My apologise again folks for the lack of updates on this here blog. Unfortunately life has been rather hectic recently, and I just haven't had the time to sit down and jot down my ramblings for you to enjoy. Alas, here is my belated nonsense.
The big thing to come out of Swindon this week was the Easter Eggstravaganza, where the Hutton and Foster camp's dominated proceedings, with the 'Burford Mob' (as I have now aptly named the kennel!) winning four of the six races. In fairness, credit where credit is due, their charges were quite honestly head and shoulders above the competition. Paul Foster (can't really dub them the 'Next-Door-To-The-Kennel's Mob really?) picked up two very good wins, one of which, Swift Kennedy, I must say was the shock of the day!
The general feeling with this competition, however, is that alot of people don't really seem particularly bothered by this competition, and I must say, me included. It doesn't seem to have the 'buzz' about it that the Intertrack competition in the winter does, and seems to be merely an added extra into the calendar, that most people don't really understand the rules about!
Now, I'm of the opinion that any extra money that is pumped into the sport has to be a good thing, and I think the overall added sum is something like £120,000, which is superb. However, one does wonder whether this competition really works as a competition itself. 16 races on finals day, although hopefully proving to be a good days racing, sounds to me like overkill. Again, one can understand wanting to utilize the fact that there is no horse racing on Good Friday, so greyhound's takes center stage.
I know that logistically it probably isn't possible, as the scope in class of grades is so great at different tracks, but my feeling is that the graders, who cover most of the BAGS racing in all honesty, could and should be rewarded in some way. Why not some competitions at each track, culminating in a final at one of the tracks on the day? See, even writing that I understand how illogical and stupid that sounds, however there has to be some way of incorporating the graders into more of these inter-track shindigs, rather than the borderline (and in some case, out and out) class dogs that take centre stage otherwise.
Enough of my moaning however, leading into some good news. The Arc is back! This year, it's sponsored by Pinpoint Recruitment. Like me, you might know them as 'those blokes who have the good dogs with Kelly Macari'. In all seriousness, a big thank you for their kind sponsorship, and furthermore there increased portfolio of sponsored greyhound races, as I notice they've sponsored a fair amount of races (mostly at their home track, and Newcastle). The dates for the competition are as follows:
1st Round: Friday 19th April 2013 BAGS (6 races, 36 runners)
Semi Finals: 26th April 2013 BAGS (3 races, 18 runners)
FINAL: Wednesday 1st May 2013
As an Open Race follower primarly, I'm mega excited for this competition once again, further more because of the altered format. I know amongst some that the above format isn't particularly favoured, however I like it. I think it makes it all to play for in the semi finals, rather than the mindset to sneak through in 3rd place. I would like to see a competition where in the 1st round the 1st 2 home go through, I think that could work quite well, with then the first 3 through in the semi finals (very Greyhound Manager 2-esque for anyone who knows the PC game!)
This Tuesday evening also ushers in a new era of Sky Sports coverage, with the first meeting in the new format taking place. I say new, it's more altered slightly. It's the same team in charge, mostly the same competitions on the scene. In actual fact, it's just different time slots at the moment. It's far too easy to criticize before the program has even gone out, but all I will say is that the program should take the opportunity to make itself different from the previous show. Take the opportunity to change things up and bring in some new ideas.
Back to the graded racing at Swindon, and things seem to be going very well at the moment. The track itself has a good strength of dogs, with a good mix of grades and styles, making what, in my opinion, has been some cracking racing recently. The one thing I will say is that, with the Eggstravaganza taking place and the necessity for graded stayers and sprints, is that I hope that these stayers and sprint grades can be formalized and used more. On the evening meetings in particular, there's nothing better than a bit of variety.
I will make a promise now that I will update this here blog every week on a Sunday, the same as I will the runners/wins table on the racing information sections (kindly nabbed from the GTA website, thank you Mr. Holloway!).
I'm looking at a complete redesign for this website in the coming weeks, as quite frankly I get bored with looking at the same thing all the time! I'm after your ideas as to what you would like to see on the website, and what things possibly you want rid of! Any suggestions will be taken on board (though derogatory remarks might not be so!), so please feel free to either comment underneath this blog post, or let me know at the track.
Happy Punting!
Wattsy
Sunday, 17 March 2013
Sunday, 3 February 2013
Swindon on Sky!
In terms of news in our fine sport, last week had to be up there as one of the busiest, and most confusing!
First and foremost, it's brilliant that a Sky contract has been signed up for this year. Tom Kelly and everyone else involved deserves a serious pat on the back in getting 22 dates signed up for the year. The deal means that the meetings will also be broadcast into bookmakers via SIS (who are producing the shows), meaning that the viewing audience for these big meetings will be much bigger this year.
As for the show itself, news came out this week detailing the presenters of the program with Jonathan Hobbs being the 'anchor' of the program, along with Gary Wiltshire, who will provide the betting perspective on the race. It cannot be denied that sticking with a formulae that works and that has broadcasting experience, is paramount to this show working. I do think, however, that this is greyhound racing's time to showcase some new, fresh faces on screen.
Without actually having seen a program yet, and merely making an observation based on what details have been given, one does have to wonder how the one-man presentation approach will work. The greyhound program of old (which, co-incidentally, I don't feel we should really compare the new show to, as this time around I'm expecting a more streamlined, back to basics broadcast) I felt worked well because you had the main anchor, in the form of Gary Newbon, playng off the techincally superior knowledge base of Hobbsy. This interaction between two people allows for a better flow of presentation, rather than one bloke in front of a camera.
RPGTV is another example of this. Would the program work if you had Sir Errol in front of a camera hosting on his own in the studio? Yes, it works with having someone to link to (such as how it will work, I suppose, with Hobbsy and Wiltshire) however there's nothing better than having a 'double act'. Jonathan Kay works really well for example. The main presenter can ask a question and the response can be received from a different point of view, such as Mr. Kay's.
