The third Tipsters Challenge between our regular contributor Big Mark Pierrepont and Towcester Racing Manager Andy ‘The Bluffer’ Lisemore. Andy won the first 6-5. Last week Mark edged it 5-4.  (Though if you had been betting £10 singles, Mark would have netted an £11.42 profit compared to Andy’s £12.00.)

In the 11 opens this week, they have both gone for the same selection on seven occasions.

 

A 14-race card at Towcester this afternoon with 11 opens over a wide variety of distances supported by three graded affairs.
Mark –  Patrick Janssens Distant Oscar is selected to overcome a draw wider than ideal out in trap 6.  Just an October 2020 whelp he got his career here in the UK off to the best possible start when landing a course and distance D2 a couple of weeks ago.  He missed the break quite badly in that race but showed excellent pace to the turn before pulling away for a comfortable success.  It’s interesting that Janssens throws him straight into open company and that faith can be justified given he times the start to better effect here.

Andy – Distant Oscar is only a baby, but showed track-craft skills beyond his years to win on debut and can make a successful transition in to open class.

Mark – This race did originally look a matchup between John Mullins Callmesteve and Diane Henry’s new recruit Savana Ruinart (ex Redzer Ruinart).  The latter was reported in season and withdrawn yesterday however so the path now looks clear for Steve to win over six bends for the first time albeit at what are likely to be prohibitive odds.
Andy – The absence of Savana Ruinart (withdrawn in-season) could well result in a penalty kick for the powerful Callmesteve.
Mark – The bet here would have to be Simon Harms Loggies Sonic in the place only market.  He lacks anything in the way of early but this youngster really rattles home from the third bend onward.  The make-up of the race should see that he gets plenty of room to run in the early stages with Michelle Brown’s Nolas Beauty drawn to his left likely to be heading rails and Vicki Lea’s Empire King’s early pace likely to see him out of the way in the early stages.
Andy – A recent 04.19sec split suggests that Zazzeras Jack could be the one they all have to catch here.

Mark – Chelms Yes can gain the first win of his UK career on his seventh start.  A four-time winner on Irish soil he’s not had much luck in running in competitive action but has shown enough pace both in his races and in trials to suggest he will have no problem winning races over here at this kind of level.  He won’t get much of a better opportunity to flash out and lead all the way and if he does he shouldn’t really be for picking up.

Andy – Night Time Baby would have undoubtedly preferred a slot nearer the fence but, dropping down in distance, should find this trip more to her liking.

 

Mark – Sharon Thompson’s Master Ten Ten can get back to winning ways.  He was firmly put in his place here a couple of weeks ago by Lautaro but there is nothing of his class in today’s line up and a level enough start should soon see him in command.  

Andy – With 4 wins from 7 starts, Master Ten Ten is a talented lad further boosted by the gift of the red jacket.

Mark – Matt Dartnall’s sensational Space Jet can follow up last week’s comeback win over the shorter 712m here.  She was superb in easily beating off a quality line up and with the run under her belt and stepping back up in trip she can be seen to even better effect.  Global Volcano (full sister to Space Jet) for Patrick Janssens is interesting stepping up to a trip which on breeding and the performances of her siblings should suit.  She gained her first career win when landing a 712m event here last week but from the time was poor and from what looks a poor draw out in five here she’ll need to tread carefully to secure the rails position she craves.
Andy – It would surely be folly to look further than the brilliant Space Jet for the winner of this, wouldn’t it?
Mark -Richard Rees Winter Derby Final hero Burnchurch Mick can win this.  A hugely pacey greyhound he was simply superb in landing heat , semi and final of the Winter Derby at Monmore and can continue his rich vein of form here with another always led victory.
Andy – Burnchurch Mick arrives in good heart and looks hard to oppose in current mood.
Mark – This can go the way of Richard Rees Amaze Me Seb.  Just turned 2 years old he’s yet to win in 3 starts here in the UK but does have a win on his card over at Clonmel in Ireland.  Well related to a number of high-class greyhounds he shouldn’t be too long in getting off the mark.  He ran a storming race in defeat when last seen here only narrowly going down in a close finish after being led up by the strong running Miss Big Pants.  He was past that rival and clear to the pick up shortly after the finish line and if taking the lead at any stage of today’s race it’s quite simple he will not be picked up.
Andy – Collared close home most recent, expect Ohalabamslama to again attack from the front.
Mark – This can go to John Mullins Icaal Danny who looks well drawn against the fence.  It looks a match between himself and Diane Henry’s Savana Biscuit but the draw swings things in favour of Mullin’s greyhound who rates a good bet.
Andy – Hawk Gun looks closely matched with a number of these rivals on recent graded form but, has plenty of early dash, and may just have the edge.
Mark – Diane Henry’s Adeles Duke is undoubtedly better over further but he’s on his way back from an absence and class told when he won over course and distance last week.  It can tell once again and he can land the double before presumably before long reembarking on a four-bend campaign.
Andy – Adeles Duke looked to be back at his best to win a week ago, more of the same please.
Mark – Punters will be hoping they’re not relying on this event to get out of jail as it’s near on impossible.  For selection purposes and selection purposes only take a chance with Vicki Lea’s Kilara Montjeu who wouldn’t be prolific but is rarely far away at the finish.
Andy – Kilara Montjeu is overdue one of his ‘bingo breaks’ and if stepping out lively would take all the beating.