The Pin Point Recruitment Arc Final Night: Preview

So here we are, folks. After a couple of weeks of some really good racing (and a few incidents!), we've made it to the big final. A note to anyone new to the new Sky production; the program is now available to view in most major bookmakers, aswell as Sky Sports. There's no excuse to miss it! A couple of things first however;

The Card 

I'll be the first one to admit, this certainly isn't the classiest Sky card put together. Not to be detrimental to the owners, trainers and dogs involved. There just doesn't really seem to be anything that leaps off the page. If anything, it's the last two races before the big final that are the best affairs. However, this wasn't the fault of anyone in particular. I can tell you now that the puppy open only had two entries, the sprint had seven, and the stayers had the exact six. In an era where the argument for run money and prize money in general to be increased, and as such the response is to have the Sky races at £500 win, £100 others, the argument that 'prize money sells' clearly doesn't work. What is the answer to filling open races? I don't know. I certainly think that Swindon's location is now actually detrimental, whereas once it was prime estate! With the loss of Oxford, Reading and Milton Keynes, the nearest tracks are now up in the midlands, where there are tracks on the doorstep (Coventry, Nottingham, Sheffield) running regular opens for decent money. I do think that promoters (not just Swindon) have to think 'outside the box' to make the idea of open racing truly 'open' again. Make it worth the trainer's traveling. Even things such as a table for four in the restaurant (over a meal voucher), would go a long way.

One big positive to come out of the card, having had a really good look today, is that there are some great opportunities for our local trainers to be involved in some nice race wins, and get their gorgeous mug's all over the Sky cameras! What the card may be lacking in sheer quality, actually looks very competitive, so hopefully we have some decent finishes (and some decent price winners!)

'The Longwood Warrior Incident'

Yes, I've actually named the whole episode now! The one thing that, if anything has slightly grated at me during the competition, is that some very good performances by greyhounds have been overshadowed by one particular greyhound's 'antics'. I've already told you my position on last week's antics, with last Friday putting the whole debate into a completely different mind frame.

I think you've got to bare in mind, that if you run the two races where Warrior has been a bit 'Ali-esque', they're completely different races. In the first round, Warrior had the worst ride round the track ever, having to check in and out more times than an air hostess, before clammering for the rails on the run in. This week, however, I do actually think he was worse.

Before the look of shock truly sets in, let me set the scene. Last Friday, Jolly Bullseye was in auto-pilot around the 3rd and 4th bends. Admittedly, he does struggle a tad to get the Swindon 480m, however I don't think there was much doubt that he should have won the race. Warrior has ridden a great first and second bend, and is 2nd down the back. The pace he's shown to get to Bullseye is just phenomenal. However, once he's got to him, rather than cruising by, he's slammed on the brakes. Again though, he hasn't made contact, thus it doesn't warrant a DQ, but if I were his owner I'd be more naffed off about his last run than the one before, as he had every right to go past Bullseye and win comfortably. 

Pin Point Recruitment Arc Final Night Preview

So, here's a preview of all the Sky races, and the big final. Anyone following this blog will see that I actually tipped up Shaneboy Alley and Screen Critic each way, aswell as Bullseye to win. All three are in the final, so hopefully you've all got your tickets to hand!

Prices are only my opinions, and don't reflect actual prices anywhere.

19:34 - Bitches Standard
My Pick: Butts Mott

Butts Mott - 4/1
Forest Mollie - 4/1
Sharies Miller - 2/1F
Forest Dot - 6/1
Special Release - 6/1
Tarty Toes - 10/1 

A six railer race is never going to be the prettiest of affairs! The other problem aswell, is that everyone (barring Sharies in my opinion), actually really wants trap 1, so the only realistic vision on this race is the potential argy-bargy to the bend. I've gone for Butts Mott here on the ideal draw on the fence, and with her early pace I see her leading up Forest Mollie. Sharies Miller I see going off as favourite, however she's got Forest Dot on her outside who will be straight on her case. If anything, I see Sharies acting as a barrier for Mott to get round. 