It's here that I think the Sky coverage could be the start of a breakthrough for introducing some fresh blood to the system. It'd be great to see someone like Kaan Hughes, Billy Brennan or Mick Livesey step up to this sort of role, and establish themselves amongst the old guard.
Again, one shouldn't be detromental to something which hasn't even started yet (which I hope I haven't delivered this as!), however these are merely thoughts on where the coverage can be used for the good of the game's future.
Initially, the dates given included gave Swindon the TV Trophy. Seeing this actually enforced me to do cartwheels around my living room. However, it is now apparent that the date has been postponed. I am told that it may be due to the nature of our marathon trip, the 932m distance. I don't really see how this should be the case. There are other marathon trips around that are just as tough, including Hove's 930 and Nottingham's 905. BAGS have even included a marathon race to the 'Eggstravaganza' (I'm sorry, I still wonder how long the marketing department took to come up with that). The TV trophy that I know from old saw the legend that is Scurlogue Champ surge late on over trips of an equal distance to land his races in style. The TV trophy SHOULD be a test of a greyhound's stamina, and I can't think of a better test than a marathon at Swindon.
The date has been postponed, but finger's crossed Swindon can still be kept in the frame for running the competition.
Still, the good news to come out of the whole Sky date press release is the return of the Arc. What's brilliant this year is that we're running the competition much later in the year (May 1st), which should hopefully attract some different trainers and dogs that we don't usually see during the winter months. By my thinking, and literally this is just off the top of my head, apart from the Monmore Festival races and such, I think The Arc may be the first Category-grade 4 bend race of the year for all-aged greyhounds, so this race should be a good lead-in for the Derby, which starts a month later.
I think one thing that our track does very well is these competitions, and this year will be no different. Having a competition adds a different feel and buzz compared to normal, which can be felt from the crowd to the Racing Office!
One must also tip my hat to Bill and the guys sorting the schedule for getting The Arc into the list. Maybe we can hope that the Produce Stakes can be another competition that is considered?
First and foremost, it's brilliant that a Sky contract has been signed up for this year. Tom Kelly and everyone else involved deserves a serious pat on the back in getting 22 dates signed up for the year. The deal means that the meetings will also be broadcast into bookmakers via SIS (who are producing the shows), meaning that the viewing audience for these big meetings will be much bigger this year.
As for the show itself, news came out this week detailing the presenters of the program with Jonathan Hobbs being the 'anchor' of the program, along with Gary Wiltshire, who will provide the betting perspective on the race. It cannot be denied that sticking with a formulae that works and that has broadcasting experience, is paramount to this show working. I do think, however, that this is greyhound racing's time to showcase some new, fresh faces on screen.
Without actually having seen a program yet, and merely making an observation based on what details have been given, one does have to wonder how the one-man presentation approach will work. The greyhound program of old (which, co-incidentally, I don't feel we should really compare the new show to, as this time around I'm expecting a more streamlined, back to basics broadcast) I felt worked well because you had the main anchor, in the form of Gary Newbon, playng off the techincally superior knowledge base of Hobbsy. This interaction between two people allows for a better flow of presentation, rather than one bloke in front of a camera.
RPGTV is another example of this. Would the program work if you had Sir Errol in front of a camera hosting on his own in the studio? Yes, it works with having someone to link to (such as how it will work, I suppose, with Hobbsy and Wiltshire) however there's nothing better than having a 'double act'. Jonathan Kay works really well for example. The main presenter can ask a question and the response can be received from a different point of view, such as Mr. Kay's.
It's here that I think the Sky coverage could be the start of a breakthrough for introducing some fresh blood to the system. It'd be great to see someone like Kaan Hughes, Billy Brennan or Mick Livesey step up to this sort of role, and establish themselves amongst the old guard.
Again, one shouldn't be detromental to something which hasn't even started yet (which I hope I haven't delivered this as!), however these are merely thoughts on where the coverage can be used for the good of the game's future.
Initially, the dates given included gave Swindon the TV Trophy. Seeing this actually enforced me to do cartwheels around my living room. However, it is now apparent that the date has been postponed. I am told that it may be due to the nature of our marathon trip, the 932m distance. I don't really see how this should be the case. There are other marathon trips around that are just as tough, including Hove's 930 and Nottingham's 905. BAGS have even included a marathon race to the 'Eggstravaganza' (I'm sorry, I still wonder how long the marketing department took to come up with that). The TV trophy that I know from old saw the legend that is Scurlogue Champ surge late on over trips of an equal distance to land his races in style. The TV trophy SHOULD be a test of a greyhound's stamina, and I can't think of a better test than a marathon at Swindon.
The date has been postponed, but finger's crossed Swindon can still be kept in the frame for running the competition.
Still, the good news to come out of the whole Sky date press release is the return of the Arc. What's brilliant this year is that we're running the competition much later in the year (May 1st), which should hopefully attract some different trainers and dogs that we don't usually see during the winter months. By my thinking, and literally this is just off the top of my head, apart from the Monmore Festival races and such, I think The Arc may be the first Category-grade 4 bend race of the year for all-aged greyhounds, so this race should be a good lead-in for the Derby, which starts a month later.
I think one thing that our track does very well is these competitions, and this year will be no different. Having a competition adds a different feel and buzz compared to normal, which can be felt from the crowd to the Racing Office!
One must also tip my hat to Bill and the guys sorting the schedule for getting The Arc into the list. Maybe we can hope that the Produce Stakes can be another competition that is considered?
Sunday, 20 January 2013
Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow.
Happy 2013 to you all! Apologies for the lack of a posting, however with Christmas, New Year and all the rest of it, it's been a touch difficult to get time to write a decent posting.
So, the track championship ended up being rather the embarrassment for Team Swindon. Unfortunately the overall thing to come out of the day is that we were just outclassed by the opposition. Having watched the DVD back of the meeting, I thought we were actually very unlucky in a couple of the races. I don't think our points total really did us justice. Still, we'll be back fighting for (hopefully) the 2013 running of the competition.
