3 weeks on the trot. What's going on? The opens are filling really well at the moment, I say keep it up! Here's the next OR Preview. Fingers crossed I can pick you a few more winners.
Just a quick note, however. The opinions given are solely my own. I look at the races and judge them as I see them, regardless to trainer name etc. If I think a seeding's wrong, I'll say it's wrong. I just tell the race as I see it!
The Swindon Puppy Standard
Cracking race to get started on. Considering there's the Henlow Puppy Derby on, and the build up for the Puppy Derby at Monmore under way, this is a brilliant entry. On top of that, I think this is the hardest race to call of the day.
The make-up of the race is pretty straight forward. You've got barrels of early on the outside, with Forest Bonjo having the best draw in the race. The railer's also have some early pace, whilst you're looking through the middle to the runners-on.
Looking at the dogs in particular, Sawpit Sydney, who doesn't seem suited to trap 1, has some good form at Perry Barr, and the tracks do compliment each other, thus he should run the track well enough. Borna George proved he can run the circuit with a win in the Inter track here. Saying that, the time here wasn't particularly great, certainly not race winnable, however he has recent form at Nottingham that can't be sniffed at.
Sharp Bullet is Chris Allopps new baby, and has a terrific trial at Hall Green. However, he didn't run particularly well at Henlow (a track which, to be honest, didn't suit him). He should suit Swindon, but I can't see him winning this race, though I feel he'll go off favourite.
Fraziers Vieri is Bill Black's representative from Poole. He has form in A1 at Poole, but to be honest A1 at Poole consists of about 28 grades within grades, and isn't the strongest form line in the world. dipping under the 27.00 barrier used to show quite a good line, however it has become quite a re-occurrence nowadays. Again, I'm not expecting much from him.
The two Swindon hopefuls run from the other traps, with Forest Bonjo being my pick, not just of the two, but of the race. This pup of Paul Foster's has some serious gears, a load more than what he's currently performing (which isn't an issue, remember we are talking about pups here), This pup can go very far. Rosshill Doll shouldn't really be counted out, as her form in A2 is rather decent. Her early pace has made her a 'ping gone' specialist.
My pick for this race: 6-1-3
The Swindon 509er
This race is definitely much easier than the puppy! Here's a quick low-down of the race
Eden Rumble makes his UK debut, and over a trip that should suit him for the time being. He's obviously more cut out for 6 bends, looking at his Irish form, however should run this trip well. Trials at the track are certainly of benefit.
Coolykereen Rum comes back to the track after romping up in an A1 at Hall Green. Why this dog hasn't been over 6 bends yet, I don't know. Still, he has a win over this sort of distance before and should go close.
Castleyons Kris isn't cut out for this race I don't think, the form doesn't stack up at all. Expect a double figure price (and probably a win now I've given him that verdict)
Scala Cosey is another that should really be going over 6 bends. She is a competition winner over a longer trip, I guarantee it. She posted a good time over 4 bends in her most recent trial, however the conditions of -40 would've suited her (was a wet day to boot). Fair play give her a warm up, but gosh I would love to see her heading for The Regency or something similar.
Forest Ted seems the standout choice for me in this race. He's been running much better in his last two runs, and has that kick of early to see the competition off at the first bend. Away and gone I say, its just a matter of staying well enough to see off the 6 benders.
Burwood Freddie is something of a track specialist, and has form over this distance. Tried out over 575 at Romford his last two runs (why, I don't know, he wouldn't stay that). He is getting on now, the old boy, but still has class.
My pick: 5-1-2
The Swindon Arc Trial Stakes - 19:48
Why they're still being called 'Swindon Arc Trial Stakes', I don't know. Alas, we have four of the beauties to look at!
This race is pretty hard to decypher, as you have completely different dogs involved. Jamaica News, I freely admit, I don't know enough about. A1 form at Romford, with a couple of run on comments, doesn't really spell winner for me. Seneca is a cracking old boy nowadays, and actually looks to have a pretty good chance in this. He certainly has the track knowledge.
Trap 3 Glenbane Air looks a pretty decent sort. 28.50 Lifford and 28.69 Drumbo certainly aren't bad Irish times, but coming straight off of trials into the deep end gives him work to do. Saying that, replicating that sort of form, he could be a bit of a flying machine.
Cash For Chance has a good 28.35 Hall Green, but looking at it thats about it. The trap draw certainly isn't good either, a railer in 4 is bound to be a tad problematic. Saying that, an OR with 4 railers means one of them's got to get a tough draw!
Tae Toe's trial last time didn't really cut it for this sort of class, and his form has dwindled recently. Looking at the card, he's coming back from a layoff, straight into the deep end. Swerve.
