The Produce Stakes Final + Supporting Opens

Well, we're at the final stage. It doesn't seem like a day ago we were starting the competition, and now we're already at the end. I think the competition has been quality this year, and although the final isn't perhaps what people thought it would be, I think it's a real head scratcher of a race. There are also 4 other supporting opens that I'll be taking a look at.


19:57 - The SwindonGreyhounds.com Puppy Standard
My Pick: Forest Ronaldo


I'm going to be honest, this is a pretty weak race. For this reason, Forest Ronaldo to me is a stand out winner here. His most recent runs have been awesome, especially the 29.40 at Coventry, which would eclipse most dogs round there at the moment. He's got the red box, and with Paul Foster's other runner a slow starter in two, he'll get a dream run up the rail and win comfortably.


For the places, I'm looking at Hey Diego. Kevin Hutton's dog ran well in the first heat of the Produce Stakes, and really is the only runner with any form of consistent early pace. Also, the 28.98 time would be enough to beat the other runners in this race.


As for the other runners, Sharp Exit has a pretty good trial time for such a youngster, however she hasn't really shown much in racing. I would think she'd be better off going back to graded just to learn her craft. Izzy Handsome in three is a Poole raider, with a pretty swift 26.89 on his card. However, the time hasn't really stood up as he's been beaten in his last two A2's. Canigetawordin looks very much outclassed and out-drawn here, and should be a double figure price. Dead Nick has run really well here in inter-tracks, however this is a different class.


My Pick: 1-5-6 NAP


20:13 - The Stadiauk.com 509er
My Pick: Westmead Adonis


Quite a hard race this one really, but the class of Westmead Adonis should be much greater than the other runners in this. Perfectly drawn in trap one, Nick Savva's charge should win this comfortably, however don't expect much of a price!


Half the difficulty with this race is trying to fathom who's going to get a run as the wide runner. My pick goes with Crusty Crab. Ray Jones' dog is the track record holder and still has good form over this trip. He'll be wanting to avoid the early toe of Forest Bonjo. 


To be fair, you can make a case of any of the rest of the field for the places, but to me there's no denying the winner!


My Pick: 1-5-6 NB


20:45 - The Book Six Packs at Stadiauk.com Standard
My Pick: Barnish Booth


Pretty easy race to fathom this one. To me, the rails seeds are literally all over the shot, as no one has their boxes. You'd be wanting to see Midnight in 1, Atlas in 2, Ells in 3 and Hernandez in 4. Instead, they're all over the place, and to be honest I can envisage some trouble on the inside. Hence I'm siding with Barnish Booth. I watched him at Oxford, and he ran a stormer to get 2nd from what seemed a horrible position. He showed good track craft to cut inside at the bend, then move out (I like a dog to have a good racing head). He seems very well drawn here aswell, as the 4 will move in, giving him all the room to get to the bend.


For the place, I'm going to go for a fairly big price runner in Bright Ells. Derrick Davy's runner has put in some very decent runs, and is progressing nicely into a good minor open class bitch. If she can hold her rails position somewhat, she could find herself lying in a decent position, and as she can run on strongly, could be there or thereabouts.


As for the other runners, Hernandez is a dog that, in all honesty, you can't ever back with confidence. If he wants to, he can romp up against this field, however he's not really putting in the runs as of late. Distant Midnight is a Poole raider who posted 26.87 last time out. Again, the trap draw is a bit of a nightmare. Westmead Atlas isn't exactly the best runner in this field, and will be a fairly big price, along with his poor trap draw. Fatboyz Pacquiao is always going to do well here being the sole wide runner, however its a question of whether he's up for the run.


My Pick: 5-1-2


21:17 - The Book The Paddock Bar Stayers
My Pick: Twisted Soul


Cracking race this one, a real belter. I've sided with Twisted Soul in this one. Soul, who has had a few looks round Swindon before, has been storming around Coventry, posting a fab 41.82. She has that kick of early to get to a decent position, but runs on like a steam train. In this race, the fact she's such a strong stayer will be key, as there will be alot of early pace to contend with.


The obviously early in the race will come from Wise Totty. Totty, a recent winner at Poole over their marathon trip, excels over these extended trips, and has some decent runs under her belt. A track record holder at Poole, Totty, I think, will dictate the early pace in this race, it's just a question of whether she can hold off the charges of the other strong runners.