Speaking of the BAGS competitions, it was great to see the announcement of the Eggstravaganza (I wonder how long the marketing department took to come up with that) to run over Easter. The idea of the competition (if I've got this right) is that Swindon will run 6 races to determine the representative to run at Monmore on Good Friday. The races that we've been given include 2 bitches races, 1x Dogs, 2x Stayers and a Sprint (I believe, please correct me if I'm wrong). So that's 6 representatives to run at Monmore, in what will be a 16 race bumper card.
First thought is blimey, 16 races! I feel for those racing office staff at Monmore! Secondly, whilst the prize money is superb, and the actual competition is a really good initiative for runners, it's not hard to forget about the vast numbers of lower grade dogs that are missing out on boosted prize money initiatives.
Admittedly yes, there are the Owner's Bonus Series (which has been renewed for 2013, yet more good news) and the odd BAGS/SIS 500, but apart from that there isn't alot. I'm all for the Eggstravaganza, but I feel that, as the main BAGS offering is racing of all grades, they should, if possible, try to invent some form of competition to include other grades from different tracks.
Even writing that hits home that it could be rather difficult to do that, however I do think it's something that should just be looked at, to allow for a much more inclusive competition.
Speaking about the OBS, it's brilliant to see that they been renewed for the start of this year. I believe 10 different dates have been put forward for January-June, so that means plenty of opportunity to earn some decent prize money.
Now then, this snow. Seriously, what a nightmare! One of the myths that seems to be existing amongst the greyhound racing contingent is about the safety of tracks in this weather. In actual fact, from my understanding, it seems that actually the tracks run very well in the weather.
Swindon, at the moment, has snow over the track, however it seems to be acting as a protective layer against the cold, meaning that the track underneath is actually very decent. The problem will be, by this theory, is that when the snow is cleared (by our top notch trackman) it is then open to the cold and ice, then proving to be problematic. Again, from my understanding of the track, salt in a track only really keeps the ice out up until about -5, so any colder (and colder isn't now forecast) can prove to be a bit of an issue.
Fingers crossed we can get back to normality in any case.
So, the track championship ended up being rather the embarrassment for Team Swindon. Unfortunately the overall thing to come out of the day is that we were just outclassed by the opposition. Having watched the DVD back of the meeting, I thought we were actually very unlucky in a couple of the races. I don't think our points total really did us justice. Still, we'll be back fighting for (hopefully) the 2013 running of the competition.
Speaking of the BAGS competitions, it was great to see the announcement of the Eggstravaganza (I wonder how long the marketing department took to come up with that) to run over Easter. The idea of the competition (if I've got this right) is that Swindon will run 6 races to determine the representative to run at Monmore on Good Friday. The races that we've been given include 2 bitches races, 1x Dogs, 2x Stayers and a Sprint (I believe, please correct me if I'm wrong). So that's 6 representatives to run at Monmore, in what will be a 16 race bumper card.
First thought is blimey, 16 races! I feel for those racing office staff at Monmore! Secondly, whilst the prize money is superb, and the actual competition is a really good initiative for runners, it's not hard to forget about the vast numbers of lower grade dogs that are missing out on boosted prize money initiatives.
Admittedly yes, there are the Owner's Bonus Series (which has been renewed for 2013, yet more good news) and the odd BAGS/SIS 500, but apart from that there isn't alot. I'm all for the Eggstravaganza, but I feel that, as the main BAGS offering is racing of all grades, they should, if possible, try to invent some form of competition to include other grades from different tracks.
Even writing that hits home that it could be rather difficult to do that, however I do think it's something that should just be looked at, to allow for a much more inclusive competition.
Speaking about the OBS, it's brilliant to see that they been renewed for the start of this year. I believe 10 different dates have been put forward for January-June, so that means plenty of opportunity to earn some decent prize money.
Now then, this snow. Seriously, what a nightmare! One of the myths that seems to be existing amongst the greyhound racing contingent is about the safety of tracks in this weather. In actual fact, from my understanding, it seems that actually the tracks run very well in the weather.
Swindon, at the moment, has snow over the track, however it seems to be acting as a protective layer against the cold, meaning that the track underneath is actually very decent. The problem will be, by this theory, is that when the snow is cleared (by our top notch trackman) it is then open to the cold and ice, then proving to be problematic. Again, from my understanding of the track, salt in a track only really keeps the ice out up until about -5, so any colder (and colder isn't now forecast) can prove to be a bit of an issue.
Fingers crossed we can get back to normality in any case.
Saturday, 22 December 2012
The BAGS Intertrack Final Preview
So folks, we made it. In fairness, the group was rather easy, and we were near on expected to qualify to this final. However, this is where the test really begins, as we have some serious competition in our way if we are going to win the Inter-track. If I have my absolutely honest, non-biased head on, I don't think we will beat the overall strengths of Newcastle and Monmore, Newcastle being the team that I think will win. Having said that, we have a couple of good chances on the day, with the 53-seater coach being nearly full for Sunday, it should be a great social outing for the Swindon faithful.
There are 10 races on the day, starting with the sprint at 14:38. Each race is worth £500 to the winner, £200 for 2nd and run money of £100. When you factor in that travelling is paid also, it really is brilliant money, and kudos to BAGS for putting the comp, and the prize money, on.
14:38 - The BAGS Track Championship Sprint
My Pick: Kickupyourheels (Monmore)
The way I'll try and do this, rather than bigging up tracks other than our own, is look at who I think will win, then look at our runner. The winner here looks to be the Paul Slater-trained Kickupyourheels. He's a consistant sort, picking up wins in both the intertrack legs that he's been in. I watched the race at Monmore and was very impressed with this dog, giving the other Monmore dog Rocket Auto, who was a short priced fave, a great run. Although the draw isn't ideal, he seems to be the most consistant trapper of the wides, and if he can get in front first, it's game over.
On that basis, and with it being a sprint, really it's anyone's race this. It's a close-knit affair, with the times of all the runners being very similar. Hastetothewind is our hopeful here for Ken Mitchell. He's been running well in sprints, picking up a fab win at Poole over Primo Impact. He's found his trapping boots recently, and by the looks of the trial round there has taken a liking to the flat-fronted PB traps. If he can assert early, he can give them a run also.