19:49 - Sprint
My Pick: Guinness Sky

Forest Bracken - 4/1
Lord Save Us - 8/1
Guinness Sky - 9/4F  
Newinn Daddy - 4/1
Vindepa (Res) - 10/1
Chester Lad - 5/2

This is actually a really decent little race, with my pick narrowly going for (who I predict to be favourite) Guinness Sky. I'm a regular viewer of Hove and Coventry, and I have a good idea of how Sky and Lad run their races. To be, Lad is very hit and miss at the boxes, which obviously in a sprint is the key. However, on the bunny he's pretty fast! I've gone for Sky due to his consistant trapping ability, and his pace is superb, with a quick 16.28 Hove run on his card. 

Just a heads up to anyone playing the races at Swindon on Wednesday, do remember that the traps at Swindon are very different to what most of these greyhounds are used to. We use the roll-on curved front boxes, whereas most greyhounds are used to the flat-fronted hydraulics. This means that some could miss the kick!

20:04 - 509er (Division B)
My Pick: Stress Force

Ardkill Star - 6/1
Matties Mate - 4/1
Headleys Charley - 4/1
Gemstone Jack - 5/2J
Stress Force - 5/2J
Crusty Crab - 4/1

A highly competitive race this one, with my vote going for Carol Grasso's Stress Force. Again, as a viewer of RPGTV, I've been able to see Force on several occasions. It's safe to say that, when he's on the bunny, not alot will catch him! His times of 27.47 Henlow are lightning, and should see him in good stead here. There isn't a great deal of early pace in the race, so as long as he adapts to the track and traps, he should make all. Keep an eye out for Gemstone Jack and Matties Mate, who to me make up the forecast and tricast links in the race.

20:19 - Stayers
My Pick: Silbury Campion

Silbury Campion - 5/2
Stunning Rusty - 4/1
Airforce Harlem - 25/1
Ding Hero - 5/4F
Redhot Agent - 20/1
Navarone - 5/1

Again, another six railer affair here, and for that reason I've got to side with the red, Silbury Campion. Alan McDowell's runner is well housed here, and actually has the early pace to lead up the 2 dog on his outside. The outside runners in this one haven't had a look round, which for me is a massive issue, and could cause potential traffic problems for Ding Hero, housed in trap 4. He's the class hound of the race for sure, it's a case of whether he can escape any trouble. Do remember, it's a relatively short run to the bend over this trip, meaning that they haven't got a lot of time to sort themselves out going round the bend at full pace.

20:34 - Standard
My Pick: Scolari Express (NAP)

Scolari Express - 2/1F
Farloe Iceman - 4/1
Taranis Rex - 3/1
Bit View Micko - 6/1
Tyrur Willyjoe - 6/1
Ardmayle Player - 5/1

A classy affair this one, with Paul Sallis' Scolari Express getting my vote here. Running on debut for Paul, he's graded on with some really quick runs at Monmore, followed up with a brilliant sprint trial on Friday at Swindon. He really looked at home at the track. His Irish card is rather superb, and the draw on the fence should see him win this in style. This is a potential 'Derby-ticket greyhound'! 

20:49 - Super Stayers
My Pick - Ballymac Swift

Gemstone Billy (Res) - 4/1
Aero Rebel - 2/1
Ballymac Swift - 4/5F
Fatice Cream - 25/1
Killishin Velvet - 33/1
Culleen Catch - 12/1

Ballymac Swift, trained by John Mullins, is definitely the class act in this race. She broke the track record at Coventry on Sunday over their marathon trip, and she does seem to be running out of her skin at the moment. She has got some brilliant early pace for a marathon bitch, which puts her in good stead for this race, as she has the make up to lead and make all. She's a classy bitch, the only issue being that she will be very short in the market!

21:04 - 509er (Division A)
My Pick: Airlie Impact

Longwood Fantasy - 3/1
Ballymac Cryan - 7/2
Slippery Patch - 5/1
Tyrur Andy - 8/1
Sawpit Sensation - 4/1
Airlie Impact - 2/1F

This is a belter of a race to lead us into the big final, with my vote going for the Paul Young-trained greyhound Airlie Impact. Impact didn't run the best race in the world when he ran in the opening round of the Arc. Don't be too dis-heartened by that run, as the 480m wouldn't have really suited him, as he likes a long run up to the bend. He ran a stormer last week at Hove, clocking 29.69, and that run should put him in good stead here. To be fair, a case can be made for everyone in this race.