Silverton Blaze is another (I'll keep saying it!) that should be OR'ing over 6. He has some good times over 4 bends, but that's like arguing that Aero Majestic has a 28.90 round Sittingbourne. This dog needs 6 bends.
Easy one really!
My Pick: 3-2-6
The Swindon Arc Trial Stakes - 20:04
Arguably division 'C' of the trial stakes, with one stand out contender really. Mercurial Star, coming back from a layoff, is a fab dog, and this really shouldn't be much for a test for him. The recent trial time is a little slower than his best, but he can come back from that and win here.
For the places, its a different story.
Tinas Zodiac, trained by the Houfton clan, ran here last week and certainly wasn't disgraced, but will need to improve leaps and bounds to be a credible player in this race. Bangcrashwallop is also in the same boat. The look round benefits everyone, so expect a better race from him.
Knockane Hodge is a funny entrant for the trial stake. Sorry, but if I see that a dog can't stay 400m Romford, the last place I would come is Swindon. Saying that, I'm only looking at the 6 lines in front of me, might stay 600 Shelbourne for all I know.
World Charm will be a big player in this race, and knowing 'Alfie' he could just as easily lead up. As said before, he can win coming off the back or by pinging. Expect him to be 2nd favourite in the market.
Glenside Pearl has good lines in graded races, but looks more cut out to a slightly longer trip. A 500 at Nottingham or 515 Hove would be more up her street. Saying that, she'll run well enough here.
My Pick: 5-4-6
(Yet Another) The Swindon Arc Trial Stakes - 20:19
Good race this! Ding Hero looks to have the best draw and the best time in the race for the trip, and should break his maiden duck here quite easily. He's the sort of railer that I would rather see out of 2 or 3 than out of 1. He doesn't exactly strip the paint off the rail, but he does keep to his pitch well enough.
We have a fair few newcomers in this race, so I'll quickly run through them:
Shades Of Ace looks a bit on the poor side in this race. Not having any decent lines in particular (you could argue that the 30.63 Notts is fairly decent, but I'm not doing backflips about it).
Mays Millhouse again is one with just decent form, nothing particular stand out. The times at Hove are pretty average, and the 35.86 Romford is what you expect from an average stayer round there. Saying that, he seems to have run from pretty much every trap in his last 6 runs, so the draw hopefully shouldn't be a biggie!
Coom Bullett comes back from a trip across the pond for a second crack at The Arc. The John Mullins trained greyhound has some sparkling times earlier on in his career, however hasn't posted anything exciting since. Don't be worried by the draw, as he does run middle. Why he was seeded on the rails is beyond me.
Farley Denny has seen the track a fair few times, and arguably is the challenger for Ding Hero in this race. He has some pretty decent times around the scene, including good times at Perry Barr (as covered before, Perry Barr to Swindon translates very well, one note to keep in the record book boys and girls!)
Lordsbury Mayo is actually my forecast link in this race. He would've benefited from the look round last time, and is capable of mounting a challenge in this race. The one thing working in his favour is the trap draw, which should see him get a solo really.
My Pick: 2-6-5
(Cricky, another one) The Swindon Arc Trial Stakes - 20:36
The top heat, and a pretty classy one at that. Quite a tough one to work out aswell, this could be a good betting heat.
Trap 1 is Rockview Sail, recent hot favourite for the Coronation Cup. Unfortunately he was KO'ed in the final, otherwise he was a certainty. The times round Romford are pretty impressive, and the step down to 480 shouldn't be an issue. The lack of a look might be though.
Forest Dot I thought ran pretty well last time out being 2nd to Hernandez. Still pretty young and learning, I think she has potential. She's very much a ping gone merchant, and will be battling for the early lead with the 1 dog.
Killacolla Eagle certainly has 3rd-itis (if there's such a condition) but has been running respectfully. Don't expect anything major mind.
Maireads Hawk is certainly one classy dog. The Allsopp boys gave this dog a spin round last week, and he posted a respectable 28.84. Come on though, we all know he's capable of faster. This is a 28.50 dog on his day. The draw is a bit of an issue, he'll have to be foot perfect at the boxes and hope to get round in front.
Hernandez proved me wrong last week and broke his maiden in style, running particularly well. The time wasn't anything special, but it was still a win. He can improve, and improve and improve. This dog will have a big year. In this race, he'd do best to break moderately and hug a trap 4 line round.
Kingsmill Super massively let me down last week, but again the argument for needing a look around was there. Saying that, one thing that did make me query the race was that he cut the bend quite a bit, he did cut very much middle. He showed the early that he's more than capable of, but just got lost round the 2nd and the 3rd. Expect him to bounce back in style here.
