Produce Stakes Ante Post Picks
*** Coppice Ella 12/1
** Keefill Maverick 8/1
*Coppice Ronnie 22/1
The 78th British Bred Produce Stakes kicks off this evening over the 476m trip at Swindon.
The ante post market has Romeo Crossfire and Romeo Jackson joint favourites at 6/1 with Keefill Maverick and Union Rebel 8/1, Bang On Edith, Greenwell Coe, Keefill Goose and Southfield Poppy at 10/1 and 11/1 bar.
My first selection is going to be Coppice Ella who is available at 12/1. She recently won the BGBF British Bred Oaks at Oxford and is the type to keep qualifying from wide draws. A 28.44 trial is more than satisfactory with expectations of her to go quicker and although drawing a hard heat, she stays well and a five dog race should see her comfortably qualify and 12/1 looks a solid each way bet.
My second selection is the well-backed Keefill Maverick who is 8/1 after opening at 12s. This dog has some serious lines of form on the card and trialled here in 28.23 last week which is a very impressive first look. Already a category one finalist at Oxford and category two finalist at Sunderland, Keefill Maverick knows how to work his way through competitions and again finds himself in a five dog affair this evening needing to beat two greyhounds home to make it through to next week. 8/1 could look a big price if things go to plan later on today.
My third selection is Coppice Ronnie at 22/1. The lightly raced Kevin Hutton trained greyhound has been costly to follow around his home track Oxford recently in open race and top grade action but he is another with an impressive first look at the Swindon track clocking 28.32 in his trial. He is in a race he can lead if doing things right this evening and at 22/1 for the competition he looks a fair each way bet.
Hove Trials tonight
It is another smart trial session at Hove on a Thursday night.
Liz McNair continues to use the track on a Thursday to keep her stars ticking over. They are joined tonight by Scaglietti and the returning Droopys Roster for Ricky Holloway. The latter has not officially raced in 2024 with his sole January run a no race. He won three straight over 500m at Hove in the second half of December.
Sunderland Family Fun Day
Racegoers celebrate National Greyhound Week at Sunderland Stadium’s family fun day
Scores of first-time racegoers were treated to an afternoon of family friendly fun at Sunderland Stadium on bank holiday Monday to mark National Greyhound Week.
The Newcastle Road venue launched a week-long celebration of licensed greyhound racing with 12 races and a host of activities for regular visitors and those who had never watched a live race before.
Track record holder Witton Venus – trained locally by Jill Sutherst – was one of three hounds to participate in a meet and greet with visitors inside the stadium’s main complex. Graded Greyhound of the Year Laurens Layla was also trackside while retired racers Witton Bishop and Sadie demonstrated how ex-racers make great pets when their racing careers end.
Winner of race three Perfecto Farrell celebrated his first victory only days after celebrating his second birthday by meeting racegoers trackside while youngsters enjoyed a greyhound treasure hunt, photo booth, colouring competition, meeting Reggie the mascot and received a rosette.
Joanne Wilson, General Manager at Sunderland Stadium, hailed the afternoon as a huge success.
“Our bank holiday fixtures always prove popular with regular and new racegoers,” said Joanne.
“This year was extra special as the afternoon coincided with the launch of National Greyhound Week, which is our opportunity to celebrate our canine superstars, those who work across the industry plus our visitors and partners.
“There were plenty of activities for all generations to enjoy, and we particularly liked showcasing our present stars of the track plus those who are happily retired and loving life on the sofa.
“A special thanks to our excellent team onsite who all played a part in the day’s success.”
Sunderland Stadium continues its National Greyhound Week celebrations on Friday evening with its showpiece fixture where all racegoers who book in advance can access free admission tickets.
A special owners event will also take place on Sunday where all races will be subject to increased prize money and winners will receive commemorative rosettes.
Joanne added: “We’re hopeful of breaking our attendance record for the year on Friday.
“Hundreds of people have already taken advantage of our free admission offer for those who book in advance and we anticipate more bookings before doors open.
“Greyhound racing is a fun, family friendly and cost-effective night out for people of all ages. If you’re yet to experience live racing trackside, we’d love for you to join us.”
Doors open at 6.15pm for Sunderland Stadium’s Friday evening National Greyhound Week celebration fixture with racing starting at 7.08pm. Free tickets can be claimed by contacting the stadium via email [email protected] or via Facebook.
The venue’s Sunday meeting begins at 11.09am. Further information is available online via www.sunderland-greyhounds.co.uk.
Stats
- Swift Charming – 5.31 Crayford – 4/5 when running in S3 grade from trap four.
- Bloos Boy Flash – 8.13 Monmore – 5/9 when racing in an A3 at Monmore.
Opens
Thursday: Swindon
Friday: Romford
Saturday: Perry Barr ♦ Doncaster
Sunday: Crayford