21:19 - THE PINPOINT RECRUITMENT ARC FINAL
My Pick: Longwood Warrior (NB)

Longwood Warrior - 6/1
Longwood Bound - 4/1
Jolly Bullseye - 5/2
Droopys Reason - 6/1
Screen Critic - 8/1
Shaneboy Alley - 7/4F

Now, I'm just going to hold my 'flame shield' up while I write this, as half of you probably think I'm bonkers! When the draw was made, as soon as the Longwood's were drawn as they are, I called Warrior the winner there and then. 

The way I've read the race is that, 1) Warrior has been dying for the rails all competition. He now has that draw, and he should make use of it. 2) Longwood Bound in trap two makes the draw perfect for him. To me, as I've said before, Bound is a dead middle runner, and should be seeded as such IMO. However, here I feel he'll act as a barrier for Warrior on the run up. He can trap, and he has the early pace to cause Bullseye some traffic problems (apologise, I don't envisage Bullseye winning this!). With Droopys Reason wanting to come inside, aswell as Shaneboy Alley potentially cutting the corner, it could be game on off the second if Warrior is there. I have seen him, back last year, ping and make all, so he has the head to trap and make all. I do honestly think that, if everything goes right for him, he has the potential to break the clock.

Having said all that, in all honesty if Shaneboy Alley traps like he did last time, it's probably game over at the bend. However, if Warrior's handy, all eyes will be on what happens coming home!

The main thing is that all runners have a good journey round. Best of luck to all the greyhounds, owners and trainers. I hope you have a great night!

Happy Punting!

Wattsy,

The Pin Point Recruitment Arc: Semi Final Preview

Well, that first round sure got people talking, eh? From start to finish there were thrills and spills, and the odd 'dodgy run in' to take a look at. The first round of The Arc is always, for me, the big highlight meeting of the year. To be honest, barring the Tyrur Andy race, the racing actually went near-enough how most people would've expected it, with most of the obvious ones (barring Farloe Warhawk, who certainly isn't firing at the moment) getting through to the semi finals. Also, the three that I advised antepost are still in!

The big performance from the meeting, in my opinion, was Ballymac Cryan. Matt Dartnall's dog ran an awesome race to finish second to Longwood Fantasy, in an almost mirror image of what happened in last year's first round. Looking at his card, this was his first run back after a long lay-off, so you've got to think that he can only improve on that run? If your on ante-post, you know you're going to get a run for your money, as he flies at the finish. I'm half expecting him to reach the final.

I couldn't write this blog without bringing up the 'Longwood Warrior' situation, which has got everybody talking. What's completely obvious to everyone is that he definitely wasn't getting on with it a couple of strides from the line. However, when watching the video in slow-motion, the two bumps that take place between Warrior and Iceman didn't involve any form of interference. In my mind, Warrior had a rubbish ride around, having to check out wide and cut back in more times than not, possibly knocking confidence. The run in, where the bumps take place, to me signal that he wanting to get in on the rail, where Iceman was having none of it. When holding a dog to their pitch on the outside, wouldn't initial instinct of the greyhound trying to cut in be that it wanting to check on the inside of them? I would also question, was it really that bad? Iceman was beat off the last bend, and if anything I'd be disappointed in Warrior as he quite clearly has pace to burn. I've certainly seen worse at some other tracks! I'm not saying that Warrior is an innocent here, as personally I think he should've been marked awkward.

Disqualification of a greyhound, in any race, should be a last resort. It's easy to forget that these dogs have cost alot of money, and have owners paying a bill. It doesn't matter if they're an A8 or a derby winner, the rules should be the same for both. DQ's should be there for the worst offenders, the ones that quite clearly have a pop. In this case, a DQ was not the answer.

