Tonight Sunderland racegoers can witness some of the leading open racers in Britain – including the very best that the North East has to offer – as the track stage the final of the ARC Grand Prix.
Before looking at the evening’s nine opens – here is a reminder of how events unfolded in the qualifiers for the ARC Grand Prix and 450 final.
Racing Manager Joe Frelford said: “I’m delighted with the outside entry this year. It is great to see people making the effort to come and see us; it is very much appreciated. The night also gives the local owners the chance to see their dogs perform against some dogs on their own patch. It should be a great night.”
Odds courtesy Ladbrokes/Coral
Joe said: “It has to be Swift Silly for me. That 26.87 is a very decent run first look here, and off a decent split. I can’t oppose her. Ballymac Moment must be the danger.” 1-5-4
Betting: 4-7 Swift Sally, 7-2 Inniskee; Josie, 7-1 Ballymac Moment, 8-1 Dunquin Katrina, Grangeview Lady, 20-1 Crystal Rose
Joe said: “Brendans Gift is the best sprinter at the track at the moment, technically, she would now be D1. She has her box as the only wide runner. Galloway Rebel trialled well and must be the danger.” 6-4-5
Betting: 5-2 Longacres Storm, 7-2 State Express, 4-1 Galloway Rebel, Malibu Jota, Waltzers Dream, 6-1 Brendans Gift
Joe said: “In all honesty, not the best of races. Joyces Jet has a bit of early which might be enough in here, but I’m struggling on this one.” 4-2-5
Betting: 5-2 Catunda Loco, 4-1 Huwezi, Joyces Jet, Nifty Fifty, Racenight George, 6-1 Duchess Of Dukes
Joe said: “It has to be Titan Jim in here. He is a solid proven open racer who kows the track well and should be a bit too good for these. I would have Tom’s other dog as the danger.” 6-3-5
Betting:11-10 Titan Jim, 7-4 Freedom Alibi, 7-1 Patterdale Milo, 8-1 Dunquin Dreamer, Mahoonagh Jap, 16-1 Ballyfidora New
Joe said: “This is a decent sprint which I think can go to Definitive Force. Ideally he would want to be drawn in two, but I don’t think that will be a huge problem. Witton Survivor is the obvious danger.” 3-5-1
Betting: 1-1 Dubh Gasta, 6-4 Witton Survivor, 8-1 Definitive Force, 12-1 Blackies Best, Haaland, Crystal Style
Joe said: “What a race this is! So many high class greyhounds. At the risk of putting heart above head, I am going for Witton Venus. She schooled at the track and I would love to see a local winner. She will need to come away in similar style to last week but I think she could outstay Links Maverick late on. That is taking nothing away from Tom’s dog, his record shows that he is a very good greyhound. I don’t think the draw has worked out badly, five won’t worry Venus.” 5-2-6
Betting: 5-6 Links Maverick, 5-2 Witton Venus, 5-1 Moanteen Mikey, 10-1 Good Vienna, 12-1 Laughil Flash, 25-1 Freedom Sky
Joe said: “This race has been changed about a bit with two reserves coming in. I think Narcos The Great is the one to beat in here with a clear run on the rail. He is a very fast dog. Freedom Epic looks the danger though I would be concerned about the draw.” 1-3-2
Betting:5-4 Freedom Epic, 2-1 Narcos The Great, 4-1 Goldies Jennings, 7-1 Trinity Best, 12-1 Ratchies Gift, 20-1 Catunda Nelson
Joe said: “Six railers in there is always going to make it complicated. I thought Skywalker Stan ran very well last week and I can see him disputing the early lead with Coonough Crow. She will need to come away like she did but she has winning form from four at Monmore, so she should be okay. I am not sure that Stan really sees out the trip but Crow does. Darbys Delight and Aayamza Magic both put in a lot of running to qualify last week but neither of them are likely to get a clear run.” 4-2-6
Betting (all firms): 15-8 Darbys Delight, 7-2 Coonough Crow, 9-1 Aayamza Magic, 6-1 Skywalker Stan, 10-1 Links Top Gun, 12-1 Longacres Bullet
Preparing for the connections of the finalists
