Perry Barr Racing Manager Martin Seal previews two fabulous Category One competitions starting his evening.
Heat 1 of the M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup In Memory Of Michael Lambe Senior. Hawkfield Ozark landed the ARC Laurels here in thrilling fashion back in April, and with the blue jacket absolutely ideal, Patrick Janssens’ black will be glad there is no Links Maverick in the field. Signet Denver landed the same competition a year earlier, and the big brindle returns here following serious injury at Sheffield last December. Kevin Hutton is doubly represented with Cuckoo Fund, who could surprise a few, whilst this is Warzone Tom’s first visit to Perry Barr, although the trap 5 runner remains a class act. With Saffrons Dash and Maree Master already proven over course and distance, there will be little margin for error. Sel: 2-1-5
Heat 1 of the Premier Greyhound Racing St Leger. Lightfoot Clark is two from three over Perry Barr’s 660m trip, breaking the 40.00sec barrier last April in the process, and Jimmy Fenwick’s black will look to make every yard here. Ballymac Katie accounted for a quality field on Irish Derby Final night, and will endeavour to tuck in behind the leaders before playing her hand late. Alright Gordy clearly enjoys it here, and performed above expectations against a warm field last week. Havana Top Note reached the final of Monmore’s Summer Stayers Classic, whilst Savana Jazz and Go Go Abbie remain a touch unexposed over this trip. Sel: 3-2-6
Goldies Perryman was just touched off in April’s ARC Laurels Final, and Paul Foster’s star continues to churn out solid efforts as he approaches his fourth birthday. Churchfield Syd has achieved plenty in his short career to date, chiefly at Monmore, and with the switch to a middle seeding, improvement is expected on last week’s sighter. Drive On Lad reached the final of last year’s Birmingham Cup, and the tough fawn has kept good company since then. 28.33 at Newcastle shows what Droopys Gravy is capable of, whilst Chelms Sonny and Whisky Champ both have decent lines of form on their respective CV’s Sel:4-3-2
Reigning PGR St Leger champion Havana Lover has been sparingly campaigned this year, but still managed to land Oxford’s Hunt Cup in runaway fashion last April. Low Pressure used his early zip to make every yard in a trial stake last week, and something similar this evening would come as no surprise. Jacktavern Bella has been mixing it with the best of late, and routed a decent field on Derby Final night at Towcester earlier this summer. Night Time Danny was a gallant runner up behind Space Jet in the final of the 2021 renewal, whilst Westwell Diego and Snooty Rose have accrued plenty of experience over course and distance. Sel: 6-3-1
Bockos Crystal excelled herself in the Irish Derby Final at Shelbourne Park last weekend, and will look to continue that improvement into the Birmingham Cup and beyond. Hurry Up Jordan acquired a good reputation from an early stage, but returns here following three months out with injury. Kennelmate Bandit Billy is devilishly difficult to beat round here, and the draw in red is absolutely perfect. Glenmalure Flyer has already proved himself a useful sort for Steve Howard, and is likely to win plenty more in the months ahead. Sel: 3-5-1
Rioja Joey has always looked a useful sort, and having taken to Perry Barr like a duck to water, could be difficult to catch if breaking in front. Peregrine Ryan is capable of a quick start, and could keep the trap 4 runner company early on, whilst Kantoher Jack, Coppice Kaiser and Chelms Greatest look fairly evenly matched at this stage of their careers. Unreal Bruiser is a four time winner in Ireland, including a 29.75 for Clonmel’s 550yd trip, and wouldn’t be coming over if Graham Holland didn’t think he was capable of making his mark on the competition. Sel: 4-3-1