If the early doesn't come from Totty, then no doubt it could come from Fabulous Time or Five Alley Pub. For Time, this is her first time over this trip, and she looks like she could stay quite well. It's a different ball game to 4 bends, however, and she'll need to be in a decent position early, as I can't envisage her coming from behind against the likes of Twisted Soul. 


Five Alley Pub has been running very well round Oxford, coming from an impossible position last time and running on well. I reckon this boy could get a short 8 bends with the way he stays so well. If he manages to lead up or get somewhere near, he could be difficult to peg back. 


Fabulous Shanty is also worth a mention. She got to the final of the Coral Regency (however was withdrawn lame), and has been running on well in the heats at Swindon. I don't really think she wants trap 1, and she could be had for early pace by the 2 and the 3.


My Pick: 5-3-2


21:49 - The 66th Two Year Old British Bred Produce Stakes Final
My Pick - Peacemaker


What a tough final to fathom! There's a fair few factors to take in here, however I've sided with John Millard's Peacemaker. This son of Daves Mentor won well in both the opening heat and the semi final, seemingly getting on the bunny and staying there. The way I've read the race is that the 3 dog will move over to the rails early, which could spell problems for the 1 and 2. I feel, after watching his runs, that Peacemaker could stay fairly middle from 4, and thus could get to the bend in a handy position. From here, producing 28.60 runs as he does, he should be able to assert and win.


Saying that, I feel the race to the first bend will be won by Chilli Hot Sauce. The local runner will no doubt be a double digit price in this race, however her early pace is phenomenal, and you never know, if there was a fair bit of trouble and she scoots clear, she could go close. One fear is that she does cut the first bend quite badly, which, if matched for early with Wilson, could cause her to get into bother.


Wilson is another big runner in this race. The youngest of the field, Wilson has some cracking early pace, however his times haven't been the best in his most recent races. Off the first bend, I feel it'll be a race on between 4 and 5.


If you're looking for a running on sort, then look no further than Bubbly Swallow. Nick Savva's bitch ran on strong against Blackband Scamp on Wednesday, and, so long as she can get a clear run from the 2 and the 3 who will want the rails, she can be there or there abouts.


It's a cracking final, and well done to all the finalists for getting there. 


My Pick: 4-5-1

The Produce Stakes - Semi Finals

The final stages of this competition have come round extremely quickly, as we're now down to the final 18 greyhounds. 


The highlight of the second round for me was the performance of Brizzle Blue. The way he kicked away off the 3rd bend to win by 6 lengths or so in 28.28 was mindblowing, and a real uplift to have a local dog do so well. I've followed Blue since his first trials at Swindon, and I liked the look of him then. He's matured into a really good dog, so here's hoping he can make the final!


Of course there are two other Swindon greyhounds in the semi finals aswell, with Kevin Hutton fielding Chilli Hot Sauce and Gemstone Jack. Admittedly Jack hasn't been treated very well at all by the draw, as he's in the hardest heat of the lot. Chilli, on the other hand, I think has a squeak in her race. 


Here's my preview then of the Semi Finals. Remember, it's the first two through.


20:07: Semi Final 1


My Pick - Wilson


Romeo Gallant - 8/1
Benkaat Blue - 5/2
Westmead Atlas - 7/2
Watch Matt - 14/1
Wilson - 7/4
Chilli Hot Sauce - 10/1


Betting Percentage - 114%


Most definitely the easier of the three heats this one, however it does have its positives and negatives. Wilson, who was really impressive in the opening round, has a much easier task of it in this race compared to the second round, and he should beat these rivals comfortably. Watch Matt in 4 means he should get a clear passage to the bend, and his class should prevail from there.


For the places its going to very much depend on the run to the bend. The way the trap draw has worked out means that Watch Matt, a railer who seems to move off slightly and cut in, could cause some traffic problems for those runners on the inside. Due to this, you have to say that Chilli Hot Sauce could be a big runner on the wide outside. Kevin Hutton's bitch has shown some excellent early speed, and if she can kick on with Wilson and there's some trouble on the inside, then she could qualify here.


I will, however, be siding with Benkaat Blue for the other qualifying place. Although he hasn't really set the track alight, Mark Wallis' Puppy Derby finalist has the class on paper, and if he can reproduce near his best then he can get to the £15,000 final.