My Pick: 4-6-1
Just a couple of other notes, today was a big deal for the Robson family, as two of their Swift Jade pups spun round for the first time in their novice sprint trials. They posted particularly good times in the 17.50 region, which is mightly impressive for babies. Law Together, Don Elliott's pup owned by son Clive, had his first 480m trial and won in 30.72, leading off the 4th. Running green rather obviously, there are bundles to come from these pups. Fingers crossed they prove to be even half of what their mother was. Good luck guys.
I must also make an apology that the Swindon Special hasn't been updated yet. I've been swamped with Degree work, hence a lack of time for any sort of meaningful time to do anything! It will be updated in due course, with an article on how the hare system at the track works.
One thing that has been done is the first of the trainer spaces. Do take a look at them, as there's some pretty nice photo's (taken by yours truely) on Kev's and John's. If any other trainers would like a trainer space, please feel free to contact me on 07817381038, or just speak to me at the track!
Fingers crossed for some winners guys, and good luck with all your picks.
Happy Punting!!
Chris
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Thursday, 26 January 2012
Ok, so a bit of a mare . . . . .
Blogging is actually rather horrific. You air your views to the most open forum there is, and things are bound to just muck up. In fairness, Wednesdays OR's should've been easy pickings, alas you see 3 double-digit prices win. That's dog racing!!
Head Iton Haysey, well what a dog. Certainly needed the look round, and he absolutely trounced the field to post a calc 29.67. I must admit I made it around -20 for that race, and it looked a clock worthy performance. Well done to Mr. Race and Co, who made the long journey down from Derbyshire for the spin round, always makes it sweeter when picking up a monkey.
I think Wednesday's opens summed up the need for a look around the track. You had some pretty good dogs spinning round last night, and looked frankly lost. The 2nd and the 3rd bends, for me, are the biggies, as with the way the tracks cambered, you find that alot of dogs will pace into the bend, only to move off on the 2nd as there isn't the camber to keep the grey's in. The 3rd bend has, for a long time, been a make or break bend in racing, mostly for the railers. It seems as though railers do find alot of trouble getting to the front off of that bend (see the video of The Arc final from 2009 to see what I mean!)
Looking forward though, and I hope that the opens next week fill just as well if not better than this week. Hopefully trainers have seen that we are filling the opens up well here and enter their hopefuls. Trial Stake divisions of G-R-E-Y-H-O-U-N-D would be fab!!
Head Iton Haysey, well what a dog. Certainly needed the look round, and he absolutely trounced the field to post a calc 29.67. I must admit I made it around -20 for that race, and it looked a clock worthy performance. Well done to Mr. Race and Co, who made the long journey down from Derbyshire for the spin round, always makes it sweeter when picking up a monkey.
I think Wednesday's opens summed up the need for a look around the track. You had some pretty good dogs spinning round last night, and looked frankly lost. The 2nd and the 3rd bends, for me, are the biggies, as with the way the tracks cambered, you find that alot of dogs will pace into the bend, only to move off on the 2nd as there isn't the camber to keep the grey's in. The 3rd bend has, for a long time, been a make or break bend in racing, mostly for the railers. It seems as though railers do find alot of trouble getting to the front off of that bend (see the video of The Arc final from 2009 to see what I mean!)
Looking forward though, and I hope that the opens next week fill just as well if not better than this week. Hopefully trainers have seen that we are filling the opens up well here and enter their hopefuls. Trial Stake divisions of G-R-E-Y-H-O-U-N-D would be fab!!
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
Open Racing Preview - 25th Jan
So, another round of open racing graces the Blunsdon stage tomorrow, which includes the start of the trial stakes for the 'Swindon Arc' (advertised as such due to the lack of knowledge of a sponsor I presume). Alas, we have plenty of foreigner's visiting our shores tomorrow, so here's my thoughts on the races:
19:01 - The Blunsdon 509er
A 509 kicks us off then, and a pretty competitive one at that. All eyes I should think will be on Coolavanny Jane in trap 4. Kelly Findlay's charge has some pretty respectable form round Henlow and Romford. If you're looking to strike comparisons in form between tracks, a good indication is Henlow 550 form, as it stacks well against the 509 trip. Bangcrashwallop, trained by Heather Dimmock at Peterborough, has some pretty flying times in trials round there, having last time out flown round in 25.14.
The local representative is Swift Tilly, who isn't really firing in previous outings. What isn't going to help her cause is Kilo in the red, as I've always had him down at more a 2/3 dog, so expect some early scrimmaging. Trap 5 is Jumeirah Dilemma, who looks more of a 6 bend dog on his card, will be outpaced early. Mullpark Nelson has the one win at Notts, a pretty decent 29.25, however will have to work hard on the wide berth. One major thing to note is the lack of track knowledge in this race, with only Traps 1 and 2 having seen the circuit.
