The battle of the Derby runners-up between Bockos Crystal and Romeo Command went in favour of the Irish runner, but the emerging talent Newinn Syd holds the advantage on the clock after a fascinating first round of the Premier Greyhound Racing Eclipse at Nottingham on Monday night.
Mark Wallis’ Puppy Classic third Newinn Syd was the fastest and most comfortable winner on the night with an eight and a half length victory in 29.48. As locals will be aware, a +20 going allowance suggests the track was, comparatively speaking, running ‘slow’ on the night.
Syd was the second leg of a short priced double for Mark Wallis with Whyaye Man having also romped up by eight lengths half an hour earlier.
There was also a double for Ireland’s champion trainer Graham Holland who saw his ante post favouritte Clona Duke produce a thoroughly professional performance in the opening heat. He will surely come on for the run.
The big clash between the Derby runners-up saw Romeo Command cede a nine spot advantage to Bockos Crystal in the 75 metre dash to the winning line and claw back just one of them in the following circuit. That rivalry may be renewed in the decider should they both progress from next week’s semis (see below).
It was a mixed night for Diane Henry and Nathan Hunt. Diane saw the elimination of her most fancied runner, Unreal Bruiser but saw Burj Khalifa win and Savana Beau qualify. Nathan missed out with the favourite in the second heat, Antigua Eclipse, but will have four in the van next Monday including first round winner Droopys Google.
