I thought I'd go back to the old format of blogging for this one, as its a rather mixed bag of different things.
Coventry Reopening:
Some great news this week with the announced reopening of Coventry Greyhounds. Many congratulations to Harry Findley and everyone involved in getting the track back up to scratch. From what I've heard, alot of work has gone into ensuring the the racing surface is top notch (as it always was), and new equipment has been installed throughout the place. I just hope that this time they don't go OTT like what happened last time, and we all remember what happened there.
Coventry reopening can do wonders for Swindon in my opinion. We have a very strong graded strength here and Coventry is ideally situated for open racing. Coventry will be open racing on Sunday's, with half decent money being paid, so there isn't an excuse now for not picking up a minor open or two. Coventry's a very strong gallop like Swindon, and always suits our runners whenever I saw them up there. Fingers crossed our trainers can take advantage and pick up some OR wins.
Swindon's Derby Dogs:
I must admit I'm getting rather excited now about the Derby. Entries closed on Wednesday, and its good to see a couple of Swindon faces in there. Chris Stringer has Hernandez entered who, on paper, is a class act and could go with the best of them. He just needs to get his racing cap, then he can do wonders for the Stringer camp.
Sir Dartnall is also quite well supported in the derby, with Farloe Iceman, Ironman and Ballymac Cryan spearheading his team. I will say it now, I don't think Cryan is a derby dog really, alas we'll wait and see. Iceman is an absolute machine when he gets it right, and could be a very good thing going into the derby. Fingers crossed Matt can reach another derby final
Puppy Graded Racing
This is something that a few people have spoken to me about recently. Puppy graded races seem to have been cropping up at a few tracks recently (inc. Poole). My stance on them is that I think putting six pups in together, especially if theyre in-experienced, doesn't really do much good. I think that pups learn better when they're put in with experienced campaigners, who can then show them round the track a bit. If you've got six pups in a race that have no or very little track knowledge, they could all be in a pickle.
Saying that, a puppy graded race whereby the pup has had a few races and just needs an easier run, however not dropping grades, is a pretty sensible idea.
Sunday, 22 April 2012
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
Thursday, 5 April 2012
BAGS/SIS Easter Bunny Finals Preview
I must first apologise for doing such an in depth preview in text form. I would've done an audio blog, however I'm completely bunged up to the hills and didn't think you'd appreciate hearing me coughing my lungs on through a microphone!
Still, tomorrow see's Swindon as hosts to the Grand Finals of the BAGS/SIS Easter Bunny Series. I've taken a good look at the form and I think/hope I've found you a couple of winners! There are 12 races in total tomorrow, with 3 graded accompanying the finals. The finals start from race 3, due off at 14:47.
I will also take this time to say kudos to those trainers making very long journeys to get to Swindon on Good Friday. We have trainers travelling from Newcastle, Sunderland, and all over the UK to race in the finals, so hats off to all the trainers, kennelhands, and everyone involved.
14:47 - The BAGS/SIS Easter Bunny Series Final Sprint Division C
My Pick: Ryves Rock
As with all the finals, both Clive and John Johnson (The BAGS Boss) have split up the races into three divisions.
To me, Ryves Rock looks to be a good thing in this race. Trained by Barry O' Sullivan at Crayford, he posted a pretty respectable 16.60 for a first look on Tuesday. Considering the change in track (Crayford is the tightest track in the country) compared to the gallop that is Swindon, I was impressed with the way he run. Hopefully he can overcome the trap 1 hoodoo that I spoke about in the last blog.
A big runner in this race will be Galtee Alfie in trap 3. Ernie Gaskins' runner is top grade at Romford, and again being a short, front runner track, he should translate the early pace to a sprint here at Swindon. Again, Alfie had a look round the track last week. Don't underestimate any trial time that a dog has posted, the look round a track, especially with so many dogs from other tracks, may prove vital.