I still believe that Coolavanny Jane is a class above here, and providing a clear run into the bend, and being able to clear the trouble on the rail, should see these home from a running on trap 5
My Pick: 4-5-2
19:32 - The Blunsdon Stayers
Just a quick note here, I believe this race had to be withdrawn due to the incorrect seeding of Head Iton Granty. The draw is now as follows:
1) Manic Fantasy
2) Bigwood Honey
3) Jurisdiction
4) Shirty Gerty (M)
5) Head Iton Granty (W)
6) Silverton Blaze (W)
On this draw, you have to think that the race is between the two wide seeds. The Head Iton dog has some sparkling times on his card, and some good lines on his card behind, and sometimes infront, of Marathon OTY winner Capoley Ash. The trial time at Henlow certainly looks good for a stayer.
Local star Silverton Blaze looks to have the best of the draw, and providing a good break that he seems to have got the knack of in recent races, should see off the challenge. I highly rate Blaze, and feel that given the opportunity to compete in more 'Open' races (perhaps seeing different tracks) could turn him into a competition greyhound. However, to get to that level, he has to keep to his task, as he's capable of 'form dips'.
Shirty Gerty has form over the trip, aswell as getting to a Group 2 final at Harlow over their stayers trip last year. Expect a late charge from her. Jurisdiction (as I write, I believe a relation to a certain new superstar Portavoe Lass?) doesn't seem to have particularly good lines, and will be a big price in this race.
Bigwood Honey has form over shorter trips than this, however is more than capable of competing over 685. She doesn't ever seem to have the best of luck in races, and is another that can either post a flash time or not really do anything. Manic Fantasy in the red has a very good line at Monmore, however the time, to be fair, isn't hugely flashy. Saying that, she has early, so expect her to be a contender early on.
My Pick: 6-5-1
20:04 - The Swindon Arc Trial Stakes
A pretty difficult race this, all greyhounds have their merits, however I'd be siding with Forest Dot. Still basically a baby, the formline behind Taylors Cruise at Hall Green is a fab line to be going into a race with, and looks to be a contender here. Trap 3 could be of hinderstand, saying that she won last time out at Hove out of 3 in a cracking time for the trip (475 Hove)
As for the local hopefuls here, well there isn't that much to say about their form as it reads on the card. Hernandez, trained by Chris Stringer, has some stunning Irish Form, including track records and fast times galore. However, it doesn't really seem to have ticked over here quite yet. I'd want to be seeing the flash of early that he had over in Ireland translated over here, and he's not winning it at the first bend like he should be. The 27.88 trial round Henlow isn't the worst time in the world, however it certainly isn't Arc winning. However, there is improvement to come here.
Seek the Cash, trained by Matty Dartnell, has some pretty flashy trials round Swindon, and I believe comes to the track on the back of a graded career round Oxford? The trial form is certainly good, especially for me the last line, as the back straight pace this greyhound showed was truely fab.
As for notes about the others, Killacolla Eagle has some terrific form at Poole at the start of his career, however he's certainly dwindled. Saying that, the look round last time will be of benefit. Ballymac Alver, also coming from sister track Poole, has open wins at Hove (all beit in very average times), and is certainly more than capable of improving. I would ignore the last line of form, that trial time simply doesn't add up, he's a 29.00 at the moment, with the scope for improvement. Lordsbury Mayo, trained by Jane Houfton, has form round Notts, and I believe competed in the first round of the Produce Stakes last year when under Gemma Davidson's wing. I don't think he can cut it in this race.
My Pick: 3-6-2
20:19 - The Swindon Arc Trial Stakes
The second of our trial stakes is certainly an easier affair in terms of picking a winner. Kingsmill Super, trained by Kelly Findlay, is a much much better dog than the form reads, and for me is the fastest dog on the card, hands down. The good thing about him is that he can win a race both ways, from pinging out and leading all the way to coming from behind. I'm expecting a big run from him.
The local Ardmayle Player has some decent form now in A2/A1 grade, and is just coming out of puppy stage into the all aged league. He has a big future ahead of him, and if his brother Ardmayle Driver is anything to go by, expect big.
Ballycowen Dave has some tidy trials round Swindon, however this is a big step up in class for him. A good test for him first time up, and I get the feeling he'll run a big race.