Really, this is anyone's race, very close to call.
14:57 - The BAGS Track Championship Standard Bitches - Division B
My Pick: Patterdale Jazz (Newcastle) (NAP)
Newcastle have played a blinder here! Nothing to say that you had to put your best bitch in division A, just to split them accordingly. So, it a nutshell, they've got themselves a banker. Good tactical decision there (obviously, so long as you have a bitch that can run with the top-end in division A!)
Patterdale Jazz is one of the names to come out of this competition as a bitch with a future. Craig Dawson's black trialled on in a time, I believe, 2 spots outside the track record (28.09). If you factor in that she's got early pace to burn, and stays on like a steam train, you have to argue that she's the perfect greyhound! A winner in her last two Intertrack races, she's certainly going to be a very tough one to beat. Don't expect much of a price though!
Our hopeful here is Gemstone Meg for Kevin Hutton. Unfortunately the draw has been pretty unkind on her, drawing trap four. She trialled on well on Monday, posting 28.77. Anyone who knows Meg knows that you can't expect much early on from her, but that she'll be flying at the death. Fingers crossed she can find a way through and pick up some points for Swindon.
15:13 - The BAGS Track Championship Standard Dogs - Division B
My Pick: Guiness Wild (Hove)
I'm going for, what I'm gunning for, is around a 5/1 chance in the ring, in the form of Seamus Cahill's Guiness Wild. Wild, drawn trap six here, is in a race where, really, the field is quite evenly matched barring the 4 dog of Newcastle, who I'm expecting to be favourite. Wild is coming to PB on the back of a maiden open win at Romford. The time there wasn't great to be honest, however the fact it always led indicates that Wild has good early toe. The recent trial round there of 28.54, and the winning form in the good grade that is Hove shows that this greyhound is more than capable of competing here. The draw is ideal, as he should lead the 5 dog round.
Droopys Harper represents us in this race. It has to be said that he isn't out of the race at all, and at his best he could go close here. The issue is that he's a very sluggish trapper, again relying on his back straight pace and late rallying to pick up his wins. His recent trial of 28.50 reads very well, but that's in a solo! Fingers crossed for some points here.
15:29 - The BAGS Track Championship Stayers - Division B
My Pick: Liosgarbh Champ (Newcastle)
Again, I think this race is an easy pickings for Newcastle. Champ, trained by Gary Carmichael, ran a superb trial at PB on Monday, posting a time eclipsing everything else in the race by about 5 lengths, posting 39.83. What impresses me most about the look round is the sectional time, which again is about 4 lengths or so faster than what's around him. That comparison tells me that he isn't exactly stopping when he gets to the winning line, meaning staying isn't an issue! Again, a short one, but he should win
Sharp Exit runs here representing the Foster camp, and I think she has a cracking chance to score some big points here. She ran a blinder in the OR last week, running on like a steam train from a seemingly impossible position (at one point during the race, I did comment that she was running 'pants and paceless'!) but after a bumpy first bend, she flew home. Yes, the time might not read very well, but I think you can give or take 3-4 lengths for 1. the bumpy ride, and 2. the lack of course knowledge. She's going back now having had a look round (with 5 other dogs aswell last time, this being better for their knowledge than just a solo in my opinion). I'm hopeful of her finishing in the top 3 for sure.
15:44 - The BAGS Track Championship Standard Mixed - Division B
My Pick: Garryvoe George (Hove)
I've sided with the Hove dog here, soley on the draw, as this race is what you call 'a mess'. I know that in a race with 5 railers in, you have to be very lucky with the draw, but what grites me is when you get an out-and-out railer drawn in trap 5, which is what's happened here. I can see any other outcome but trouble at the bend here, with the 1 dog moving on, and the 4 and 5 trying to cut in. To me, this will leave a clear path for the Hove raider, George, to swoop round. A lack of a look round is a negative, but his sub-30sec run at Hove is enough to win this.
The main hope here has to be that Silbury Campion can get in a decent pitch and avoid and trouble. Alan McDowell's charge does have that touch of a kick of pace to the bend, but really he leaves his running until late. If he can get round handy off the second, he could score big here.
16:02 - The BAGS Track Championship Puppy
My Pick: Sidelight (Monmore)
This race is a cracker, with a lot of ways that you can look at the form. I'm sticking with consistency and experience in the form of Chris Allsopp's Sidelight. She ran a really good race in winning at Monmore, having to do things very much the hard way, yet still posting a good 28.69 round there. The times at Monmore and Perry Barr very much add up from what I've experienced, which makes sense as she's posted a 28.68 in a trial around PB. She was really unlucky in the IT race there, getting crowded over every bit of the 480 it seemed!
Aspiration is our hopeful here, representing the Dartnall camp. The lack of a trial, and to be honest the recent form, is a bit of a disappointment for me. She's been running over a maiden 6 bends, and hasn't really hit a good note over that trip yet. Since her Oxford run, she seems to have gone a bit sour, again not really running up to scratch in the most recent A1 at Swindon. However, Matt Dartnall is an expert at training, and hopefully he'll have her ready for this task.
16:18 - The BAGS Track Championship Standard Bitches - Division A
My Pick: Pookies Jess (SWINDON) (NB)
By my judgment then, we'll be waiting a little while for our first 'Oi Oi' of the day! Pookies Jess, trained by Jim Rowe, has been in impeccable form recently, scorching around Swindon in cracking times, such as the most recent 28.28 run. She caught some crowding in her last race which put a slight knick in the near-perfect form on her card. She's ran two very good trials at PB, posting 28.24 in her most recent 4 bend trial. The concern is the trap draw really, although I would rather be on the outside and moving in on the railers rather than amongst the scrimmaging. I can't envisage, either, that she can lead the 4 dog up on the run up, which actually may help her miss some of the trouble on the inside of that 4 dog. She can do it both ways, but hopefully she's our big 10 pointer of the day!
