There are two finals and three heats of a £2,500 Puppy Stake on the all-open race card at Hove tonight.
Distant Village is set to go off at short odds to land the final of the Nevill 490.
Matt Dartnall’s dog, who is bidding for a four-timer, clocked the fastest time in the heats with 28.47sec and wears his favourite striped jacket.
He has most to fear from Volcanic Reef, who he reeled in last week to beat by three quarters of a length but who may strip fitter as it was only his second race back from a lay-off.
Dartnall will fancy the chances of his Burgess Villa in the Nevill Maiden Stayers Final over 695 metres.
The Droopys Cain dog won his heat by 11 lengths in 41.74sec but will find thing more difficult here against Rosshill Laura, who won her heat in 41.75sec and is well drawn on the fence.
King Louis is fancied to land the opening heat of the £2,500 Season’s Scaffolding Puppy Trophy over 490 metres.
Liz McNair’s runner trialled well with 28.58sec and can prove too slick for Aayamza Royale.
Puppy Classic finalist Waikiki Lad, who put in a determined effort to win recently in 28.88sec (-20), can take the second qualifier.
Phil Simmonds’ runner is capable of a better start and can see off Mark Wallis’s exciting youngster Antigua Breeze, who was a fast winner at Monmore last time out.
Romford Puppy Cup finalist Make No Apologie, a winner last week in 28.58sec, can see off main danger Queen Franklin in the third eliminator.
