King for the day
KING CAPALDI (8.26) can emerge as a live contender for the event proper when Liz McNair’s dog lines up in a trial stakes for the upcoming Arc Kent Plate at Central Park, live on Sky Sports Racing tonight.
The McNairs and the KSS Syndicate struck with From post to pillar 12 months ago and are setting out their stall for a defence of the 491m title with a host of the kennel’s stars heading to the Kent venue tonight – and they could dominate!
King Capaldi’s electric burst of pace could seal first run against Ballymac John in their clash, while litter brother KING MEMPHIS (7.49) might beat Kent Derby champion Churchfield Syd to the punch in an earlier head-to-head.
A good night for local handler McNair could also see QUEEN JONI (9.02) shine against Cooliogold and Rioja Woody, and QUEEN SHAKIRA (9.36) and QUEEN GEORGIA (9.51) both land the spoils in the final two races.
Earlier, Mark Wallis’ Silver Salver probable QUARTEIRA (8.44) can mark his Sprinter of the Year award with victory over 277m, while the same kennel’s COONOUGH CROW (9.21, above) gets the vote over fellow Golden Jacket finalist Tuono Bella over six bends.
Monmore kicks off a busy open-race day with another good card on Sky Sports Racing as the Wolverhampton track builds up to the Premier Greyhound Racing Puppy Derby. Best there could be John Flaherty’s GREENWELL OVETT (12.32) after last week’s win.
Doncaster is live on Greyhound TV (SportyStuff TV) tonight where Phil Barlow’s bitch VELVET VIOLET (8.41) might repeat her heat success in the Doncaster 483 Ladies Competition Final.
■ DROOPYS CLUE was crowned 2023 Greyhound of the Year at the annual GBGB Awards in Brighton last weekend.
Trained by Seamus Cahill for Alex Hambi, the record-breaking St Leger winner also won Newcomer of the Year and Stayer of the Year. Jimmy Fenwick’s dual Golden Jacket champion Bellmore Sally was the other big winner on the night, while Matt Dartnall’s marathon superstar Space Jet picked up a GWA Special Recognition Award.
■ THE eight nominations for the Time Greyhound Nutrition-backed Greyhound of the Month award for February are Allowdale Cazoo (Nathan Hunt), Bubbly Inferno (Paul Young), Churchfield Syd (Richard Rees), Clona Curly (Diane Henry), Dazl Rolex (Ricky Holloway), Garfiney Blaze (Mark Wallis), King Capaldi (Liz McNair) and Links Maverick (Tom Heilbron).
January’s Time Greyhound winner was John Mullins’ Signed Goofy.