My Pick: 5-2-3


20:22: Semi Final 2


My Pick: Teena Marina


Blackband Scamp - 16/1
Bubbly Swallow - 4/1
Romeo You Decide - 1/1
Teena Marina - 5/2
Lowdown - 10/1
Hedsor Arthur - 8/1


Betting Percentage - 124.7%


Competitive race this one, with the race really being between traps 3 and 4. Dave Firmager's Romeo You Decide ran really well to beat Bubbly Swallow last time out, posting a good time aswell. However, the fear for me is that the quick run might catch him out (as it could any runner to be honest), and on the run in, I feel he could be picked up by Teena Marina. I've been really impressed with this bitch, and Andy's Clarke's runner is the one I'd be siding with to win this. 5/2 in the second round was a really good price, and with the runners in this race she should be more of the same.


Bubbly Swallow is obviously a player in any race. Nick Savva's bitch is more prolific over 6 bends, however she has shown to be game over 4 bends. You can expect her to be running on very strong, especially to possibly catch out the ping-gone antics of Romeo You Decide.


My Pick: 4-3-2



20:37: Semi Final 3


My Pick: Brizzle Blue


Peacemaker - 5/1
Johnny Kwango - 6/1
Romeo Recruit - 6/1
Westmead Adonis - 1/1
Gemstone Jack - 33/1
Brizzle Blue - 5/2


Betting Percentage - 126.8%


Now this race was really hard to price up, I don't envy any compiler or bookie in this race, as I just couldn't really get my head around it. It's a cracking race, worthy of being the final in fact. The unfortunate thing is that only two of these go through.


I'm obviously siding with our good local shot Brizzle Blue. Alan McDowell's dog has the perfect trap draw in trap 6, and has that kick of early to live with the likes of Romeo Recruit. The true test will be if there is a battle down the back straight against one of the more seasoned OR campaigners like Westmead Adonis. Obviously against Adonis, it would be tough to match him stride for stride. However, the way the inside trap draw is made up, I can see there being some trouble for the railers in this race.


Unfortunately, I think Gemstone Jack is a bit outclassed in this race, which is a shame really, as in any of the other heats he would've had a cracking chance. 


For the other places, obviously Westmead Adonis is going to be a big player in this race. However, the way the trap draw has come out has made things difficult. In my opinion, even though he's drawn as a railer, Peacemaker wants to be moreso in trap 3 rather than on the rails, so he could turn right out of the boxes. Johnny Kwango, for me, ran either very green or didn't really want to go by last week, however he's proven he has the speed when he's on the bunny.


My Pick: 6-4-2




Good luck to all those with semi finalists, and fingers crossed all the greyhounds come home safe and sound. Keep an eye out on the twitter feed, @SwindonRacing, for the trap draw for the final, which I should think will be done on the night,


Happy Punting!


Chris Watts,

The Produce Stakes - 2nd Round

So, we're down to 36 in the 66th running of the British Bred Produce Stakes, and this year's already thrown up some suprise packages.


The 1st round is always a bit of a strange one, as there are so many short price favourites. This might not be everybody's cup of tea, however if you're willing to bet big, or do several multiple bets, to be honest it should be hard to lose on that opening round. It's the next couple of rounds that'll sort the dogs from the greyhounds, as the short gaps are sure to hit the ones that need the rest.


Anywho, I'll actually preview the races this time around rather than pricing up. It seems if I was a bookie I was a tad generous on some of the races! 


Heat 1: 20:30
My Pick: Wilson


Very difficult race to fathom this one, as there are a couple of stand outs, however I've sided with Wilson. This son of Ballymac Maeve showed some superb early pace to lead up comfortably last time, and romped up by over 12 lengths to win in 28.64. I tweeted on the night (@SwindonRacing) that this was performance of the night, and I still stand by that. The only thing in this race is that the opposition is classier, so it might not get everything his way. However, as I see it, he's getting to the bend in front and I think he'll be hard to catch.


For the places, obviously you'd be looking at both Dave Firmager's Romeo You Decide and Nick Savva's Bubbly Swallow. With the way the weather is at the moment (a massive factor to look at is bias, and what is staying on etc), I'd be siding with Swallow to pick up the 2nd, just due to the face that she runs on so strongly, and on slow going, I'd be siding with running on dog.


My Pick: 5-2-3


Heat 2: 20:45
My Pick: Westmead Adonis


I know its not exactly original, but how can you not fancy Adonis in this race. Arguably, this race is actually easier than the first round, so expect the same sort of price again. Nick Savva's dog is the sure favourite to win the competition and rightfully so.