One thing I would agree with the general consensus on is trying to establish consistency with regards to DQ's and Awk's. Speaking from experience, I've seen races (not just at Swindon, but other tracks aswell), where I've thought that a dog possibly should be marked and hasn't. The ultimate judgement call should be with the RM. 


Anyway, having cleared that up, here's a look at the three semi finals taking place on Friday:

15:07 - The Pin Point Recruitment Arc Semi Final 1
My Pick: Jolly Bullseye (NAP)

Reading the racecard for this race, Jolly Bullseye looks to have possibly the best draw on the card. Kevin Hutton's dog, now antepost favourite for the competition, should be able to make the most of this plot draw. He's got no early pace on his inside (Cryan), and should be able to battle with Iceman to the bend. Bullseye's pace from 2 to 3 really is what will win him big races, and is derby-esque pace. He's a class dog, and should be considered the big player in this competition.

The one thing I would say about the race, however, is that I can possibly envisage some trouble on the run up. Watching back his heat win, and more importantly the trial stake win, he's not the best trapper in the world, even though his early pace is awesome. The issue being that, if Iceman does trap, he might be in a spot of bother, with Iceman cutting in on him and possibly blocking off the run. Remember also, that Longwood Warrior will be wanting the rails too, so it could be a case of who makes the bend in front.

My forecast linker is most definitely Ballymac Cryan. As I've said up the page a bit, he ran a stormer of a race to finish second last week, and will improve on that run. If there is trouble between the inside runners, Cryan has the draw on the fence to ride out any issues and land a charge late on.

15:48 - The Pin Point Recruitment Arc Semi Final 2
My Pick: Longwood Fantasy

Colin Callow's Longwood Fantasy is my pick for this race, and potentially a good e/w bet to win the competition. Fantasy always puts in a good performance, and did just that in the first round, clocking the fastest time of the heats. He's got an ideal draw in this race, with no pace around him he should be able to scoot clear early and hold off any late charges. He's a quality dog on the bunny, and I don't think the market really does him justice for just how good this dog is. Remember, he was in the Laurels final two years ago, runner up to a certain Eden Star.

My forecast link in this race is Kevin Hutton's Screen Critic. Critic landed an eye-catching win in the opening heat last week, on debut against a good field. He made it late to go by Iceman (but do remember, it was Farloe Iceman he was getting by!) and ran on well to clock 28.67. In this race, I think the draw really works in his favour. Reviewing the racing from last week, Shaneboy Alley (on his direct inside), really cut the bend from trap 6, which is potentially a hazardous move. Thus, Critic should have a plot solo on the outside. I do think this is a harder race than last week for him, however after his first and only run here in the UK, you've got to think that he can only improve.

16:47 - The Pin Point Recruitment Arc Semi Final 3
My Pick: Bridge Ruth (NB)

I'm rooting for what I think will be a decent price winner in this race, in the form of Bridge Ruth. Trained by Mark Wallis, Ruth has some seriously good form over in Ireland, and hasn't exactly been a slouch over here either. She's taking her time to settle to Swindon, however I feel she ran a very good race last week against an impressive Tyrur Andy, and can only improve on that run. 

The draw in this race has also been very kind to her. She's got Slippery Patch on her outside, who will be diving for the rails as soon as the lids rise. However, on his inside is Longwood Bound, who in my opinion should have a middle tag on him, and trap 4 does look to be his ideal trap. He'll keep a straight line to the bend, causing potential traffic problems for Patch, giving Ruth a solo on the outside of the railers to get round. I'd expect her to lead off the 2nd and assert down the back.

For the forecast link, I've gone for the consistant Droopys Reason. Seamus Cahill's dog has some decent lines of form on his card, without actually winning a race recently! He's got a good draw on the fence, with Ballymac Arkle on his outside moving middle, he should find that he has a solo up the fence. He's a class dog, and is one to watch as the dark horse to win this competition.

Best of luck to everyone involved in the semi finals of the Arc. Remember, the final is next Wednesday, live on Sky!

Happy Punting!

Wattsy,  
     

   
 

The Pinpoint Recruitment Arc: Preview

Well, after a seemingly long run in, we're finally here! The Pinpoint Recruitment Arc starts this Friday afternoon, and we have 6 cracking heats and an overall superb competition on offer. 