16:33 - The BAGS Track Championship Standard Dogs - Division A
My Pick: Rei Doms Evra (Belle Vue)
The first tip for the Zoo, and a good one I hope it turns out to be. Evra, trained by Darren Hampson, has some great recent form, and has the idea trap draw to asset early on. He trialled on in a good 28.38 this last week, aswell as posting a very quick 27.72 in a top graded race at the Zoo. I think that, with the competition in the race, he could be a fairly reasonable price too.
Hoots Mon represents those guys for Burford again! Hoots is a class act, doing the business at Poole in some style. He's cracking over the 4 bend trip when he's on his pinging best. He's had a decent sprint trial round PB, giving him some knowledge of the place. If he can break fast and get to the lead early, he could take some catching.
16:47 - The BAGS Track Championship Stayers - Division A
My Pick: Kielduff College (Newcastle)
Again, a really tough race this one. Kielduff College, trained by James Wright up yonder, looks to me the class act of the field. College romped up at Kinsley over 650m, and then just got there at Sunderland. The two runs were a class apart, as he led up in the first, and ran on strong in the second, showing he can do it both ways. The draw is ideal on the wide outside, and the benefit of a trial, posting a very good 40.07, looks to make him the one to beat (and the favourite, apologise!)
Ardmayle Move runs for the Primo Kennel. She's been a cracking runner for us in the competition, doing the business in the opening leg in some fashion. The issue with her is, although very fast, she looks to need upwards of 700m (though not a marathon I don't think). She'll be running on strong, but again its a case of getting through a wall of dogs. In a solo at PB, she was 9 spots off the track record, but again the trial was a solo. In an OR there last week, she ran into all sorts of bother all the way round. The good thing about the run, however, was that she only lost by 4 in the end, running on strong in the process. Again, just fingers crossed for points. With a clear run, she could hose up against this field.
17:08 - The BAGS Track Championship Standard Mixed - Division A
My Pick: Stanton Apollo (SWINDON)
I don't know whether this is just me being sentimental, or wanting to end the meeting on a high or anything, but I think that Apollo could do the business in this race. Kevin Hutton's charge is so progressive at the moment, seemingly coming on for every run he's getting. He hosed up at Poole in some style, kicking off the 4th bend well, and he's trialled round PB really well. He's another that can do it off the front, but can also run on. Here, I can see him leading round, if he can frank the trial form. Seals Babe for Hove is the obvious danger in trap 4, and the most likely favourite, but the lack of a trial is a negative.
It took a while, but there's my preview of the days action. It'll be a great day whatever happens, being involved in something like this is a massive positive in any event. Remember also, for winning the group and participating at PB we have landed ourselves £3500 in prize money. What to do with this money, I'm not sure. I don't know what's in the rules or anything, but one idea I though of was why not do up the racing paddock?
In any event, I wish all the owners, trainers, kennelhands, and most importantly doggies, all the best of luck for tomorrow. #UPTHESWINDON!
Merry Christmas everyone!
Chris Watts.
**Anyone that's coming on the coach on the 23rd, do remember that the coach is leaving at 11:30am PROMPT. We will not be waiting around for anyone who is late, so please be at Swindon Stadium in plenty of time!**
There are 10 races on the day, starting with the sprint at 14:38. Each race is worth £500 to the winner, £200 for 2nd and run money of £100. When you factor in that travelling is paid also, it really is brilliant money, and kudos to BAGS for putting the comp, and the prize money, on.
14:38 - The BAGS Track Championship Sprint
My Pick: Kickupyourheels (Monmore)
The way I'll try and do this, rather than bigging up tracks other than our own, is look at who I think will win, then look at our runner. The winner here looks to be the Paul Slater-trained Kickupyourheels. He's a consistant sort, picking up wins in both the intertrack legs that he's been in. I watched the race at Monmore and was very impressed with this dog, giving the other Monmore dog Rocket Auto, who was a short priced fave, a great run. Although the draw isn't ideal, he seems to be the most consistant trapper of the wides, and if he can get in front first, it's game over.
On that basis, and with it being a sprint, really it's anyone's race this. It's a close-knit affair, with the times of all the runners being very similar. Hastetothewind is our hopeful here for Ken Mitchell. He's been running well in sprints, picking up a fab win at Poole over Primo Impact. He's found his trapping boots recently, and by the looks of the trial round there has taken a liking to the flat-fronted PB traps. If he can assert early, he can give them a run also.
Really, this is anyone's race, very close to call.
14:57 - The BAGS Track Championship Standard Bitches - Division B
My Pick: Patterdale Jazz (Newcastle) (NAP)
Newcastle have played a blinder here! Nothing to say that you had to put your best bitch in division A, just to split them accordingly. So, it a nutshell, they've got themselves a banker. Good tactical decision there (obviously, so long as you have a bitch that can run with the top-end in division A!)
Patterdale Jazz is one of the names to come out of this competition as a bitch with a future. Craig Dawson's black trialled on in a time, I believe, 2 spots outside the track record (28.09). If you factor in that she's got early pace to burn, and stays on like a steam train, you have to argue that she's the perfect greyhound! A winner in her last two Intertrack races, she's certainly going to be a very tough one to beat. Don't expect much of a price though!
Our hopeful here is Gemstone Meg for Kevin Hutton. Unfortunately the draw has been pretty unkind on her, drawing trap four. She trialled on well on Monday, posting 28.77. Anyone who knows Meg knows that you can't expect much early on from her, but that she'll be flying at the death. Fingers crossed she can find a way through and pick up some points for Swindon.
15:13 - The BAGS Track Championship Standard Dogs - Division B
My Pick: Guiness Wild (Hove)
I'm going for, what I'm gunning for, is around a 5/1 chance in the ring, in the form of Seamus Cahill's Guiness Wild. Wild, drawn trap six here, is in a race where, really, the field is quite evenly matched barring the 4 dog of Newcastle, who I'm expecting to be favourite. Wild is coming to PB on the back of a maiden open win at Romford. The time there wasn't great to be honest, however the fact it always led indicates that Wild has good early toe. The recent trial round there of 28.54, and the winning form in the good grade that is Hove shows that this greyhound is more than capable of competing here. The draw is ideal, as he should lead the 5 dog round.
