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Blaze smoked them
Having shown that he can outrun the opposition from behind, Garfiney Blaze showed that his skillset also extends to a ‘box to beam’ ability as the 5/2 original ante post favourite saw off the opposition to land the Arena Racing Company Cesarewitch FInal at Central Park.
A 5/2 ante post favourite a fortnight ago, the MWD owned son of Ballymac Anton and Ballymac Merkle had taken four spots off Ela Maestro’s minutes-old track record with a 44.94 (-20) run in the first round.
In last week’s semis, he had come from last place to record 44.55 (-30). His two sectional times were 16.76 and 16.69 respectively. So when he flashed the lids on his way to a 16.53 split, by five spots the quickest in the entire competition, there was only going to be one outcome. A new track record by a full half second.
Nor will open race students have failed to notice that by the time Blaze had completed roughly two full circuits of the course, he was still clear of litter sister Ballymac Taylor – going into the pick-up.
Bring on Droopys Clue!
Essex on Monday
Friday night’s Romford meeting was abandoned due to a partially frozen track.
The three semi finals of the Coral Essex Vase have been rescheduled for the Monday morning card, the first semi due off at 11.32.
Meanwhile the draws have been made for next Friday’s Silver Maiden and 500 Standard finals. The Essex Vase decider will be run on the same card.
Super Cypher lands Brit Puppy Cup
Romeo Cypher shaved two spots off Coolavanny Shado’s Oxford 450m record with a 26.47 run in the final of the BGBF Puppy Cup.
Rhianne Mullins, daughter of trainer David, said: “That’s the best he’s performed around Oxford – we’re so happy with the run. He ran well early to build a good lead and just kept going – he was so determined.
“Since his runs at Romford, he has come on a lot. He’s a lot stronger and we’re really excited for the future. It’s amazing to win any Category One competition and gives everyone a high.
“This is a spectacular litter, and we believe there’s more to come.”
Category One greyhound racing returns to Oxford Stadium in March with the historic TV Trophy beginning on Saturday, March 16, and the final following a week later.
Romeo Cypher (T2) leads up – image Fortitude
Rhianne and David Mullins with Romeo Cypher – pic Fortitude
Commanding presence in Riband
Greyhound Derby and RPGTV Juvenile runner-up Romeo Command will today attempt to land his first Towcester Cat One prize when he goes to traps as an odds-on favourite for the Blue Riband Final.
The track record holder’s biggest danger woould appear to be Newinn Syd who has thus far failed to break in the style that saw him so commanding on his unbeaten run through the Eclipse at Nottingham.