15:07 - The BAGS/SIS Easter Bunny Stayers Final - Division C
My Pick: Grazeley Royal (NB)
I must say I think this may be one of the best bets on the entire card. Royal, trained at our sister track Poole by Ken Mitchell, has only just turned two, however he posted a pretty nippy 39.09 for the 640m trip down there in his last run over S2. This is pretty shifty, and that sort of form translates well. Its seems that he will suit a gallop aswell, as he does the majority of running late on.
Only a couple of greyhounds have had a look round the track recently, and I personally think that it is worth any runner going over 6 bends to have a trial. The reason for this is that the run to the bend for the 685m trip is actually reasonably short, and you may find that alot of dogs that don't know the track will run off at the bend.
My forecast link is Inishowen Bella in trap 5. Nick Colton, who is representing Oxford in this competition, who has run this track plenty of times before. The times may not stack up, but the course knowledge will help considerably.
15:28 - The BAGS/SIS Easter Bunny Standard Final - Division C
My Pick: Pharaoh Loch
The pick for this race was actually a bit difficult, as I think this race is all between the 4 and the 3. Pharaoh Loch has some pretty good form at Hall Green, posting a best of 28.65 (28.66 when winning), which is a nice time and translates to roughly a 28.90 at Swindon. An issue, however, is the draw, with their being 5 railers in the race. Saying this, the way I read it is that the 4 and the 3 get to the bend together.
I've been particularly impressed with Sporty Ted in trials, not so much for the times he's posting, but for his acceleration off the 2nd into the 3rd. It could see him potentially winning this race. Again, you have to see that he's coming from Romford, which is a much shorter trip.
The best drawn dog in the race is the 6 dog, Monkspath Azluke. He's also had a look, and has got some good times at Monmore, again a track where the times translate, however doesn't have much early, which he'll need to live with some of these dogs.
15:48 - The BAGS/SIS Easter Bunny Sprint Final - Division B
My Pick: Ardbeg Chris
Toughest race on the card for me this, and I've just picked out Ardbeg Chris, but realistically any one of these can win (3/1 the field race the way I've read it). In fairness the reason I've picked Chris is that, obviously, its my name aswell, and I know some people bet that way! In all seriousness, he's the dog in the race with the most sprinting form, and has the best sprint card in the race, picking up a couple of D1's and such as local track Hove. Ken Tester's dog should be able to lead Many Moons Ago on his inside and take the rails lane all the way.
I think a big runner in behind could be Sunderland's Blue Glenard. She's a consistent sort over sprints at her local track, however the lack of a look round (understandable considering they're so far away), could be an issue.
16.08 - The BAGS/SIS Easter Bunny Stayers Final - Division B
My Pick: Drifting Home
A pretty poor race this, in terms of the draw really. 5 railers in a stayers race isn't ever ideal, and I can see Drifting Home taking a pitch on the wide outside and getting away with missing the trouble. The time in winning the final at Nottingham is pretty impressive, and to be a consistent A2 performer round that circuit stands in it good stead.
As for a forecast link, I'm looking at the dog drawn in trap 1, Ardant Owen. The Romford raider is, obviously, the best drawn of the railers, and if he can pitch about 3rd going round the first he could be a contender. Again, looking at the form of these hounds, they've been running over much shorter 6 bend trips then Swindon's demanding 685 trip, so when you're looking at the card and see a Romford dog with SAw,RanOn round there, to me it reads that it'll stay the trip.
Also, it's good to see so many of the dogs in the race have had a look round!
16:27 - The BAGS/SIS Easter Bunny Standard Final - Division B
My Pick: Bransa Steal
One for the Kinner's boys in this race! I think Bransa looks to be a good thing in this race. Posting 27.58 on his last outing at his local track, a cracking time, I think he can come on for the trial he posted last week. I'm expecting a big run from this fella, he could be a big price aswell.
Swindon's own JP runs in this race with his progressive pup Matties Mate, who ran well in behind Ardmayle Mohammed in the final. He's certainly on the up this pup, and has open race potential. However, one thing to note about the pups is that they're being thrown in at the deep end quite a bit, as these finals are the equivalent of Open Races for these babies.