As for the rails, its all a bit of a mess really. The draw hasn't been helpful to any of the 3 greyhounds. Grading this race, you'd have Tinas Zodiac in 1, Fiddlers Green in 2 and Farloe Orion in 3, alas that's open racing. Orion will be moving off at the bend, which I should think will cause problems more so for the 3, as Fiddlers tends to fluff the lids, but storms home.
My Pick: 5-4-1 (NAP)
20:52 - The Swindon January Monkey 509er Final
Again, actually quite a tough final to decipher. Initially, you're looking at Head Iton Haysey and thinking that, realistically, he's the fastest dog in the race. Having said that, his performance last week didn't impress me as much as it should've. Now, you can put that down to the lack of a trial etc, however I certainly wouldn't have wanted to have been backing him at 4/6 last week. Saying that, the draw seems to have worked in his favour slightly, though he's not strictly railer, and I think should go close here.
Glenside Pearl is currently on a 4 race unbeaten streak, and this trip suits her down to the ground. She ran over 685, and it was obvious she doesn't stay, however she certainly needs the longer 480, so trips like this 509m, aswell as Hove 515m and Nottsm 500 will suit. I think that this race will be between her and the 1 dog, and with the 1 dogs reputation, it could mean that you get a half decent price about Pearl.
World Charm could be a big player in this race aswell. He's been 'on the go' for quite a while now, and has quite a few races under his belt (aswell as a fair few wins!), and is capable of sometimes popping the lids. He's a funny dog, in that he can go an age not trapping, then all of a sudden he'll post a sub 2.40 split and romp up. Trapping isn't really his game however,and again this trip is ideal for him. From trap 2, I felt last week he kept to his lane fairly well, not veering to the absolute middle that much, so don't let the draw put you off.
Forest Ted is capable of better than last weeks run, and can never be disregarded easily. Not going on when being challenged by Titanium King was a bit irritating watching back the heats, as you know he is more than capable over the trip and shouldn't have really been passed by King, who, it has to be said, is a double-figure price in this race aswell. Holdem Angel will benefit from the look round last time, however it has to be said he is more of a stayer, and should be going over further trips.
My Pick: 5-1-2
19:01 - The Blunsdon 509er
A 509 kicks us off then, and a pretty competitive one at that. All eyes I should think will be on Coolavanny Jane in trap 4. Kelly Findlay's charge has some pretty respectable form round Henlow and Romford. If you're looking to strike comparisons in form between tracks, a good indication is Henlow 550 form, as it stacks well against the 509 trip. Bangcrashwallop, trained by Heather Dimmock at Peterborough, has some pretty flying times in trials round there, having last time out flown round in 25.14.
The local representative is Swift Tilly, who isn't really firing in previous outings. What isn't going to help her cause is Kilo in the red, as I've always had him down at more a 2/3 dog, so expect some early scrimmaging. Trap 5 is Jumeirah Dilemma, who looks more of a 6 bend dog on his card, will be outpaced early. Mullpark Nelson has the one win at Notts, a pretty decent 29.25, however will have to work hard on the wide berth. One major thing to note is the lack of track knowledge in this race, with only Traps 1 and 2 having seen the circuit.
I still believe that Coolavanny Jane is a class above here, and providing a clear run into the bend, and being able to clear the trouble on the rail, should see these home from a running on trap 5
My Pick: 4-5-2
19:32 - The Blunsdon Stayers
Just a quick note here, I believe this race had to be withdrawn due to the incorrect seeding of Head Iton Granty. The draw is now as follows:
1) Manic Fantasy
2) Bigwood Honey
3) Jurisdiction
4) Shirty Gerty (M)
5) Head Iton Granty (W)
6) Silverton Blaze (W)
On this draw, you have to think that the race is between the two wide seeds. The Head Iton dog has some sparkling times on his card, and some good lines on his card behind, and sometimes infront, of Marathon OTY winner Capoley Ash. The trial time at Henlow certainly looks good for a stayer.
Local star Silverton Blaze looks to have the best of the draw, and providing a good break that he seems to have got the knack of in recent races, should see off the challenge. I highly rate Blaze, and feel that given the opportunity to compete in more 'Open' races (perhaps seeing different tracks) could turn him into a competition greyhound. However, to get to that level, he has to keep to his task, as he's capable of 'form dips'.
Shirty Gerty has form over the trip, aswell as getting to a Group 2 final at Harlow over their stayers trip last year. Expect a late charge from her. Jurisdiction (as I write, I believe a relation to a certain new superstar Portavoe Lass?) doesn't seem to have particularly good lines, and will be a big price in this race.
Bigwood Honey has form over shorter trips than this, however is more than capable of competing over 685. She doesn't ever seem to have the best of luck in races, and is another that can either post a flash time or not really do anything. Manic Fantasy in the red has a very good line at Monmore, however the time, to be fair, isn't hugely flashy. Saying that, she has early, so expect her to be a contender early on.