59 greyhounds entered the competition, which unfortunately meant that we had the awful task of not accepting 24 of them. It really isn't a nice job to do, especially as everyone is so equal in ability, with pro's and con's for most entries. I must say that this competition, with the entry it did get, would've worked really well as a 48 dog stake this year. Alas, never mind. The final 36 have been found, and I'm very happy with what's on the card.

I've literally just seen the ante-post prices, and to me there doesn't seem to be any real 'ricks' in the market. Farloe Warhawk is a very worthy favourite. However, my tip to win the competition is Jolly Bullseye. I really rate this dog, and the first round draw looks to suit. The only snag with this competition is the large amount of railers in it, which could really play into your ante-post selections. Personally, I would play a couple of e/w selections that are seeded. My selections are Shaneboy Alley and Screen Critic. I'll talk more about these though in the upcoming race preview:

15:28 - The Pinpoint Recruitment Arc (Heat 1)

My Pick: Screen Critic (NB)
My Trio - 6,2,3

The first heat then really hits home this seeding bias. 5 railers go to post here, with all them being true railers (sometimes you may find a rails runner that would actually prefer 2/3). The other issue is that there is a ton of early pace on the inside, alas I can't really fathom what's going to lead up out of these. For these reasons, I'm going for Screen Critic. Kevin Hutton's charge is on debut here after a seriously fast set of grading trials. He comes here out of the Clonmel Unraced Stakes, and looks to have some serious pace on the outside. He's the sole wide seed here, meaning (hopefully) a clean passage round the outside. He's 33/1 ante-post, and to me that's a cracking price.

As for the other runners, it's a case of trying to make sense of what will lead. I think, out of all the railers, Calico Classic might have a nice draw, because he's paceless to the bend, and he might miss any trouble. Longwood Warrior has the potential to blitz this field, however he's had a very in-different start to the year. Butts Mott has some good early speed, however this is a step up in class from graded company. Lenson Peter has some cracking form at Sittingbourne, however he might struggle to lead round, which seems to be the key to his race.

The other local hopeful, Farloe Iceman, has a well and truly pants draw. Out in trap 5 definitely isn't where he wants to be. Fingers crossed he can get round and qualify for the Swindon faithful!

15:48 - The Pinpoint Recruitment Arc (Heat 2)

My Pick: Jolly Bullseye (NAP)
My Trio: 2,6,5

 Jolly Bullseye should land this race in style, and he's my pick to pick up the Arc crown this year. Another pick for Kevin Hutton, Bullseye has a real plot draw here, with the 1 dog not being the best trapper in the world, he can get on the fence early and asset from the back straight. I can't see anything in this race living with him, so there shouldn't be a worry of anything nabbing him on the line. I'm a massive fan of this dog, and he's already on my slip for the Derby this year!

Looking at the other runners, a big player here could well be Any Dak. Hazel Kemp's runner from Henlow has some cracking form round the Bedford circuit, with some really good times (a recent 27.42). However, the issue with him is that you know your fate rather early. If he fluffs the break, it's basically game over. One thing though, is that if and when he does break, it will take a serious animal to catch him. He's one to watch in this race.

In terms of the 3rd qualifying position, it's a real battle as there isn't a lot in it! Ardkill Star has some decent 575m Romford form, and the latest 27.68 trial is flying at Hove. Britania Ardbeg, before going lame, was on a 5 timer at Hove over 515m. Ken Tester's greyhound is a real consistent sort, and could potentially be a player in this race. Tulligoline, for the McNair camp, has some serious pace (even though his form book is rather in-different). Gemstone Jack is also a live wire late on, and he's beaten some seriously good dogs recently round Hove.

16:08 - The Pinpoint Recruitment Arc (Heat 3)

My Pick: Fire Height Spec

My Trio: 2,3,6

I really feel for Barry Draper here! 3 dogs all in the same race! Never mind. I'm going with what will possibly be priced as the 2nd or 3rd favourite here, in the form of Fire Height Spec. This dog is a serious machine on the bunny, and really flew round in his recent trial at Swindon. From what I saw, he took the bends like he'd run the track all his life. It really was a superb first run, and if anything you have to think he could improve on that look. Also, with the Warhawk being in the race, he could be a very respectable price!

