Following a thrilling first round, Hove moves onto the semi finals staged of the Coral sponsored Olympic and George Curtis/Ballregan Bob Memorial this evening.
Racing Manager ‘Romford Rob’ Abrey has once again offered his insight into the five races – see audio files below each race.
(We had hoped to produce audio comments from various connections for tonight’s meeting – unfortunately, for various reasons beyond our control, it proved impossible. However, when compiling a preview of the Bet365 Challenge – Rab McNair kindly gave his views on the kennel’s three Olympic semis finalists. Hopefully, we will be able to collect the thoughts of some of tonight’s qualifers prior to next weekend’s deciders)
Approx prices tonight – ante post
Lovin the 365 £££
Havana Lover put herself into prime position to relieve sponsors Bet365 of another £10K when taking the quickest of Friday night’s Challenge Cup semis.
The Hunt Cup winner was never headed and ran within three spots of her first round run when leading home Gutsy Jet and Hunt Cup fifth, Minnie Bullet.
Lively Lauren was arguably more dominant in her semi final having taken a five length lead within the first half lap (that’s three 15.00 splits in her last four races!). Matt Dartnall’s fawn, who will be contesting her fourth Cat One decider (Puppy Collar, Regency and Brighton Belle) is unbeaten in her last five over course and distance, and was only five spots shy of Lover’s winning time.
With both semi winners being drawn their favourite jackets for the decider, the challenge will extend to the punters as much as the participants.
If you are thinking of heading off to Hove this evening, you might want to check out the pre-race trial session.
Th first big name to look out for is the brillant Space Jet who will be having her first 285m solo spin since coming out of season. Rumours from the kennel suggest that connections are considering a tilt at the 2024 TV Trophy – as a five year old!
By strange coincidence, Matt Dartnall’s bitch will be talking onto the track as the dog who beat her in her last race – Garfiney Blaze – will be heading back to the kennels having had his first work out for Mark Wallis.
Rated one of the top 750 performers in Ireland, Blaze landed a heat of the St.Leger at Perry with Space Jet in the field. He also won his semi but was withdrawn off-colour from the final.
From a fabulous litter than includes Ballymac Katie and Haka Carlo, Blaze’s last race for Graham Holland was a victory in the €10K 750 yard event that was a feature of the Winter Festival meeting at Shelbourne – a race where Droopys Clue was KO’d.
Mark said: “Graham brought him over himself a couple of days after the Shelbourne win. Mike Davis has long been an admirer of the dog and we hope to have some fun with him.
“At the moment we are considering the Cesarewitch at Central Park with the Golden Jacket another possibility depending on how he goes.”