My Pick: 6-5-1
20:04 - The Swindon Arc Trial Stakes
A pretty difficult race this, all greyhounds have their merits, however I'd be siding with Forest Dot. Still basically a baby, the formline behind Taylors Cruise at Hall Green is a fab line to be going into a race with, and looks to be a contender here. Trap 3 could be of hinderstand, saying that she won last time out at Hove out of 3 in a cracking time for the trip (475 Hove)
As for the local hopefuls here, well there isn't that much to say about their form as it reads on the card. Hernandez, trained by Chris Stringer, has some stunning Irish Form, including track records and fast times galore. However, it doesn't really seem to have ticked over here quite yet. I'd want to be seeing the flash of early that he had over in Ireland translated over here, and he's not winning it at the first bend like he should be. The 27.88 trial round Henlow isn't the worst time in the world, however it certainly isn't Arc winning. However, there is improvement to come here.
Seek the Cash, trained by Matty Dartnell, has some pretty flashy trials round Swindon, and I believe comes to the track on the back of a graded career round Oxford? The trial form is certainly good, especially for me the last line, as the back straight pace this greyhound showed was truely fab.
As for notes about the others, Killacolla Eagle has some terrific form at Poole at the start of his career, however he's certainly dwindled. Saying that, the look round last time will be of benefit. Ballymac Alver, also coming from sister track Poole, has open wins at Hove (all beit in very average times), and is certainly more than capable of improving. I would ignore the last line of form, that trial time simply doesn't add up, he's a 29.00 at the moment, with the scope for improvement. Lordsbury Mayo, trained by Jane Houfton, has form round Notts, and I believe competed in the first round of the Produce Stakes last year when under Gemma Davidson's wing. I don't think he can cut it in this race.
My Pick: 3-6-2
20:19 - The Swindon Arc Trial Stakes
The second of our trial stakes is certainly an easier affair in terms of picking a winner. Kingsmill Super, trained by Kelly Findlay, is a much much better dog than the form reads, and for me is the fastest dog on the card, hands down. The good thing about him is that he can win a race both ways, from pinging out and leading all the way to coming from behind. I'm expecting a big run from him.
The local Ardmayle Player has some decent form now in A2/A1 grade, and is just coming out of puppy stage into the all aged league. He has a big future ahead of him, and if his brother Ardmayle Driver is anything to go by, expect big.
Ballycowen Dave has some tidy trials round Swindon, however this is a big step up in class for him. A good test for him first time up, and I get the feeling he'll run a big race.
As for the rails, its all a bit of a mess really. The draw hasn't been helpful to any of the 3 greyhounds. Grading this race, you'd have Tinas Zodiac in 1, Fiddlers Green in 2 and Farloe Orion in 3, alas that's open racing. Orion will be moving off at the bend, which I should think will cause problems more so for the 3, as Fiddlers tends to fluff the lids, but storms home.
My Pick: 5-4-1 (NAP)
20:52 - The Swindon January Monkey 509er Final
Again, actually quite a tough final to decipher. Initially, you're looking at Head Iton Haysey and thinking that, realistically, he's the fastest dog in the race. Having said that, his performance last week didn't impress me as much as it should've. Now, you can put that down to the lack of a trial etc, however I certainly wouldn't have wanted to have been backing him at 4/6 last week. Saying that, the draw seems to have worked in his favour slightly, though he's not strictly railer, and I think should go close here.
Glenside Pearl is currently on a 4 race unbeaten streak, and this trip suits her down to the ground. She ran over 685, and it was obvious she doesn't stay, however she certainly needs the longer 480, so trips like this 509m, aswell as Hove 515m and Nottsm 500 will suit. I think that this race will be between her and the 1 dog, and with the 1 dogs reputation, it could mean that you get a half decent price about Pearl.
World Charm could be a big player in this race aswell. He's been 'on the go' for quite a while now, and has quite a few races under his belt (aswell as a fair few wins!), and is capable of sometimes popping the lids. He's a funny dog, in that he can go an age not trapping, then all of a sudden he'll post a sub 2.40 split and romp up. Trapping isn't really his game however,and again this trip is ideal for him. From trap 2, I felt last week he kept to his lane fairly well, not veering to the absolute middle that much, so don't let the draw put you off.
Forest Ted is capable of better than last weeks run, and can never be disregarded easily. Not going on when being challenged by Titanium King was a bit irritating watching back the heats, as you know he is more than capable over the trip and shouldn't have really been passed by King, who, it has to be said, is a double-figure price in this race aswell. Holdem Angel will benefit from the look round last time, however it has to be said he is more of a stayer, and should be going over further trips.
