Time Greyhound Nutrition Northern Flat begins at Newcastle tonight

SHANE RIGNEY, representing the new sponsors, is looking forward to returning to the UK for the Time Greyhound Nutrition Northern Flat at Newcastle, starting tonight – and has been busy studying the form for the six heats!

Both Shane and Willie, his father and key member of the team at the Co. Wicklow-based leading greyhound feed supplier, were at Towcester for the final of the Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby and plan to be at Newcastle for the semi-finals and final of the 480m Category One event – with a meet and greet with trainers planned.

Shane Rigney said: “Newcastle and Arc have been brilliant in the arrangements for us and we’ll have an area at the track on semi-final and final night when we can meet and chat to the trainers, maybe some owners too, many of whom are clients of ours. We’ll also welcome any new interest in our products!”

The Rigneys have been busy of late. Along with John Fox and the team at Time, they have backed a number of major events on both sides of the Irish Sea in 2024 – and will be at Dundalk on Friday for the €20,000 Time Dundalk International which they are also supporting for the second year running.

But first, Newcastle’s six heats of the Time Greyhound Nutrition Northern Flat have taken Shane Rigney’s attention and here’s his thoughts on each of the contests. The first three home will make it through to Thursday’s semi-finals ahead of the £12,500-to-the-winner final on Thursday, July 25.

 

Shane says: “Greenwell Ovett looks to have a great draw inside here. He’s still a very young dog with loads of ability – and a really powerful stride – and you’d think his kennelmate Ballymac Lineout will give him enough room at the turn for both of them to progress. Ballymac Wilder caught the eye in a trial stakes last week.” Sels 1-2-4

 

Shane says: “What a fantastic race this is. It was a pleasure to be at Towcester to see Wicky Ned win the puppy race on Derby final night. He’s extra special. Yes, I reckon it’s a good start to the night for Jimmy Fenwick but Romeo Crossfire and Jonny Whiskers are also high class and will need no second invitation to pounce.” Sels 1-2-4

 

Shane says: “I’ll be going with Slingshot Sam. He did a nice clock for Brian Fairbairn last week in a trial stakes and the make-up of this heat looks good for him. Brinkleys Magic is strong but not a leader, although I’ll be keeping an eye out on Mickys Tribute. He has lots of speed and has been running well at Nottingham. Newcastle could suit him.” Sels 3-6-2

 

Shane says: “Savva Roberts has a nice dog in Annadown Panther. He won his only race in Ireland at Galway in a good time and ran right away from his rivals last week in his prep race at Newcastle. We know all about Boylesports Gift from his Irish card and he’s done well for new connections. Moanteen Webby is another useful local. Sels 1-3-2

 

Shane says: “Tonelagee signed off at Shelbourne with a 28.42 win and has continued on the up for Savva (Roberts). He’ll improve for last week’s win after a break – and will need to! Tom Heilbron has a great hand here. I expect more from Bogger Rambo, but even so his The Other Donny and Romeo Jackson have posted good clocks at Newcastle. Sels 3-2-4

 

Shane says: “Tom (Heilbron) sent us a nice picture of Untold Ruble with her breakfast (!), so we know she’s in great heart ahead of the Angel of the North – and I reckon one of her kennelmates will take the final heat. I’m going for Untold Euro. He was beaten favourite last week but ran well and can reverse form with Jacktavern Vegas. Itsallabouted is also a player. Sels 1-3-5

*THE Time Greyhound Nutrition Northern Flat and Arc Angel of the North start with heats tonight, live on the Premier Greyhound Racing/Attheraces service.

Betting Guide

11/4 Wicky Ned 10/1 Jonny Whiskers 12/1 Greenwell Ovett 14/1 Antigua Eagle, Bogger Rambo 16/1 Romeo Jackson, Skywalker Pele 20/1 Bramble Porter, Romeo Crossfire, Slingshot Sam, The Other Donny, Tonelagee, Untold Euro, 25/1 Annadown Panther, Ballymac Lineout, Delvin Cat, Jacktavern Vegas 33/1 Boylesports Gift, Bramble Elvis, Brinkleys Magic 40/1 Moanteen Webby 50/1 Ballymac Wylder,  Silverhill Ben 66/1 Itallabouted, Catunda Ciaran, Mickys Tribute, Stormy News 80/1 Barney The Boy 100/1 Itsallabouted 125/1 Hazelhill Coco 150/1 Popper Flenky, Simpson Rocco 200/1 Droopys Trouper, Paisley Pirate