Of course, most eyes here are going to be on Farloe Warhawk. He's a good favourite for both this race, and the competition in general. The trapdraw, although not favourable here, could become something of nothing if he blasts out like we know he can. His trial time, although very respectable, should be taken with a slight dabble of salt, as I've never been to impressed with the Warhawk on slow going. Fortunately, the forecast for Friday is much better! I'll go out on a limb and say, if he gets round the bend in front, the track record will go. 

Again the case with the other runners is that it's seriously difficult to pick between them! Benkaat Blue, one of two representing Mark Wallis here, always seems to put in a decent run when it matters, and should be seriously considered in any forecast/tricast combinations. Ballymac Arkle, Mr. Draper's  arguable third string here, needs to now step up to the big leagues after his 7 length romp up at Monmore in the 'Eggstravaganza' (and there was me hoping I would NEVER have to type that word again!). Tyrur Andy, representing John Mullins, is a really consistant sort who could be a contender. Bridge Ruth, Mark Wallis' other charge, is a really classy bitch, however her form does seem to have dwindled a tad in recent months. On debut, she was romping up in 29.60's at Hove for fun. She'll have to find that sort of form again, sooner rather than later, to live with this field.

16:27 - The Pinpoint Recruitment Arc (Heat 4)
My Pick: Longwood Fantasy
My Trio: 3,2,6

This is a real toughie of a race. I've just edged towards Longwood Fantasy as my pick. Trained by (one of the nice guys of greyhound racing!) Colin Callow, Fantasy is a consistent sort of dog. He's been to multiple finals, and has run (and beat) the best around. Here, I think the draw will really suit. My thinking is that the inside two are lacking a run or two in fitness, and aren't the quickest away, whilst he can also lead Micko up on his outside. Fantasy is a dog that, when on the bunny, he really does his best running. Also, I think he could be a decent price, given the company he's keeping in this one.

Ballymac Cryan also really takes the eye. The defending Arc champion, Matt Dartnall's charge has come back in style, posting 28.50 in a recent trial. The one thing that's stopping me from bigging him up too much is the lack of racing he's had. They tried a stint last year over 695m at Hove, which clearly didn't work. I believe then, after his 515m race back in December, he picked up an injury. As such, he might be one or two runs short of full match fitness, and that has to be a concern in a 3-round competition.

Be Real, trained by Dave Mullins, was a seriously class dog last year. He's the winner of the Peterborough Puppy Derby from last year, and he also got to the Henlow Gold Cup final, posting regular 27.50's there in the process. 2013 hasn't been the best of year's thus far for him. He's got some real hit-and-miss form at Romford over 575m, couple in with a few trials over various distances. The problem with him, is that it's really hard to place a trip against his name. I feel he will be suited to this 480m, the problem is the rather lackluster trial on Tuesday.

Bit View Micko, trained by Corren Price, has some really good form on his book. He's a finalist from last year, and has gone on to win several OR's, including taking the Track Record at Nottingham for their 480m trip. He's beaten some of the top dogs around on his road to the Arc, and shouldn't be underestimated.

Airlie Impact is a serious contender in this race, and is certainly worth keeping in mind in any forecast/tricast combinations. Paul Young's charge will be there or there abouts on the run in. The issue with him is that he runs rather wide off the last bend (though certainly not as wide as he runs at Hove!)

Lenson Champ has to be considered in calculations for this race. Tony Collett's Juvenile runner has some smart form at Sittingbourne and Hove, winner the Puppy Trophy at the south-coast track last year. He trialled rather well, and he could be a threat on the outside, considering the lack of pace on his inside.

16:47 - The Pinpoint Recruitment Arc (Heat 5)
My Pick: Bridge Bandit
My Trio: 2-1-4
 
I'm running out of ways to say that this is a tight race! Another cracking race is on offer here, with cases being made for any of the 6 to win this race. Once again, the draw's really going to come into play, with 5 railers in this heat.