I think Hedsor Arthur will run a big race for Mal Cumner in the 6 box. The only wide seed in the race always helps, and posting a 28.80 last time in a trial is always a plus. However the concern with these SAw,RanOn types is that, in trials, they have the space to be able to make their move and post these times. In a race, if they're coming off the pace, they have to find the space and exploit it, however there is usually a wall of dogs in the way! Something to note, especially when looking at Open Races.
16:47 - The BAGS/SIS Easter Bunny Sprint Final - Division A
My Pick: Ballyoak Alice
This was a tough race this, however I have just about sided with the very exciting pup Ballyoak Alice. Trained down at Poole, she has come right through the grades, reaching A1 grade looking at her last 450m run. The sprint time that she posted in the final was very impressive. The camp obviously think they have something a bit special, as they took her for a trial down at Peterborough, obviously with the Puppy Derby there in mind.
I did, however, keep looking at the dog in red, Judys Bloom. Andy Heyes' bitch has been in fine form at her local track Belle Vue, winning in A1 grade there. She's posted a couple of decent trials in the past couple of weeks, however again the trap 1 draw for me isn't the best in these sprints. If she does manage to crack out, however, she wins.
17:07 - The BAGS/SIS Easter Bunny Stayers Final - Division A
My Pick: Commander Tom
I've bigged up Commander Tom in both the heats and the final, and I hope he can justify himself in this grand final! I just think that Tom has the great draw in trap 1, and if he can reproduce the sectional that he posted in his trial and opening heat, he has the class to see these off. The way I've read the race, there really isn't alot of late pace, bar the other Swindonite Juno The Boys. I do just think that Commander Tom is the best dog in the race.
One big danger is Ballybrook in trap 5. John Coleman's stayer made the field look like fools in the heats and final down at Sittingbourne. Again, the camp must've had an inkling they had something special, as they took him to Monmore for the Spring Festival. His trial time at Swindon, really you need to take about 0.2 off of his time, as he lost a bundle when he practically went out to the hare rail. Wide2 doesn't really do justice, VVVW2 would be more appropriate!
17:22 - The BAGS/SIS Easter Bunny Standard Final - Division A
My Pick: Tullna Panda - NAP
To me, Panda is the best dog in this race. Trained by Derek Knight, he posted an impressive 29.88 (for Hove 515, very good), and trialled round in an impressive 28.86 last week. He just has the makings of a winner here. He has early pace to burn (his sectional round Hove, 04.08, is blinding quick), and I think he makes all here.
The challengers in my eyes are in the form of Denwill Star and Ardmayle Mohammed. Star, trained by Jimmy Fenwick up at Newcastle, has some sparkling A1 form at the track, with regular 28.90 odd runs round there. Newcastle and Swindon are very similar gallops, so don't expect the trip to put him off. Mohammed, trained by Chris Stringer, was an impressive winner of the final here at Swindon, and is the sole wide runner in the race, which could really work in his favour. A very strong runner towards the finish, he could catch a couple of the early pace dogs off guard.
There's my picks folks, hopefully I've managed to find a couple of winners for you. If you have any comments about anything, or wish for something to be discussed, feel free to contact me on:
Email: SwindonGreyhound@gmail.com
Twitter: @SwindonRacing
Facebook: Swindon Greyhounds
Good luck to all those in the final, fingers crossed for the locals in the competition!
Happy Punting!!
Chris Watts
Still, tomorrow see's Swindon as hosts to the Grand Finals of the BAGS/SIS Easter Bunny Series. I've taken a good look at the form and I think/hope I've found you a couple of winners! There are 12 races in total tomorrow, with 3 graded accompanying the finals. The finals start from race 3, due off at 14:47.
I will also take this time to say kudos to those trainers making very long journeys to get to Swindon on Good Friday. We have trainers travelling from Newcastle, Sunderland, and all over the UK to race in the finals, so hats off to all the trainers, kennelhands, and everyone involved.
14:47 - The BAGS/SIS Easter Bunny Series Final Sprint Division C
My Pick: Ryves Rock
As with all the finals, both Clive and John Johnson (The BAGS Boss) have split up the races into three divisions.