For the places, Benkaat Blue could give Adonis a run for early pace. Mark Wallis' greyhound is a Puppy Derby finalist at Monmore, so has that big race experience. He went well in his first race, admittedly not posting the best time, but has room for improvement. Adonis is sure to catch him out in the staying department, however.

My Pick: 2-4-3


Heat 3: 21:00
My Pick: Johnny Kwango


Again I think this is a case of the 2nd round being easier than the first round. Kwango opened his account nicely by posting the fastest time of the heats, and he can make it 2 from 2 here. Andy Clarke's dog could be the one to watch in this competition.


For the places, I'm looking at Smack A Rooner. Alan McDowell's bitch ran well against Tina Marina, and showed good pace into the bend. More of the same could see her qualify well. Romeo Gallant is one to watch aswell, as he's bound to improve from the first race round Swindon.


My Pick: 2-6-4


Heat 4: 21:15
My Pick: Brizzle Blue


One of my favourites is proving to be the local hopeful in this competition! Blue ran really well in his heat, posting a good 28.82. In this race, he's the sole wide seed, and with the 5 being such a sharp railer, I can see him getting the cleanest run of the lot and winning this race.


Obviously, the 5 dog, Romeo Recruit was class in winning his heat, however the trap draw is a bit of a nightmare. Recruit will need to pace up well and get round that first bend to get on terms here.


My Pick: 6-5-2


Heat 5: 21:30
My Pick: Teena Marina


Teena Marina can make it a quick fire double for trainer Andy Clarke here. Marina ran a decent race in beating Bubbly Swallow by 1/2 length, but I think she needed the couple of looks round, as she's looked a tad green to the track. She can come on from that first win, and I'd expect a decent time from her. 


In what is a decent race, the places are going to be a battle and a half. I think Peacemaker can do well once again in this race. John Millard's dog is two from two here at Swindon, and is pacing up really well in his races. If he traps like he did last week, then he'll be tough to beat. Fabulous Shanty is my other qualifier for Dave Firmager. Shanty ran on like a steam train last week, and will be there or there abouts.


My Pick: 5-2-4


Heat 6: 21:45
My Pick: Hedsor Arthur


Hedsor Arthur, trained by Mal Cumner, looks to have a plum draw here as the sole wide seed. A tough race to fathom out in all honesty, Arthur just seems to have that consistency round Swindon, and should win or be there abouts to the drop.


Local hope Gemstone Jack could run a big race here, having won his heat on Saturday. Kevin Hutton's dog did hit a bit of crowding at the first bend last week, and needs to get some clear runs under his belt in my opinion. 


My Pick: 6-5-1

The 66th 2 Year Old British Bred Produce Stakes 1st Round

Well, it's here folks, the opening round of the Produce Stakes. We have a total of 61 heading to post on Saturday, with the overall number of entries being significantly down on previous years. Here's my preview of all 12 heats, plus a rough guide to what, in my opinion, the prices should be. Remember folks, these prices are only a guide! 

Heat 1: 

Landslide - 8/1 

Romeo You Decide - 4/1 

Watch Charlie - 33/1 

Westmead Adonis - 1/5 

Mountjoy Eagle - 10/1 

VACANT 

Westmead Adonis should absolute romp up in this field, and you could expect a much shorter price than the quoted 1/5. Adonis is a derby finalist, and Nick Savva's dog has really taken to the track well. I think Romeo You Decide will run a big race for 2nd. Dave Firmager's dog was fancied for the Gymcrack before getting knocked out, and he looked to trial really well on Tuesday, posting a calc. 28.83. 

My Pick: 4-2-1 

Heat 2: 

Romeo Gallant - 7/1 

Westmead Armour - 9/4 

Caribbean Belle - 50/1 

Johnny Kwango - 4/6 

VACANT 

Hedsor Florence - 16/1 

Johnny Kwango, runner for the Kinsley - based Andy Clarke, hasn't got any racing form as yet, however has posted some very decent times, including a 25.39 at Peterborough and a 28.63 here at Swindon on Tuesday. Kwango should get the early run on his rivals, and should romp up fairly comfortably here. His closest rival will be Westmead Armour. Nick Savva's charge is more suited to a longer trip, but has posted a 28.71 in a trial, and shouldn't be sniffed at. Betting wise, I'd rather bet Armour at a good price rather than Kwango at a much shorter price. 

