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,