Droopys Harper represents us in this race. It has to be said that he isn't out of the race at all, and at his best he could go close here. The issue is that he's a very sluggish trapper, again relying on his back straight pace and late rallying to pick up his wins. His recent trial of 28.50 reads very well, but that's in a solo! Fingers crossed for some points here.
15:29 - The BAGS Track Championship Stayers - Division B
My Pick: Liosgarbh Champ (Newcastle)
Again, I think this race is an easy pickings for Newcastle. Champ, trained by Gary Carmichael, ran a superb trial at PB on Monday, posting a time eclipsing everything else in the race by about 5 lengths, posting 39.83. What impresses me most about the look round is the sectional time, which again is about 4 lengths or so faster than what's around him. That comparison tells me that he isn't exactly stopping when he gets to the winning line, meaning staying isn't an issue! Again, a short one, but he should win
Sharp Exit runs here representing the Foster camp, and I think she has a cracking chance to score some big points here. She ran a blinder in the OR last week, running on like a steam train from a seemingly impossible position (at one point during the race, I did comment that she was running 'pants and paceless'!) but after a bumpy first bend, she flew home. Yes, the time might not read very well, but I think you can give or take 3-4 lengths for 1. the bumpy ride, and 2. the lack of course knowledge. She's going back now having had a look round (with 5 other dogs aswell last time, this being better for their knowledge than just a solo in my opinion). I'm hopeful of her finishing in the top 3 for sure.
15:44 - The BAGS Track Championship Standard Mixed - Division B
My Pick: Garryvoe George (Hove)
I've sided with the Hove dog here, soley on the draw, as this race is what you call 'a mess'. I know that in a race with 5 railers in, you have to be very lucky with the draw, but what grites me is when you get an out-and-out railer drawn in trap 5, which is what's happened here. I can see any other outcome but trouble at the bend here, with the 1 dog moving on, and the 4 and 5 trying to cut in. To me, this will leave a clear path for the Hove raider, George, to swoop round. A lack of a look round is a negative, but his sub-30sec run at Hove is enough to win this.
The main hope here has to be that Silbury Campion can get in a decent pitch and avoid and trouble. Alan McDowell's charge does have that touch of a kick of pace to the bend, but really he leaves his running until late. If he can get round handy off the second, he could score big here.
16:02 - The BAGS Track Championship Puppy
My Pick: Sidelight (Monmore)
This race is a cracker, with a lot of ways that you can look at the form. I'm sticking with consistency and experience in the form of Chris Allsopp's Sidelight. She ran a really good race in winning at Monmore, having to do things very much the hard way, yet still posting a good 28.69 round there. The times at Monmore and Perry Barr very much add up from what I've experienced, which makes sense as she's posted a 28.68 in a trial around PB. She was really unlucky in the IT race there, getting crowded over every bit of the 480 it seemed!
Aspiration is our hopeful here, representing the Dartnall camp. The lack of a trial, and to be honest the recent form, is a bit of a disappointment for me. She's been running over a maiden 6 bends, and hasn't really hit a good note over that trip yet. Since her Oxford run, she seems to have gone a bit sour, again not really running up to scratch in the most recent A1 at Swindon. However, Matt Dartnall is an expert at training, and hopefully he'll have her ready for this task.
16:18 - The BAGS Track Championship Standard Bitches - Division A
My Pick: Pookies Jess (SWINDON) (NB)
By my judgment then, we'll be waiting a little while for our first 'Oi Oi' of the day! Pookies Jess, trained by Jim Rowe, has been in impeccable form recently, scorching around Swindon in cracking times, such as the most recent 28.28 run. She caught some crowding in her last race which put a slight knick in the near-perfect form on her card. She's ran two very good trials at PB, posting 28.24 in her most recent 4 bend trial. The concern is the trap draw really, although I would rather be on the outside and moving in on the railers rather than amongst the scrimmaging. I can't envisage, either, that she can lead the 4 dog up on the run up, which actually may help her miss some of the trouble on the inside of that 4 dog. She can do it both ways, but hopefully she's our big 10 pointer of the day!
16:33 - The BAGS Track Championship Standard Dogs - Division A
My Pick: Rei Doms Evra (Belle Vue)
The first tip for the Zoo, and a good one I hope it turns out to be. Evra, trained by Darren Hampson, has some great recent form, and has the idea trap draw to asset early on. He trialled on in a good 28.38 this last week, aswell as posting a very quick 27.72 in a top graded race at the Zoo. I think that, with the competition in the race, he could be a fairly reasonable price too.
Hoots Mon represents those guys for Burford again! Hoots is a class act, doing the business at Poole in some style. He's cracking over the 4 bend trip when he's on his pinging best. He's had a decent sprint trial round PB, giving him some knowledge of the place. If he can break fast and get to the lead early, he could take some catching.
16:47 - The BAGS Track Championship Stayers - Division A
My Pick: Kielduff College (Newcastle)
Again, a really tough race this one. Kielduff College, trained by James Wright up yonder, looks to me the class act of the field. College romped up at Kinsley over 650m, and then just got there at Sunderland. The two runs were a class apart, as he led up in the first, and ran on strong in the second, showing he can do it both ways. The draw is ideal on the wide outside, and the benefit of a trial, posting a very good 40.07, looks to make him the one to beat (and the favourite, apologise!)
Ardmayle Move runs for the Primo Kennel. She's been a cracking runner for us in the competition, doing the business in the opening leg in some fashion. The issue with her is, although very fast, she looks to need upwards of 700m (though not a marathon I don't think). She'll be running on strong, but again its a case of getting through a wall of dogs. In a solo at PB, she was 9 spots off the track record, but again the trial was a solo. In an OR there last week, she ran into all sorts of bother all the way round. The good thing about the run, however, was that she only lost by 4 in the end, running on strong in the process. Again, just fingers crossed for points. With a clear run, she could hose up against this field.