To me, Ryves Rock looks to be a good thing in this race. Trained by Barry O' Sullivan at Crayford, he posted a pretty respectable 16.60 for a first look on Tuesday. Considering the change in track (Crayford is the tightest track in the country) compared to the gallop that is Swindon, I was impressed with the way he run. Hopefully he can overcome the trap 1 hoodoo that I spoke about in the last blog.
A big runner in this race will be Galtee Alfie in trap 3. Ernie Gaskins' runner is top grade at Romford, and again being a short, front runner track, he should translate the early pace to a sprint here at Swindon. Again, Alfie had a look round the track last week. Don't underestimate any trial time that a dog has posted, the look round a track, especially with so many dogs from other tracks, may prove vital.
15:07 - The BAGS/SIS Easter Bunny Stayers Final - Division C
My Pick: Grazeley Royal (NB)
I must say I think this may be one of the best bets on the entire card. Royal, trained at our sister track Poole by Ken Mitchell, has only just turned two, however he posted a pretty nippy 39.09 for the 640m trip down there in his last run over S2. This is pretty shifty, and that sort of form translates well. Its seems that he will suit a gallop aswell, as he does the majority of running late on.
Only a couple of greyhounds have had a look round the track recently, and I personally think that it is worth any runner going over 6 bends to have a trial. The reason for this is that the run to the bend for the 685m trip is actually reasonably short, and you may find that alot of dogs that don't know the track will run off at the bend.
My forecast link is Inishowen Bella in trap 5. Nick Colton, who is representing Oxford in this competition, who has run this track plenty of times before. The times may not stack up, but the course knowledge will help considerably.
15:28 - The BAGS/SIS Easter Bunny Standard Final - Division C
My Pick: Pharaoh Loch
The pick for this race was actually a bit difficult, as I think this race is all between the 4 and the 3. Pharaoh Loch has some pretty good form at Hall Green, posting a best of 28.65 (28.66 when winning), which is a nice time and translates to roughly a 28.90 at Swindon. An issue, however, is the draw, with their being 5 railers in the race. Saying this, the way I read it is that the 4 and the 3 get to the bend together.
I've been particularly impressed with Sporty Ted in trials, not so much for the times he's posting, but for his acceleration off the 2nd into the 3rd. It could see him potentially winning this race. Again, you have to see that he's coming from Romford, which is a much shorter trip.
The best drawn dog in the race is the 6 dog, Monkspath Azluke. He's also had a look, and has got some good times at Monmore, again a track where the times translate, however doesn't have much early, which he'll need to live with some of these dogs.
15:48 - The BAGS/SIS Easter Bunny Sprint Final - Division B
My Pick: Ardbeg Chris
Toughest race on the card for me this, and I've just picked out Ardbeg Chris, but realistically any one of these can win (3/1 the field race the way I've read it). In fairness the reason I've picked Chris is that, obviously, its my name aswell, and I know some people bet that way! In all seriousness, he's the dog in the race with the most sprinting form, and has the best sprint card in the race, picking up a couple of D1's and such as local track Hove. Ken Tester's dog should be able to lead Many Moons Ago on his inside and take the rails lane all the way.
I think a big runner in behind could be Sunderland's Blue Glenard. She's a consistent sort over sprints at her local track, however the lack of a look round (understandable considering they're so far away), could be an issue.
16.08 - The BAGS/SIS Easter Bunny Stayers Final - Division B
My Pick: Drifting Home
A pretty poor race this, in terms of the draw really. 5 railers in a stayers race isn't ever ideal, and I can see Drifting Home taking a pitch on the wide outside and getting away with missing the trouble. The time in winning the final at Nottingham is pretty impressive, and to be a consistent A2 performer round that circuit stands in it good stead.
As for a forecast link, I'm looking at the dog drawn in trap 1, Ardant Owen. The Romford raider is, obviously, the best drawn of the railers, and if he can pitch about 3rd going round the first he could be a contender. Again, looking at the form of these hounds, they've been running over much shorter 6 bend trips then Swindon's demanding 685 trip, so when you're looking at the card and see a Romford dog with SAw,RanOn round there, to me it reads that it'll stay the trip.
