It is semi final stage of the ARC Grand Prix supported by three heats of a 450 contest with some of the best hounds drawn from the trio of North East tracks. This could easily have made a Cat 2 contest and the £500 prize for the final is disappointing.
First – a reminder of how last week panned out including videos
Tom Heilbron hasa arrived with the big guns and Links Maverick takes a step down in class in this company. The impressive Northern Puppy Derby winner, was beaten a neck and a neck in (PGR) Monmore equivalent. Just check out the strike rate and he should step up on his 26.70 clock on his last visit. The biggest danger is kennelmate and Northern Flat/Steel City Cup finalist Freedom Epic. 2-3-1
Betting 2-5 Links Maverick, 5-1 Good Vienna, 6-1 Freedom Epic, 14-1 Kates Campion, 20-1 Pennys Cooper, Urney James
A tougher call with at least four in the line-up with strong chances on their best line of form over course and distance. Given the draw, last year’s Classic finalist Tell Boy could lead up on the rail with Witton Venus on his outside. Could be a great buckle from there. Garry Hamilton’s runner is in decent form and looks better value. 2-4-5
Betting: 13-8 Witton Venus, 11-4 Tell Boy, 5-1 Freedom Sky, Inniskeel Josie, 8-1 Trinity Best, Waltzers Dream
Last year’s Sunderland classic forecast Narcos The Great and Moanteen Mikey are now kennelmates, Narcos was handled by George Cunningham last year. Also in the field is Puppy Trophy winner Biscuit Billy who is still to recapture his best form following a broken hock. Of the trio, Mikey appears to be in the best form. He loves the track and should get a clear run around the outside. 6-1-2
Betting:11-8 Moanteen Mikey, 7-2 Narcos The Great, 5-1 Biscuit Billy, Laughill Flash, Paisley Pearl, 14-1 Westforth Ceejay
The inside pair meet for a second time and look likely to dominate this semi final. Aayamza Magic left a ton of time on the track and got to within a length of Droopys Soldier at the line. Punters will be questioning whether he runs the track well enough, but realistically, his career record is based on looking to burst through gaps that barely exist. He looks better drawn this time and connections will be hoping he can follow the red around the first two turns. Skywalker Stan was badly hampered early, but looks to be running out of steam late. Longacres Bullet should come on for the sighter. 2-1-5
Betting:11-10 Aayamza Magic, 9-4 Droopys Solider, 6-1 Skywalker Stan, 13-2 Longacres Bullet, 10-1 Ballymac Moment, 20-1 Westforth Queen
Darbys Delight ran an absolute stormer to win his heat. This is an atrocious draw, there is no guarantee that he runs the track, but it is also impossible to oppose him. But we will. Certainly at 5-4. Coonough Crow looks far better value at 4-1. The Golden Jacket finalist has shown all sorts of potential and it is only a matter of time before she converts it into a flying run. Expect the red and white to lead up. If Crow can tuck in behind, she has the ability to produce a fast run. 2-5-3
Betting:5-4 Darbys Delight, 2-1 Links Top Gun, 4-1 Coonough Crow, 8-1 Goldies Jennings, 16-1 Onyago Gill, Sporting Cowgirl
