Towcester look absolutely certainties to win the East Midlands Group in the BAGS Track Championship at today’s home leg at the Northamptonshire venue but there could be more interest in battle for the runner-up spot.
The two highest scoring tracks finishing second will line up alongside the four group winners in the final at a neutral venue on December 23.
Two of the groups have been concluded and with Monmore and Newcastle booking their places in the final and the teams who finished runner-up, Belle Vue (194pts) and Hall Green (183pts), will be anxiously watching to see how Nottingham perform.
The Midlands venue currently has 158 point and 37 points will guarantee them a place in the final while 184 points could give them a fighting chance depending what happens in the Southern group, which is still to be decided.
In the Youngsters race Nottingham field Fabulous Sully, who won her home leg and should give a good account. Home runners Calco Swift and Roswell Raphael will take the beating.
Nottingham’s Wajas Trump, a winner twice in the event, has the benefit of trap one in the sprint, where Peterborough’s Mac Foiche could be the one to beat.
Paula Timmins’ Penny Jess, who clocked a fast 28.22sec in a recent trial is well-drawn on the fence and could surprise local hope Ballymac Shirley in the Bitches event.
Alec Stone’s Alma Radar could pick up good vital points in the Stayers leg, where Towcester look set to score heavily courtesy of St Leger finalist Ferryforth Fran and Reel Style.
Sallows Ford, who has won two and been second twice in the event so far is the sole wide seed in the Dogs Standard where local hope Flemish Idea hopes to reverse the Nottingham form.
Nottingham has again fared well in the draw in the Standard with Beckjay Scooby clad in red. Local runner El Mondeo, who won an open last week will be expected to be victorious.