My pick, however, goes with Mark Wallis' Bridge Bandit. This son of Droopys Kewell is an ultra consistent sort, beating the best around in races at multiple tracks. He's really game, and this tough 480m gallop is ideal for him. His trial was pretty decent, however I feel he can improve on that somewhat. I also feel he's been helped out in the draw slightly, as trap 2 is his ideal trap. The only problem will possibly be meeting the 1 dog at the bend.

One has to note how seriously unlucky Taranis Rex is in this race. Arguably, he's the one railer in the race that could actually do with trap 1! Hopefully he can ping the lids and get across, but it's a big ask. Fingers crossed he gets in the qualifying positions, as it's a really great comeback story with Rexy, one that's still going strong.  

The way that the race is made up actually makes this a good race. To me, Sharies Miller really isn't out of place in trap 4, and I'm a long believer that she should be seeded middle. She has a decent draw here, with Droopys Reason being in trap 3 (roughly also where he wants to be). It's not that I can envisage trouble, but Rex will definitely be moving in onto the inside runners.

The pitfalls of the trap draw could potentially work in the favour of Tyrur Willyjoe. John Mullins' charge ran a decent trial stake last time at Swindon, beating Droopys Reason in the race. This 480 is right up his street, and he could be sitting comfortable on the outside, so long as he swoops at the right time. He's one you have to watch at the finish. One thing is that, the last time at Coventry, he completely fluffed the boxes, so I'm just hoping he doesn't do the same again! 

17:07 - The Pinpoint Recruitment Arc (Heat 6)
My Pick: Castlebride Dan
My Trio: 5-6-3

This final race is a cracking race, and one that is open to opinion. I'm siding with the Coventry track record holder, Castlebride Dan. Potentially capping off a good day for Mr Wallis, Dan looks to be a dog that runs a track first time up, and he has the early pace to lead and make all here. His form at Coventry is excellent, however he'll need to replicate that to be an Arc contender, and bringing form from another track isn't guaranteed! The draw here looks to be ideal, with the four railers on his inside and the 6 being high-wide-and-handsome.

My big Ante-post pick is Shaneboy Alley. Alley, running for the McNair camp, has graded on in some seriously fast times, replicating his awesome Irish form. Again, the benefit for Alley is that he's a wide runner, in a very rails-orientated competition. He can only improve on his trials aswell.

Looking at the other runners, Longwood Bound looks to have a chance here. Colin Callow's runner has some freakish pace to the corner, however he has yet to really show it in competitive racing. My worry also is that he moved off slightly last time out, so hopefully he doesn't cause any traffic problems!

Afewdollarsmore, Chris Allsopp's only runner, needs to start picking up some good race form to be competitive in this sort of competition. He's got some smart Irish lines, and his trials are certainly pacey enough. However, his race form thus far isn't up to standard in my eyes.

Downton Flyer runs here for Matt Dartnall, and looks a potential Arc winner. He's got pace to burn, and can't seem to do anything wrong recently, picking up a good A1 win, then topping that with a superb trial stake win last week. Scope in class shows that he's now running with some exceptional greyhounds, thus he has to up his game to live with these. However, I'm confident he can, though I'd be more confident about his Produce Stakes chances this year!

Jazz Apollo comes back to Swindon in trap 4. After making the final last year, he's still running at top form, posting a very quick 29.19 at Coventry last time out. The problem here is the draw, as he's placed on the outside of the railers. Still, his class could prevail here.

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Apologise for possibly rabbiting on a bit there, however I hope you enjoyed the read. One things for sure, this year's competition genuinely looks to be the classiest Arc we've had.

One new thing that I'm looking to bring in is a 'Challenge Wattsy' competition. On this blog, I'll put my tips up on a certain meeting against someone elses, with the winner being the one with the biggest profit (on a £1 stake) on the night. I figure it could be a bit of a laugh! Anyone wanting to give it a go, do let me know.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the first round of the Arc. Remember, you can go along to any bookmaker shop to watch, and the racetimes are what's been posted above.

Happy Punting!

Wattsy,