Also, it's good to see so many of the dogs in the race have had a look round!
16:27 - The BAGS/SIS Easter Bunny Standard Final - Division B
My Pick: Bransa Steal
One for the Kinner's boys in this race! I think Bransa looks to be a good thing in this race. Posting 27.58 on his last outing at his local track, a cracking time, I think he can come on for the trial he posted last week. I'm expecting a big run from this fella, he could be a big price aswell.
Swindon's own JP runs in this race with his progressive pup Matties Mate, who ran well in behind Ardmayle Mohammed in the final. He's certainly on the up this pup, and has open race potential. However, one thing to note about the pups is that they're being thrown in at the deep end quite a bit, as these finals are the equivalent of Open Races for these babies.
I think Hedsor Arthur will run a big race for Mal Cumner in the 6 box. The only wide seed in the race always helps, and posting a 28.80 last time in a trial is always a plus. However the concern with these SAw,RanOn types is that, in trials, they have the space to be able to make their move and post these times. In a race, if they're coming off the pace, they have to find the space and exploit it, however there is usually a wall of dogs in the way! Something to note, especially when looking at Open Races.
16:47 - The BAGS/SIS Easter Bunny Sprint Final - Division A
My Pick: Ballyoak Alice
This was a tough race this, however I have just about sided with the very exciting pup Ballyoak Alice. Trained down at Poole, she has come right through the grades, reaching A1 grade looking at her last 450m run. The sprint time that she posted in the final was very impressive. The camp obviously think they have something a bit special, as they took her for a trial down at Peterborough, obviously with the Puppy Derby there in mind.
I did, however, keep looking at the dog in red, Judys Bloom. Andy Heyes' bitch has been in fine form at her local track Belle Vue, winning in A1 grade there. She's posted a couple of decent trials in the past couple of weeks, however again the trap 1 draw for me isn't the best in these sprints. If she does manage to crack out, however, she wins.
17:07 - The BAGS/SIS Easter Bunny Stayers Final - Division A
My Pick: Commander Tom
I've bigged up Commander Tom in both the heats and the final, and I hope he can justify himself in this grand final! I just think that Tom has the great draw in trap 1, and if he can reproduce the sectional that he posted in his trial and opening heat, he has the class to see these off. The way I've read the race, there really isn't alot of late pace, bar the other Swindonite Juno The Boys. I do just think that Commander Tom is the best dog in the race.
One big danger is Ballybrook in trap 5. John Coleman's stayer made the field look like fools in the heats and final down at Sittingbourne. Again, the camp must've had an inkling they had something special, as they took him to Monmore for the Spring Festival. His trial time at Swindon, really you need to take about 0.2 off of his time, as he lost a bundle when he practically went out to the hare rail. Wide2 doesn't really do justice, VVVW2 would be more appropriate!
17:22 - The BAGS/SIS Easter Bunny Standard Final - Division A
My Pick: Tullna Panda - NAP
To me, Panda is the best dog in this race. Trained by Derek Knight, he posted an impressive 29.88 (for Hove 515, very good), and trialled round in an impressive 28.86 last week. He just has the makings of a winner here. He has early pace to burn (his sectional round Hove, 04.08, is blinding quick), and I think he makes all here.
The challengers in my eyes are in the form of Denwill Star and Ardmayle Mohammed. Star, trained by Jimmy Fenwick up at Newcastle, has some sparkling A1 form at the track, with regular 28.90 odd runs round there. Newcastle and Swindon are very similar gallops, so don't expect the trip to put him off. Mohammed, trained by Chris Stringer, was an impressive winner of the final here at Swindon, and is the sole wide runner in the race, which could really work in his favour. A very strong runner towards the finish, he could catch a couple of the early pace dogs off guard.
There's my picks folks, hopefully I've managed to find a couple of winners for you. If you have any comments about anything, or wish for something to be discussed, feel free to contact me on:
Email: SwindonGreyhound@gmail.com
Twitter: @SwindonRacing
Facebook: Swindon Greyhounds
Good luck to all those in the final, fingers crossed for the locals in the competition!
Happy Punting!!
Chris Watts
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