17:08 - The BAGS Track Championship Standard Mixed - Division A
My Pick: Stanton Apollo (SWINDON)
I don't know whether this is just me being sentimental, or wanting to end the meeting on a high or anything, but I think that Apollo could do the business in this race. Kevin Hutton's charge is so progressive at the moment, seemingly coming on for every run he's getting. He hosed up at Poole in some style, kicking off the 4th bend well, and he's trialled round PB really well. He's another that can do it off the front, but can also run on. Here, I can see him leading round, if he can frank the trial form. Seals Babe for Hove is the obvious danger in trap 4, and the most likely favourite, but the lack of a trial is a negative.
It took a while, but there's my preview of the days action. It'll be a great day whatever happens, being involved in something like this is a massive positive in any event. Remember also, for winning the group and participating at PB we have landed ourselves £3500 in prize money. What to do with this money, I'm not sure. I don't know what's in the rules or anything, but one idea I though of was why not do up the racing paddock?
In any event, I wish all the owners, trainers, kennelhands, and most importantly doggies, all the best of luck for tomorrow. #UPTHESWINDON!
Merry Christmas everyone!
Chris Watts.
**Anyone that's coming on the coach on the 23rd, do remember that the coach is leaving at 11:30am PROMPT. We will not be waiting around for anyone who is late, so please be at Swindon Stadium in plenty of time!**
Wednesday, 12 December 2012
Group Winners, The Sky Deal, Oxford Closing + More
Well, that last leg at Poole certainly was entertaining. It's amazing what this competition has bought to light. Apparently we are pretty decent at sprinting, something that I thought, and most others, thought we would be pretty weak in. The team as a whole has performed impeccably, and really all the trainers, owners and kennel hands have to be thanked and congratulated for their contribution to Team Swindon.
Of course, the issue (a nice one) is a potential selection headache for Perry Barr. Going into the final, we can potentially have a very strong team of hounds, however we're a lot stronger in certain areas than others. The races to be run at Perry Barr are:
1 x Sprint
1 x Standard Puppy
2 x Stayers
2 x Standard Dogs
2 x Standard Bitches
2 x Standard Mixed
It's fair to say that the sprint division in particular could be a real headache, as both Primo Impact and Hastetothewind really deserve to go for it. My personal view is that I'd be siding with Impact, as out of the two he has been ultra consistent. On the flip side, in the puppy division, really there is one stand-out performer in the form of Downton Flyer. Matt Dartnall's pup is in the Coral Puppy Trophy final down at Hove. Due to the change in rules, however, it means that we could potentially have a Group 3 winner running for us. Win Win for us!
There isn't that long to go now until the big final, with several of our hounds running in opens on Friday, trialling over the weekend or on Monday. Then it's all hands to the deck in picking the team!
Obviously the big news over the past couple of weeks is the closing of Oxford Stadium. It's horrible to read about a track shutting, especially a track with the history of Oxford. With every track loss, you lose a generation of owners, trainers, workers and all sorts of people. It really is a tough situation out there, with things looking only to get worse. The guys at Oxford have been dealt a really bad hand here, as everything looked to be moderately stable after what had been a rumour filled autumn (rumours that ended up being true), and to have a month to clear out is just awful, for the trainers to find new track etc.
With Oxford's demise, we welcome Gilly Hepden to the training ranks at Swindon. Previously a trainer at Swindon before, Gilly brings with her a good strength of 30 or so greyhounds, with some very decent dogs in the kennel, which should help our top end out.
Even more in the doldrums (even writing this blog is depressing me) is the impending Sky contract expiration. The thing that gets me is that people don't really seem too bothered about it, and feel that as a BAGS track, we won't be affected. Believe me, the ramifications of not having the Sky deal will be huge. With the loss of the coverage, which admittedly doesn't get the best viewing figures ever, we should expect to lose some pretty key races. Who says that without the coverage that William Hill will want to sponsor the derby? The underlying problem then is, if you lose the competitions and top races, what, as an owner, have you got to aim for? What would the point be in owning a good dog? The market would bottom out. Alas, breeding is down as it is, if the market for the top dogs also drops, that means that even more breeding will cease, which will cause a shortage in dogs. It's a mass spiral that will effect every track in the UK. Fingers crossed something that be sorted, and quick.
Of course, the issue (a nice one) is a potential selection headache for Perry Barr. Going into the final, we can potentially have a very strong team of hounds, however we're a lot stronger in certain areas than others. The races to be run at Perry Barr are:
1 x Sprint
1 x Standard Puppy
2 x Stayers
2 x Standard Dogs
2 x Standard Bitches
2 x Standard Mixed
It's fair to say that the sprint division in particular could be a real headache, as both Primo Impact and Hastetothewind really deserve to go for it. My personal view is that I'd be siding with Impact, as out of the two he has been ultra consistent. On the flip side, in the puppy division, really there is one stand-out performer in the form of Downton Flyer. Matt Dartnall's pup is in the Coral Puppy Trophy final down at Hove. Due to the change in rules, however, it means that we could potentially have a Group 3 winner running for us. Win Win for us!
There isn't that long to go now until the big final, with several of our hounds running in opens on Friday, trialling over the weekend or on Monday. Then it's all hands to the deck in picking the team!
Obviously the big news over the past couple of weeks is the closing of Oxford Stadium. It's horrible to read about a track shutting, especially a track with the history of Oxford. With every track loss, you lose a generation of owners, trainers, workers and all sorts of people. It really is a tough situation out there, with things looking only to get worse. The guys at Oxford have been dealt a really bad hand here, as everything looked to be moderately stable after what had been a rumour filled autumn (rumours that ended up being true), and to have a month to clear out is just awful, for the trainers to find new track etc.
With Oxford's demise, we welcome Gilly Hepden to the training ranks at Swindon. Previously a trainer at Swindon before, Gilly brings with her a good strength of 30 or so greyhounds, with some very decent dogs in the kennel, which should help our top end out.
