DROOPYS IS DEADLY
DROOPYS LIVE (7.16) can return to Newcastle for tonight’s re-run heat of the William Hill Great North Run and charge into next week’s final.
In doing so, Angela Harrison’s bitch will join a clutch of canine talent ready to grace the sand for what should be a star-studded night of action for Thursday’s William Hill All England Cup Final gala, where Derby runner-up Droopys Verve is a red-hot favourite for the main event.
His kennel mate Droopys Live was leading in the Great North Run heat voided on Thursday when the hare was stopped in the interests of safety after Yorkshire St Leger champion Roxholme Poppy was bowled over. Thankfully, the Keightleys’ star bitch should make a return to the track.
The news on Yarmouth Derby champ Affane Party was not too good in terms of his racing career after injury in his All England Cup semi-final, but stud duties and a happy retirement now beckon for John Lambe’s former champion sprinter and now four-bend star. Look out for those pups!
Back to tonight and the open-race stage is again taken by Perry Barr and Crayford and MUSTANG THRILL (10.19) looks the best bet on the Kent track’s RPGTV card when he goes in the A3.
The Dean Childstrained bitch has solid form over six bends having run well to reach the Gold Collar final in the summer, but still boasts enough speed to win over 380m. Expect her to improve for last week’s return to the fray after a spell off.
Crayford shares the RPGTV stage with Sheffield again tonight and the Owlerton venue hosts a competitive 16-race card where the pick might be HARTON POPLAR (8.24). Barrie Draper’s kennel is bang in form just now and the draw looks ideal.
At Perry Barr, opposing MARLFIELD JET (7.47) looks foolish given the form of James Turner’s prolific sprinter, although better odds might be achieved with POOLIE BETH (8.55) in the maiden stayers.
Henlow’s Sunday afternoon card features the semis of The Hawk Henlow Derby and our eyes will be on ante-post picks KING ELVIS (Liz McNair) and DROPZONE (Elaine Parker) who can march into next week’s final with victory in their respective races.
The McNairs also have a strong hand in the British Breeders Stakes semis at Nottingham on Monday where KING SHEERAN (below) will look to follow up his heat win last week.
THE MSCM Eclipse is the target for the Star Sports Derby champion Dorotas Wildcat, who made a winning return to the track at Swindon on Monday. Kevin Hutton’s dog will have one more race before a trial at Colwick Park ROMFORD and The Champagne Club are supporting The Mitch Millward Memorial Marathon on Friday.
The one-off 750m event remembers a hugely popular owner of greyhounds such as Millwards Teddy and Millwards Master with the Paul Young kennel.
THE 2018 GBGB Greyhound of the Year Awards will be held on Sunday, January 27, at a venue to be confirmed.
IT IS hoped a date and new venue for this year’s TV Trophy, due to have been staged at nowclosed Towcester, will be announced soon.
¬ÊJonathan Hobbs is a GBGB Greyhound ambassador.