My Pick: 5-1-2
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
Monkey 509er Preview
Yes, dont let it fool you, we actually have a Monkey on! Great outside entry for this round, great show. Here's how I think the heats will go:
Heat 1
Glenside Pearl comes nt the race the bitch in form, and certainly knows where the line is. The Ray Jones trained bitch posted a best time of 2884 last time out, and the extra 29m wont be an issue for her either. Lady Jaro is capable of a ping-gone performance, and for a girl of 4 1/2, shes in fine form. She stays 515 Hove well enough, a marker that I use for these 509ers. I discount the 1 and the 3, I dont think theyre at this level.
An interesting runner is Mal Cumners Hedsor Arthur. The Feb '10 son of College Causeway has some very respectable times to his name (29.20 odd round Sittingbourne is pretty good for a pup). I think this is one runner to keep in mind. My pick for this race, however, is World Charm. He's capable of a ping-gone approach, but so lng as he's lying around 6 lengths behind the leader down the back, he'll win!
My Pick: 2-4-6
Heat 2
There's certainly one stand out candidate in this, in the form of Head Iton Haysey. Quite clearly down here with The Arc in mind, the Steve Race trained dog is a class above n this race. The 28.23 lookround at Hall Green is the standout line of form. The only concern is a lack of a look round. When will people understand that this is a track that you need a spin round!
For the places, Bigwood Honey will be running on, and will appreciate finally being drawn in red at Swindon. Uncle Des has some good lines over 595 at Oxford, and if in a trapping mood tonight could go well. Ignore the last line on Hedsor Lucas, he got in worse trouble than it reads, will be a player tonight.
My Pick: 3-5-1
Heat 3
Well, the sooner the seeding on Millridge Duke is changed the better, to me this dog is an out and out middle runner, so a draw on the rail will see him moving off at the end. A good race this, best of the night. I dont think the 6 dog is up to this standard.
Forest Ted has cracking form over C&D, and has the trap draw. Barring any first bend trouble, should be the big player. Farloe Orion has found a patch of form after getting his nose infront in an A1, and won a scrappy OR last week. Will be a player from trap 4. Swift Tilly is also much better than she's showing.
My Pick: 3-4-2
Heat 1
Glenside Pearl comes nt the race the bitch in form, and certainly knows where the line is. The Ray Jones trained bitch posted a best time of 2884 last time out, and the extra 29m wont be an issue for her either. Lady Jaro is capable of a ping-gone performance, and for a girl of 4 1/2, shes in fine form. She stays 515 Hove well enough, a marker that I use for these 509ers. I discount the 1 and the 3, I dont think theyre at this level.
An interesting runner is Mal Cumners Hedsor Arthur. The Feb '10 son of College Causeway has some very respectable times to his name (29.20 odd round Sittingbourne is pretty good for a pup). I think this is one runner to keep in mind. My pick for this race, however, is World Charm. He's capable of a ping-gone approach, but so lng as he's lying around 6 lengths behind the leader down the back, he'll win!
My Pick: 2-4-6
Heat 2
There's certainly one stand out candidate in this, in the form of Head Iton Haysey. Quite clearly down here with The Arc in mind, the Steve Race trained dog is a class above n this race. The 28.23 lookround at Hall Green is the standout line of form. The only concern is a lack of a look round. When will people understand that this is a track that you need a spin round!
For the places, Bigwood Honey will be running on, and will appreciate finally being drawn in red at Swindon. Uncle Des has some good lines over 595 at Oxford, and if in a trapping mood tonight could go well. Ignore the last line on Hedsor Lucas, he got in worse trouble than it reads, will be a player tonight.
My Pick: 3-5-1
Heat 3
Well, the sooner the seeding on Millridge Duke is changed the better, to me this dog is an out and out middle runner, so a draw on the rail will see him moving off at the end. A good race this, best of the night. I dont think the 6 dog is up to this standard.
Forest Ted has cracking form over C&D, and has the trap draw. Barring any first bend trouble, should be the big player. Farloe Orion has found a patch of form after getting his nose infront in an A1, and won a scrappy OR last week. Will be a player from trap 4. Swift Tilly is also much better than she's showing.
My Pick: 3-4-2
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Tuesday 17th January 2012
So, first blog post of 2012 then, and its a biggie!
You may have noticed a few changes round here. Basically, I got a bit fed up of the old layout, and as I added more stuff to the website, there wasn't enough space in the layout that I had created. Thus, I have created this new layout, which I hope you like/get used, and are able to find things alot better.