My Pick: 4-2-1 

Heat 3: 

Caribbean Moon - 25/1 

Questhousesavana - 5/4 

Hey Rodrigo - 25/1 

Romeo Contender - 7/4 

Canigetawordin - 16/1 

VACANT 

A toughie to pick from in this race really, the obvious choices are the 2 and the 4, but realistically it's a pretty poor race. I think the 2 can just edge it on it's Monmore times, but it wouldn't be a race I'd be betting. 

My Pick: 2-4-5 

Heat 4: 

Uh Oh Chongo - 1/2 

Watch Matt - 12/1 

Fabulous Shanty - 5/2 

Tseal - 8/1 

Caribbean Ruby - 33/1 

VACANT 

Could be an interesting heat this. On paper, the 1 dog should go off as favourite, but with the way the weather is at the moment, I'd be taking a price on the 3 dog. Fabulous Shanty is a Regency finalist (was withdrawn from the final) and has some decent 695m Hove times. This race all depends on how far clear Chongo goes. 

My Pick: 3-1-4 

Heat 5: 

Gemstone Annie - 7/2 

Julies Vision - 8/1 

Stitched - 7/2 

Gemstone Jack - 11/4 

VACANT 

Chilli Hot Sauce - 5/2 

Toughest betting heat on the card in my opinion. In this race I think Chilli can make the most of the inside berth being vacant, he has the early pace to shoot clear here. To me the only worry is if Gemstone Jack gets a good run and picks him up. The unfortunate side to this heat is that a Swindon dog has to be knocked out! 

My Pick: 6-4-3 

Heat 6: 

Benkaat Blue - 1/3 

Silbury Bugle - 8/1 

Caribbean Star - 12/1 

Hedsor Tabatha - 10/1 

VACANT 

Landing - 3/1 

Again, a relatively easy heat this for Mark Wallis' Benkaat Blue. The Monmore Puppy Derby Finalist has been off for a while, but trialled well on Tuesday. The only question about him is whether he'll stay Swindon's 480 against some of the stronger running dogs later on in the competition. 

My Pick: 1-6-3 

Heat 7: 

Bubbly Swallow - 9/4 

Westmead Aouita - 2/1 

Midfield - 25/1 

Teena Marina - 6/4 

Hedsor Henry - 33/1 

Smack A Rooner - 16/1 

Finally a 6 dog race! My thinking in this race is that the reputations of both 1 and 2 are pretty big, meaning they're going to be shorter than what they're true market value should be. Swallow is a true 6 bend dog, whereas Aouita, in all honesty, ran a very poor race last time. Because of this, I think Teena Marina has a great chance through the middle. She trialled well posting 28.80, and has form behind Farloe Tango. 

My Pick: 4-1-2

Heat 8:

Silbury Campion - 7/2 

Millwards Impact - 3/1 

VACANT 

Ring The Alarm - 10/3 

Hedsor Robbie - 10/1 

Brizzle Blue - 2/1 

Brizzle Blue is one of my favourite dogs at the track, and has been trialling really well. He's been showing a kick of early, and he stays the 480 very strong, so has the all round package. He's my pick to win this race at a good price, and is the local I'd be following. 

My Pick: 6-2-1 

Heat 9: 

The Highlander - 12/1 

Is It My Turn - 8/1 

Grazeley June - 12/1 

Wilson - 4/6 

VACANT 

Hedsor Amelia - 5/2 

In terms of quality, it's not exactly the best race you'll ever see. I've given the thumbs up to Wilson, who has been very consistent in trials. Henlow form translates really well, and 27.91 Henlow is a pretty good time for a youngster. He should win this with ease. 

My Pick: 4-2-6 

Heat 10: 

Watch Sophie - 33/1 

Westmead Athena - 5/2 

Lowdown - 4/1 

VACANT 

Hedsor Arthur - 1/1 

Livingona Prayer - 100/1 

A bit of a headscratcher this one, but I think Hedsor Arthur gets the pick. He's a strong running sort, but he's seen the track plenty of times, and will see the 480 trip out well. I've been a touch disappointed with Westmead Athena in trials, as I think, as an A1 bitch from Henlow, she could go faster. She may be saving her best run for this race!! 

My Pick: 5-2-3 

Heat 11: 

Westmead Atlas - 2/1 

Julies Protector - 33/1 

Pristine Goddess - 12/1 

Caribbean Rose - 66/1 

Peacemaker - 4/7 

VACANT 

My winning NB from last Saturday, Peacemaker, should be able to pace up and get round in front in this race. He's a big strong runner of a dog, who's already got a 28.79 on his card. His only rival is Westmead Atlas, who has some decent Henlow times, but didn't really make much of an impression in the open last Saturday. 

