Pall Mall semi-finals tonight
A fascinating opening semi with two pairs who clashed last week re-opposing one another. Long Fellow has found things tough taking on Aero Sacundai and King Capaldi the last twice. He’s capable and as the innermost of four railers, he might be able to sneak around in front. Eze will have the track to himself with pace on either side moving rails and wide. He could represent a spot of value.
The second semi has the look of a race that is going to change complexion late. The speed might struggle to hold off the stronger stayers as happened last week when a pair of these were picked up late on. Keefill Maverick got his head in front at the right time a week ago and can time his challenge to perfection again. Wrighty clocked 28.93 off a 4.05 at Towcester when last clad in red. He was a heat winner last week, again getting on top late.
New track record holder El Tornillo will headline the last semi. He will sport the striped jacket on his back for the first time in his career. He had six and a half lengths to spare over Aero Sacundai a week ago but that margin could be cut here. Richie Taberner’s railer didn’t come away anything like as well as he can and with a vacant trap in two, will have plenty of room to operate on the run to the bend.
Irish racing set for a huge Saturday night
The Bar One Sprint and the Willwego.com Irish St Leger both start tonight.
A deep field will grace both, with each of them having a 7/1 ante post favourite. There are cracking heats throughout the evening at both Dundalk and Limerick and the competitions are only going to get hotter from here.
At Shelbourne, Yorkie Ollie will be the star attraction again. The flying pup will contest his semi-final of the This Runs Deep Unraced at 8.57.
Warm weather shut down
ARC spokesman Dave Baldwin confirmed that Friday’s Central Park was abandoned on welfare grounds due to the warm weather.
He said: “We lost one race (1.08pm due to late opening of traps) but by the time the next race was ready to go, the temperature had increased to a point that we decided to cancel racing in the best interests of the dogs.”
Suffolk Downs was abandoned following the 4.18pm race.
GBGB rules require tracks to take special measures, which include reduced parading times when the temperature is between 28-33 degrees centigrade. It is automatically cancelled at any temperature above 33 degrees.
Derby finalist makes return at Monmore
There are seven open races at Monmore tonight. The pick of those will be the 8.31 which boasts a strong lineup.
Ballymac John has won on his last two visits but he has Derby quarter-finalist Bockos Thunder on his inside. That will keep him honest on the run to the opening bend with the latter lacking a look and tending to move middle. Fine Thanks has only three runs in his life, winning both at Monmore. He takes on deeper company but looks worth the step up.
Vixens Filofax takes on Bettys Jack in the 6.48, another 480m clash that shapes like an excellent race. Derby finalist Whyaye Man will trial over 264m before racing.
Other Saturday Opens
Open races are also on the card at Central Park, Doncaster and Yarmouth this evening. Two stayers events at the Kent venue where Princess Athena will be a short price to add a sixth open win of 2024 in the 7.27 contest.
Agile Annie is the pick at Doncaster. She is the joint fastest so far this year over 483m and will look to add to that in the 8.53 or Debbie Calvert. Yarmouth has seven opens on the slate where Ballymac Nova will be looking to keep his unbeaten record intact over six bends at 9.20 for Pamela Cross.
Opens
Saturday: Central Park ♦ Hove ♦ Oxford ♦ Yarmouth
Sunday: Crayford ♦ Sheffield ♦ Towcester
Monday: Nottingham ♦ Suffolk Downs