I've made a couple of minor changes to the actual content. One of the main things is this here, the blog. Rather than posting onto the webpage itself (which in the past meant that I had to sit on my laptop and upload to a web server), I can now update the blog on the move. No excuses for me now not to keep this up together. A couple of other changes that will be or are on-line include a betting guide, restaurant menus, and the continuation of the Swindon Special (which, by the way, the next one is going to be about how the Hare system works!)
The major deal with the site, however, is the introduction of Trainer Web space. Before shooting this idea down entirely, hear me out! What I thought would be good to do, as alot of non-doggy people visit the website, would be for each trainer (if they want it or not is another matter however) to have their own webpage, in the same way that greyhoundtrainers.com works. However, the webpage that is created is hosted completely free. Its up to the trainer what goes on there, and they have the freedom to advertise greyhounds for sale, advertise their training set up for would be owners, and just generally get their name out there. As I've said, we get a lot of visitors to this website from all over, so it could maybe entice new owners.
Anyway, back to Swindon matters, and of course the big news is that Ladbrokes Mobile are the sponsors of the Swindon Arc. The Cat 1, which has become the big Sky race for Swindon in recent years, is back on the box early March. The competition always attracts a very good entry, and I'm hoping for more of the same this time around. Fingers crossed the weather stays sound enough for us, and lets hope we have another cracking Sky night.
Graded sprints are starting to formulate very nicely on Friday and Saturday nights. At the moment they are particularly hard to call as there is a lack of form in the sprint department, however I'm sure that the grade will take a firm hold on the evening fixtures we have at the track. I've been told that we will be running D1-D4, with the prize money being staggered so that A1=D1, A3=D2, A5=D3, A7=D4. I've also been told that the point I made on grading over the sprints is wrong, so let me just clarify that. To grade on as a new greyhound over the sprint trip, you need one solo trial and 2 mixed trials. These trials can all be over the sprint distance if you just want to grade on over sprints. To grade a 480 greyhound over the sprint trip, you need to have a mixed trial over the trip (obviously that meets a satisfying grading time).
Anyway, Ill be keeping this updated almost daily from now on, hopefully covering upcoming races etc etc. Keep tuned in folks!!
Chris Watts
You may have noticed a few changes round here. Basically, I got a bit fed up of the old layout, and as I added more stuff to the website, there wasn't enough space in the layout that I had created. Thus, I have created this new layout, which I hope you like/get used, and are able to find things alot better.
I've made a couple of minor changes to the actual content. One of the main things is this here, the blog. Rather than posting onto the webpage itself (which in the past meant that I had to sit on my laptop and upload to a web server), I can now update the blog on the move. No excuses for me now not to keep this up together. A couple of other changes that will be or are on-line include a betting guide, restaurant menus, and the continuation of the Swindon Special (which, by the way, the next one is going to be about how the Hare system works!)
The major deal with the site, however, is the introduction of Trainer Web space. Before shooting this idea down entirely, hear me out! What I thought would be good to do, as alot of non-doggy people visit the website, would be for each trainer (if they want it or not is another matter however) to have their own webpage, in the same way that greyhoundtrainers.com works. However, the webpage that is created is hosted completely free. Its up to the trainer what goes on there, and they have the freedom to advertise greyhounds for sale, advertise their training set up for would be owners, and just generally get their name out there. As I've said, we get a lot of visitors to this website from all over, so it could maybe entice new owners.
Anyway, back to Swindon matters, and of course the big news is that Ladbrokes Mobile are the sponsors of the Swindon Arc. The Cat 1, which has become the big Sky race for Swindon in recent years, is back on the box early March. The competition always attracts a very good entry, and I'm hoping for more of the same this time around. Fingers crossed the weather stays sound enough for us, and lets hope we have another cracking Sky night.
Graded sprints are starting to formulate very nicely on Friday and Saturday nights. At the moment they are particularly hard to call as there is a lack of form in the sprint department, however I'm sure that the grade will take a firm hold on the evening fixtures we have at the track. I've been told that we will be running D1-D4, with the prize money being staggered so that A1=D1, A3=D2, A5=D3, A7=D4. I've also been told that the point I made on grading over the sprints is wrong, so let me just clarify that. To grade on as a new greyhound over the sprint trip, you need one solo trial and 2 mixed trials. These trials can all be over the sprint distance if you just want to grade on over sprints. To grade a 480 greyhound over the sprint trip, you need to have a mixed trial over the trip (obviously that meets a satisfying grading time).
Anyway, Ill be keeping this updated almost daily from now on, hopefully covering upcoming races etc etc. Keep tuned in folks!!
Chris Watts
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