We are delighted to welcome the thoughts of Perry Barr’s highly respected Racing Manager Martin Seal as he analyses the entire first round of the ARC St.Leger and M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup.
Heat 1 of the M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup In Memory Of Michael Lambe Senior kicks off the evening’s entertainment, with quality everywhere one looks. Drumcrow Brent reached the semi finals of the Laurels here in April, and has kept good company throughout his career. Duke De Janerio is relatively new on the scene, but any dog which can clock 28.18 at Newcastle and 28.24 at Perry Barr has a serious engine. Ballyard Ricki showed good early boot to skip clear of his rivals in his trial stake, whilst Ballymac Gaybo gave the impression last week he has the tools to go a long way in the competition. Look Out could have further improvement to come, and is in good hands.
Any doubts as to whether Bombardier would stay the 710m ARC St Leger trip were quickly put to bed with an authoritative front running display, and Mark Wallis’ black and white should have little to fear from his rivals in the opening heat of the stayers classic. Emoskis Girl and Student Prince finished in behind that day, and may again be playing for places. Jet Stream Buddy has done well for connections, winning half of his twelve starts, and could well improve on last week’s 43.71 effort. Romeo Riot cannot afford to sleep in the boxes.
Candy Man made everyone sit up and take notice with a swashbuckling run to the final of the Laurels in April, where he finished a close up fourth, and Carol Weatherall’s black should enjoy the return to a venue where he can strut his stuff. Hardy Rebel couldn’t have been more impressive than when posting a rapid 28.23 in his trial, courtesy of a searing sectional, and the trap 5 runner warrants maximum respect. Ballymac Conti brings good early pace to the party, and arrives in the form of his life. Droopys Flight showed what he can do when getting on the bunny to account for some better fancied rivals, whilst Laurels runner up Ivy Hill Skyhigh has been a credit to connections, and will doubtless give it his all.
Barnagrane Amber caused a bit of an upset when landing Nottingham’s Select Stayers last time out, and the red jacket is clearly a big help to her chances. Talented Bo Shine Bullet will be looking to reverse an uninspiring display when last seen, and this confirmed close railer may need one of her better starts to avoid crowding at the first turn. Kennelmate Antigua Mememe appears an adaptable sort, which will stand him in good stead for a tough competition such as this. Droopys Jungle has plenty of stamina in the locker, and should enjoy room out wide, whilst Skilful Daisy reached the final of Hove’s Regency in July, and is respected on that basis.
Tough as teak Ballynabee Lucky made every post a winning one with a determined display in last week’s trial stake, and Theresa Dornan’s black appears a potential finalist at this stage. Adeles Duke is in the form of his life at present, and the trap 4 runner should take the field along at a searching gallop, although Lee Field’s charge will have to avoid Burgess Dalo in the opening yards. Romeo On Fire represents top connections, and this 28.30 Shelbourne scorer, when in the care of Graham Holland, is very much the ‘dark horse’ of the competition. Chelms Switch is pacy but inexperienced, whilst sponsor John Lambe is relying on Ucannotbeserious to fly the flag for the kennel.
Space Jet has won her last two starts in the manner of a potential top staying prospect, and is yet another talented individual thrown by super dam Volcano. Dapper Jess has been performing admirably at Towcester in recent weeks, and seems sure to be prominent from an early stage. Ice Of Diamonds is respected in the hands of Jimmy Fenwick, whilst Savana Scrappy is interesting stepping up in distance, although there are no hiding places over this 710m trip. Sweet Leaf has a tough draw on the outside, whilst Troy Suzieeq has been running well at Harlow, but this is a different kettle of fish entirely.
Minglers Popeye arrives in the form of his life, having won his last four including going unbeaten through Monmore’s Gold Cup, and Stuart Tighe’s black is definitely one to consider for outright honours. Potent Touch has a string of top grade Newcastle successes to his name, whilst Frankies Jet has pace in abundance, but cannot afford to miss the break in this company. Queen Dolly and Troy Firebird are tough individuals with plenty of experience, and are a credit to their respective connections. Swift Woof has a handy draw in two, and will hope to turn in the leader’s slipstream.
Aayamza Royale is undoubtedly greyhound box office, July’s Regency success showcasing Mark Wallis’ star at her very best, and her army of fans will be hoping she can improve on third place in last year’s final. Salacres Pippy finished one place in front of the trap 6 runner on that occasion, although Peter Harnden’s charge has seen little racing in recent months, chiefly due to seasonal rest. Savana Eruption tracked cleverly to land the spoils in an incident packed Three Steps To Victory at Sheffield, whilst kennelmate Savana Stormzy has bundles of potential, but will have his mettle tested in what is a red hot heat. Night Time Danny briefly held the Towcester 712m clock in the summer, and proved that was no fluke by landing last week’s top trial stake with a degree of comfort. Trap 2 shouldn’t prove an issue. Guiri Steve has been acquitting himself well at home track Monmore, and looks ready for a step up in class.
Havana Class landed April’s Laurels courtesy of some searing early pace, and the red jacket is unequivocally made for the fawn son of World Class. Headford Flash has been mopping up Swindon opens on a regular basis in recent weeks, and produced an electric 3.45 sectional in his preparatory trial. Coney Krakatoa is top grade at home track Newcastle, whilst Ballydoyle Razor doesn’t stand much racing, but is quick on his day. Ballymac Odie might be tapped for a yard of early on the run to the first bend, whilst Gymstar Elusive has been presented with a tricky draw.
Southfield Code did the business for Kevin Hutton on Judgement Night at Nottingham last time out, and the big brindle has been a terrific servant for connections. Aayamza Dream makes her debut in this country this evening, and claimed the scalp of no less a greyhound than Ballymac Wisdom at Limerick back in April. Deadly Do Lago was a quiet fancy for last year’s event, but made his exit at the semi final stage. Simon Harms’ charge looks a stronger greyhound this year. Nice As Ice is a favourite with punters at home track Newcastle, and could get on the podium if managing to claim a decent early position.
Heat 6 of the M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup, and another belter for punters to get their teeth into. October puppy Moanteen Mikey has won five of his eight starts for Angela Harrison, and looks the real deal. Improvement on his trial effort would come as no surprise. Hilight Arkle turned more than a few heads with his exploits in the Derby this summer, but returns here following a couple of months on the sidelines, and may need the run. Forest Gold is a typical product of the Kevin Hutton kennel, with class and ability in abundance, and will give his supporters another good run for their money. Tasty Treat is capable of a quick time on his day, whilst although Queen Lilly is chiefly known for her sprinting exploits, she could easily ruffle a few feathers here. Cascade King lacks experience, and will be asked a question this evening.
The final heat of the ARC St Leger, and another cracker for punters to enjoy. Marathon star Savana Volcano is better known for her exploits over further, but such is the class of Diane Henry’s trap 6 runner that she could well go a long way in this competition. Burgess Elite kept good company in Ireland, winning a heat and reaching the final of the Corn Cuchulainn in July, and John Mullins will be hoping lightning strikes twice after landing last year’s title with the brilliant Smallmead. Blueberry Bullet gives the impression that the further she goes the better she will be, whilst Kishlawn Shakira is all class, and is another for whom winning this competition is no pipe dream.
