Only four of the top 18 in the ante post betting were eliminated from last week’s Premier Greyhound Racing All England Cup first round.

The inevitable result is that the semi finals are going to be particularly competitive. They are supported by a high quality open race card featuring the local heroine Bellmore Sally.

To check out last week’s first round                            Ante post   

The first semi final sees a clash between the first and fourth hounds in the ante post betting and both have their ideal boxes. Bogger Rambo was clinical in the opening heat without setting the track alight. Tom Heilbron will no doubt be expecting some steady improvement and with the same neighbour as last week, Cunnigar Yousir, there is no reason to expect a different result. (Unreal Bruiser also qualified from the same heat and the same trap)

While it is true that Burj Khalifa avoided the very worst of the trouble, he definitely lost enough ground in a first bend incident that would have cost him a couple of lengths. On that basis, he could be on terms with the likely favourite, though he will have to overcome the early paced Coppice Rocket on his inside.

Pape Di Oro moved to the middle on the run-up and should be better suited to white. Definitely not out of it. Sel 1-6-4

 

There are plenty of hard luck tales from the first round though Johnny Whiskers really wasn’t one of them. He showed his characteristic great early pace but looked a beaten dog at the third bend. Did he need the run, or is the 480 just a bit beyond him? Harry Burton will be hoping it is the former though he was coming backto the field in the latter stages of the 450m ARC Classic Final. He should still lead here but looks vulnerable.

Skywalker Pele and Droopys Eddie  look fairly well matched on Towcester form though the threat of tangling is real. Eddie in particular has great pace, but still looks a bit novicey. Antigua Eclipse should get a decent run on the inside and should be in the shake-up. Wrighty and Glengar Bridie are not out of it in what looks the most difficult of the three qualifiers to call. Sel 2-6-4

 

Swift Silly was an absolute star last week but in a race to the bend with three early paced ladies, this looks a much tougher task to get a run. On the other hand, Brookside Richie looks plotted up on the inside. The veteran can perform from any box, but would not want to be on the outside of Coolavanny Mercy, Witton Venus or Swift Silly. Wide boy Coppice Kaiser has the look of ‘one for the tricast’. Savana Shay will do well to find any kind of run. Sel 1-3-6

We continue with our feature asking well known industry figures to select a greyhound to follow in 2024.

We start with Irish breeder Sean Conway:

plus well known UK owner Mark Burridge

Three finalists in the recent Bet365 Winter Marathon will line-up in the Boxing Day Marathon at Crayford – though Bubbly Scorcher – fastest over the 874m course this year – looks likely to start as favourite.

Remembering 2023 –  February