My Pick: 5-1-3 

Heat 12: 

Romeo Recruit - 2/5 

Blackband Scamp - 11/4 

Julies Miracle - 8/1 

VACANT TRAP 

McGahon Mischief - 50/1 

Hey Diego - 20/1 

The easy winner in this for me is Dave Firmager's Romeo Recruit. He's had a quick look in a sprint, but he has a good record over 480, posting consistant sub 29's at Wimbledon, which will win this race easy. 

My Pick: 1-2-6 

There's my picks for the Produce then guys, fingers crossed it's a good competition and all the dogs come home safe. 

Happy Punting!! 

Chris Watts,

Open Races for Saturday 30th June

G'day again all, welcome to another edition of my ramblings. 

The open race book is a little full now, considering we've got opens near on every week, and what with the Produce Stakes coming up, its pretty hectic at the moment. The draw for the Produce Stakes should be out in the middle of next week. On last count there was around 68 entries, so there is no need for the elimination trials on Tuesday. This number is obviously down a bit from last year, however, as you will see when the draw is out, I think the overall quality is actually very good this year. 

Anyway, I'll natter more about the produce when it comes to it. Saturday sees 4 opens grace the sand, and here's my preview of the races: 

19:57 - The Blunsdon 480 Puppy 

My Pick: Peacemaker - NB

This is a pretty hot puppy race, with Ballymac Wander jumping off the page at you to start with, after winning the Puppy Oaks at Nottingham. However, I do have to query the seeding here. She has comments of Middle and MidW, yet is seeded rails? Seem's very perculiar to me, which leads me to my pick, Peacemaker. He's coming on very nicely for John Millard, having run round gallops such as Coventry and Sittingbourne. He also comes here with a trial (is a Produce pup). The line at Coventry is very telling, I was there that day, and he was seriously unlucky to get crowded out on the third bend. Since then, he's picked up a win at Sittingbourne, and did a very good 29.13 getting beat last time. Being the sole railer, he should get a clear to the bend, and with his early pace he should win this. 

Forest Ronaldo is a big player in this race aswell. Paul Foster's pup has run really well in the last two A1 wins against some very good dogs. He's not quite reached that OR winner status yet, however he's a baby and will surely be a frequent OR winner in no time. Depending on what sort of run he gets on the run up with Wander in 2, he could prove a lively contender vs. Peacemaker. 

As for the others in the race, to me Gorm Cailin and Hey Diego are outclassed in this field, and as such will be double digit prices. Gemstone Jack is on a bit of a down-spell at the moment, I'd like to see him get a good run in this, but something's telling me this is a step too far. 

My Trio: 1-3-2 

20:29 - The Blunsdon Standard 

My Pick: Westmead Adonis - NAP

This is the easiest race on the card really. Adonis, a derby finalist and trained by Nick Savva, trialled here last week and was a length off the clock for his first look. In my book, he's the market leader to win the Produce Stakes, and could go close to breaking the clock in this race. With Matties Mate in 2, as a middle runner, Adonis should pretty much get a clean passage to the bend. 

With such a short price jolly bound to oblige, you'd be better off looking for a forecast link in this race, and I'd be siding with Yeatsie Boy. Kevin Hutton's charge won very comfortably in the A1 last week, and has the pace to even lead this field. My only concern is that he is relatively inexperienced. 

My Trio: 1-6-5 

21:17 - The Blunsdon 509er 

My Pick: Westmead Aouita 

Again, not really original but the short price jolly should win this with relative ease. Nick Savva's charge won nicely last week over the same trip, in a time that I thought looked alot quicker when watching live. For the look round, I'm sure he'll go even better, and I should think he'll break the 30.00 barrier. 

 One big runner for me in this race will be Farloe Skywalker. Matt Dartnall's dog is a veteran now, however he has a stellar CV to his name, and is still a class act even at 4 years of age. One thing I've noticed about this race is that, even with the 4 wide seeds in, both 3 and 4 can stay fairly middle on this long run to the bend, meaning there shouldn't be that much trouble. Skywalker will need to break well and try and get round in front. 

 Kelseys Prince is also a potential party spoiler. Kevin Hutton's runner has a very good 29.85 for the 515 at Hove, a distance that translates very well to this 509m distance. He trailled well enough on Tuesday over 480, recording 28.85 calc. Expect him to be rattling home towards the end. 

