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
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
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.
-------
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,
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.
-------
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,
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