Just over 20% of open races are staged at 400 metres or less – the general perception of what constitutes a sprinter.
The two most lucrative competitions are over the Romford 400m trip so in terms of prize money, Coral Puppy Cup winner Laughing Gravy and Golden Sprint winner Lough Messi would have to be contenders.
Leamaneigh Turbo was hugely impressive in the Coral Sprint Trophy and Ladbrokes Festival 416. But if you like your sprinters as pure two-bend dragsters – then look no further than United Leeds as the most prolific winner with 14 victories to date.
If track records colour your judgement then the evergreen Skate On, who set new figures for the Yarmouth and Wimbledon sprint trips would have to be a player. Equally impressive is British bred Target Harris who equalled Jimmy Lollie’s Hove sprint clock and is the current record holder for Nottingham’s 305m. Indeed, the winner of this class may not be determined until December 22 when the runners go to traps for the National Sprint Final.
The last five winners of the Colwick Park event have gone on to take the prestigious title just six weeks later.
This year, that winner was Geelo Vegas
The three GWA final nominations are:
BALIFF CAIRO, GEELO VEGAS, SKATE ON
Previous winners
2013 Helenas Sailor
2012 Jumeirah Dubai
2011 Drumcove Lad
2010 Jimmy Lollie
2009 Jimmy Lollie
2008 Boherbradda Mac
2007 Horseshoe Ping
2006 Ballymac Rooster
2005 Laser Beam
2004 Ningbo Jack
2003 Tims Crow
