s Laurels champion.
Hurry Up Brendan has been sharply progressive since stepping up to four bends, and a smart break would put the trap 4 runner right in the picture.
Snooty Arthur has plenty of early pace at his disposal, although his draw in five is tough. Acomb Jasper is a member of a seriously talented litter, and was successful by a short head from trap 6 in a Nottingham open last month. Sel: 3-4-2
Martin said: ” Longacres Porto started life in A7 at Monmore, and has done well since stepping up in trip in November of last year. Taffy Disney typically finishes with a flourish in graded company, and could find this 710m contest well within her capabilities.
Sugar Boy Franky brought plenty of staying form with him from Ireland, and bookended a respectable TV Trophy heat effort with a brace of Oxford marathon successes. Snooty Rose has seen little racing this year following injury, but would have a chance if rediscovering her 2023 staying form.
Similar comments apply to Loggies Cain, with a stiff six bends seemingly the minimum requirement for Simon Harms’ charge these days. Haka Luigi came from last to first to steal a graded staying contest in the dying yards earlier this month, and could be arriving under the radar. Sel: 3-1-6
Martin said: Vixons Filofax gave a good account of himself in the Laurels, but the suspicion remains that he would be better suited by a middle berth.
Tullymurry Jenga boasts a similar profile, and could go well here if able to grab the rails position at the first bend. Swizz Star was never a factor at Nottingham when last seen, but landed a top grade contest in a smart time late last month.
Two trap five draws proved too much for Acomb Johnny to handle in the Laurels, but the black jacket is right up his street and a bold show is anticipated. Inca Gerry has ground to make up with a couple of these, and could find himself squeezed up on the run to the first turn.
Loggies Morty has been making hay in Towcester top grade sprints lately, and has winning form round here from June last year.Sel: 4-2-1
Martin said: ” Umpteen possible permutations in a highly competitive ARC Laurels Final. Acomb Felix has roared to the bend in the preliminaries, and is an eight time winner when sporting the red jacket. Wicky Hiker continues to thrive under Phil Barlow, and the big brindle’s attitude is absolutely first class.
Jet Stream Angel is not exactly small for a bitch, but with a step to the left almost certain within a couple of strides, Kevin Hutton’s star may be forced to temper her instinct to head for the rail on the run up.
Acomb Irene‘s strike rate exceeds thirty per cent, and this admirable competitor is able to win from both the front and from behind. Brickwork Ruck may find himself towards the back early on, but will be flying at the finish, and could easily outrun his odds if the gaps appear at the right time.
None of the other finalists have bettered Kilwest Ranger‘s heat sectional, and with Tony Harmes’ speedster likely to be tacking in on the run up, a first bend lead would certainly put the cat amongst the pigeons. Sel: 2-4-6