My Trio - 2-5-6 

21:49 - The Blunsdon Stayers 

My Pick: Wise Totty 

Toughie of a race this one. I've sided with Totty mainly because I thought she ran really well in the marathon at Oxford the other week, and I think she's got that kick more early pace than her rivals in this race that could see her in front early and stay there. 

Blue Bee seems an obviousl contender to win this race, however she hasn't got a win to her name in quite some time. The Ladbrokes Golden Jacket winner has been running down at Hove for the past few runs, and although there are some good times there (41.51 etc), there isn't a winning line of form. However, if she does run at anything like her best, she will be tough to catch. 

Forest Bonjo is a very interesting runner for Paul Foster in trap 6. Just out of puppy status, I've never really had him down in the formbook as a 6 bend runner. However, he has shown alot more late pace recently than he used to, so he may well be maturing that way. He posted a remarkable 28.60 run over 480 in trials on Tuesday, which tells me he may have enough middle pace in this race to shoot clear. It's whether he stays that will be the issue. 

Droopys Neale comes to us from Mildenhall after winning a 700m open there. The time was, however, rather mediocre, and to be honest he looks a double digit price. Primo Star also is in the same breathe, and looks a shade outclassed. Penskey Rain, the St.Leger Finalist, is always going to be within a shout in these races, and should be paid close attention to. 

My Trio: 2-3-5

Open Race Preview + OBS Predictions - 20th June 2012

As you lovely people may (or may not) have noticed, but we have a shed load of opens advertised for throughout the summer period. The opens in the calendar go up until the 20th July, however I can assure you that the open's span right through August as well!

The OR's on Wednesday night are the last of the £150 jobs, as they were advertised before the change, and were due to support the Monkey 509er (which seems to go through a very weird state of sometimes filling, sometimes not). 

2 Opens are gracing the Blunsdon sand tomorrow, with a couple of hounds in there obviously vying a look round in time for the Produce Stakes. It seems a bit mad really that it's come around again so soon, it was the Arc not too long ago, now the Produce!

20:04: The Swindon Standard

My Pick: Champagne Perry

Good little race this one, and to be honest rather difficult to fathom out, as you have all sorts of track form to juggle about. However, I've stuck with Nick Ralph's Champagne Perry. This son of Perrys Tango has adjusted to the track really well after a short stint with Matt Dartnall, and has an impressive CV, with 5 recent wins under Ralph's lead. His early pace is phenomenal, as he seems to kick into the bend better than I've seen most dogs, and can attack the bend at the same pace he goes into it. Being drawn red in a 5 railer race as well is always a bonus. I feel if he can re-create the same sort of run he did in the heat of the Diamond Jubilee Sweepstake, he wins this. The track, which with a bit of sun on its back suits front runners (in my opinion), should be perfect for him aswell.

He will be tracked down in this race though, and he'll have to hold off a late charge from Nick Savva's Westmead Atlas. Savva's charge, who is heading into the Produce Stakes, has some good form around galloping tracks such as Sittingbourne, and seems to leave his running very late. In the future, 6 bends seems to be at his game, however for now he can compete at this level. His best time on the card is the 27.96 at Henlow, which in all honesty would be enough, if replicated to Swindon, to win this. However, the early pace on his inside might catch him out.

Other contenders that are in the race include Hopefully Gold, who is going through a bit of a rough patch at the moment. The Gold that was running around 2 months ago would've trounced this field, but she seems to be a tad off the ball. Dippy Doo, for trainer Terry Kibble, has some credentials, as he won round here in the Easter Bunny Final back in April. Coolruss Tom, I will be honest, I don't know enough about, however he's a progressive Henlow grader, who again is coming for the Produce Stakes. The tri-cast link in my book is Airforce Angel. Angel has some very nifty Irish form, however hasn't really produced anything of note under old trainer Ricky Holloway. New trainer on the block Lynn Short may be able to find a tune with the bitch.

My Pick: 1-2-6

20:36: The Swindon 509'er

My Pick: Fatboyz Pacquiao

I feel that the 509er is alot easier to fathom out than the 480, and certainly I think Pacquiao can step up and win this with relative ease. Lynn Short's new charge (moved from Ricky Holloway) has experience at galloping tracks, and reached this year's Coronation Cup final at Romford. He doesn't have many wins on the card, but he is a class above in this race, and should bag an easy win. I'm expecting him to go into the bend 2nd and take it up from the half way point.

For the forecast linker, it's very difficult to be honest. Forest Bonjo is a standout dog for Paul Foster, however isn't really cutting it too much in his races recently. He has only just turned two, but I always want to see a bit more from him. I remember very well his 2.33 split and romp up's in the A1, however these days he seems more suited to a stayers trip. He may run on to snatch the placing here.

Westmead Aouita will be there or there abouts in this race also. The Nick Savva daughter of Droopys Vieri has been winning for fun over the 550 trip at Henlow, aswell as some great performances at Sittingbourne, most recently a 6 length + 29.04 romp up in an open. She, like her brother Atlas, seems to have a good late charge, but to me Aouita has a kick more early than her bro, so expect her to be there or there abouts in this. 

The other contenders include Farloe Orion, who needs to get back to winning ways to contend with these. Bright Ells is new to the OR league, the issue for me is that it is a massive step up for her, and one that I wouldn't take lightly. Saying that, she is more than capable as she's a progressive bitch, and more experience in OR company and she'll pick up opens for fun. Bodell Evan is another grader from Henlow with strong-ish 550 form. However, he'll have to step it up a gear in this race.

My Pick: 6-3-5

19:16, 19:32. 19:48: The BGRF Owner's Bonus Series

My Pick: Fermoy Lets Go

The Owner's Bonus Series (OBS) starts of Wednesday, with 3 heats taking place leading up to the final (I can't think for the life of me what the date of the final is!). My pick for the competition is Fermoy Lets Go. Grant Gillett's bitch has bags of early pace, and is relatively young against the field in its entirety. She can kick to the front against most of the railers in the competition, and is my pick to come up trumps.

I must say that it is good to see the OBS catered for some of the veteran campaigners. The likes of Woodman Hawk and Knockard Hondo are the sorts of dogs, amongst the others, who in their racing every week, and have racked up several wins etc. It's good to see these dogs getting rewarded (and their owners + trainers!), with a chance of earning some really good money in the final (£500 to the winner).

Happy Punting!!

Chris Watts

Second in the Derby Final, Opens at Swindon

This blog was sure due an update, so here we go!


Derby Final night, and what a night it was! For those that missed it, it was a really good spectacle of top greyhound racing, with the classiest dogs in the country taking to the Wimbledon stage. I'm not the biggest fan of Wimbledon, however I cannot deny that they put in a really good show, and by all accounts the night ran much better than it has in previous years. Of course, Wimbledon has an unfortunately large grey cloud hanging over it at the moment. I just hope that, one way or another, it's future is set in stone, rather than being up in the air.


As for the final itself, our representative, Farloe Ironman, ran a stormer to finish second to Blonde Snapper. Matt Dartnall's charge got clobbered out of the boxes, tangling with Coolavanny Bert, however this seemed to help into the bend, as alot of trouble meant that Ironman nipped round the inside and missed it all. Snapper had the lead down the back, but Ironman was closing. Alas, he couldn't come close enough, and Snapper went on to record a 2 length or so victory. Ironman was subject to a massive gamble before the race, with him being backed from 9/2 to 6/4 favourite (apparently subject to a seperate 'bet on who will return favourite' gamble), and the gamble nearly paid off. I do think that the initial bump out of the traps took alot more out of the dog than initially thought (not an excuse, just a suggestion!).


In any event, well done Matt and the team for having the runner up in the Derby!


As for the future, and for Swindon at the moment, it has to be said that it's a bit of a funny patch. Nick Colton has decided to quit training over here and has tendered his resignation to both Swindon and Oxford. Nick has a lovely place over in Ireland, and obviously the call for retirement beckoned! I wish Nick and Barbara all the best in their future endeavours.


Of course, losing a trainer of this calibre means that we are short of greyhounds on the graded strength at present. It's a problem that always comes about this time of year, for every track. The weather has got better, meaning the track can sometimes be a bit hard, and the sun on the dogs' back's seems to bring on seasons and problems galore. It's a headache for everyone, however it's something that we have to wade through. Unfortunately, I can't help but think that the inevitable downward spiral in greyhound racing is starting to get a bit mad.


To alleviate the issue, several opens have been advertised. These opens will feature in the upcoming GBGB calendar. We're doing all sorts of distances and races for pups/maidens etc. The prize money for these opens are £200 win, £50 2nd and £30 others. Obviously, with the opening of Coventry and the increased prize money on offer at Sittingbourne etc, competition for OR entries is fierce, so we hope that the increased prize money will help.