Even more in the doldrums (even writing this blog is depressing me) is the impending Sky contract expiration. The thing that gets me is that people don't really seem too bothered about it, and feel that as a BAGS track, we won't be affected. Believe me, the ramifications of not having the Sky deal will be huge. With the loss of the coverage, which admittedly doesn't get the best viewing figures ever, we should expect to lose some pretty key races. Who says that without the coverage that William Hill will want to sponsor the derby? The underlying problem then is, if you lose the competitions and top races, what, as an owner, have you got to aim for? What would the point be in owning a good dog? The market would bottom out. Alas, breeding is down as it is, if the market for the top dogs also drops, that means that even more breeding will cease, which will cause a shortage in dogs. It's a mass spiral that will effect every track in the UK. Fingers crossed something that be sorted, and quick.
Friday, 30 November 2012
The BAGS Intertrack - Poole Leg
15:44 - The BAGS Track Championship Bitches
My
Pick: Droopys Yvonne (7/2 B365)
It’s safe to
say that Poole are going to do pretty well in their home leg, and they can
start with a bang here in the form of Droopys Yvonne. Alma Keppie’s black
recently came home to score by over 4 lengths in an A1, posting a reasonable
27.09. She looks to have the plot draw in trap 6, with a middle runner in 5 who
should be moving in rather than out. Yvonne looks to get a solo on the outside
here.
For the
places, I’ve sided with out hopeful, Tarty Toes. JP’s bitch looks to have a
cracking draw in red here, and should pace up well after the initial look
round. Dogs that trial round Poole always seem to come on for the look. I
reckon she could find 20 spots or so.
The key to
the race is that I envisage some scrimmaging through the middle, unfortunately
with Active Lark bearing the brunt of it. The 5 looks as though it really wants
about trap 3, whereas the two dog looks to want to move in, so there could be a
fair amount of trouble on the run up. Once again the old adage of trials comes
in, with Absinthe lacking a look round, which could be a bit of a nightmare.
16:04 – The BAGS Track Championship Puppies
My
Pick – Old Codger (NAP) (11/10, Bet365)
Stand out
really this one. Old Codger, trained by Richard Baker, did the business at
Oxford, and looks to be the star playing in this pretty weak puppy heat. Drawn
trap one, he can quite easily clear the 2 dog for sheer early pace.
To buy yourself some money, I do think the 1-2 forecast here is nailed on.
Our runners,
realistically, don’t really have a squeak here. To come away with anything more
than 3 points will be a big bonus. Out of the two, you can argue that Wood
Bionic, trained by Darryl Porter, posted a pretty decent trial time, and could
get in front of the VSAw 3 dog, but aside from that, we don’t really have much
hope here!
16:22 – The BAGS Track Championship Sprint
My
Pick – Primo Impact (9/4, Bet365)
I’m siding
with the recent form over a trial here in the form of Primo Impact, though
realistically I think this could be a 17 pointer for us. Impact, trained by
Chris Stringer, has run really well in this intertrack, and again has the
benefit of a trial. He seems to come on for the race, looking at his Oxford
trials vs. Race form, so I’m expecting more of the same here.
Hastetothewind,
trained by Ken Mitchell, has a really impressive trial time at the track,
however doesn’t have that early ping that, as a sprinter, can win you races
from the boxes. He leaves his running late on, which could be an issue around
such a tight track.
As for the
rest, I think the best chance will be Catunda Lucca for Jo Burridge, as it has
the experience of the track, and a decent time last time in a trial.
16:42 – The BAGS Track Championship Stayers
My
Pick – Brickhill Dunk (NB) (8/1, Bet365)
I saw the
early prices for this race, and I was absolutely amazed. So much so, I’ve
ploughed into the 8/1 about Brickhill Dunk. He doesn’t exactly pop off the page
as a winner here, however his open race run round the track saw him post a
decent enough time, plus he has the added experience of once being graded
there. He’s been running really well in A2 company, running on like a steam
train in the process, and to me he’s a different dog compared to what ran in
the open back last year. He starred for the Poole team at Crayford last year in
the same competition, and could prove a hit this year for Swindon.
The race is
a pretty good quality one, and I’m looking at Francos Causeway to make a good run. Andrew Ross’ dog has been
running well in A1 company, and has a win over the extended trip back in the
summer. He has that kick of early pace that you need round Poole, and he could be
a big player.
Ardmayle
Move, for Chris Stringer, has once again been dealt a hard draw here. She
posted a brilliant first look at the track last week aswell. My concern here is
that the trip is too short for her, and again as a bitch that comes off the
back, it’s going to be hard to get to the front around a tight track like
Poole.
This is a
cracking race, and realistically any one of the 6 can win it.
16:58 – The BAGS Track Championship
Standard
My
Pick – Missys Touch (11/4, Bet365)
This is an
interesting little race this, arguably it’s a toss up between about 3 dogs. I’ve
sided however with the home advantage that Missys Touch gets. She looks to be a
rather consistent sort recently, winning her last A1 in some style, and she
looks ideally drawn. I think that the Yahoo bitch on her inside will veer more
to the rails, which might allow her a slightly easier passage. The issue may be
coming from their own dog infact, with What A Disciple looking to move more
middle.
On the basis
of the draw, you have to say that Ardmayle Candy is the best drawn dog of the
lot. Chris Stringer’s charge is capable of a ping-gone style race, but needs to
get out of those boxes. She’s had the benefit of a trial also.
Stanton
Apollo, for Kevin Hutton, posted a superb first look of 26.80 at the track, but
to me the trap draw has knocked him slightly. I expect the one dog to move in
on him and, although not the fastest of dogs, it could cause Apollo some
bother.
17:18 – The BAGS Track Championship Dogs
My
Pick – Hoots Mon (7/2, Bet365)
Hoots Mon,
soley on the draw, will romp up in this race. Kevin Hutton’s charge is back to
what I believe is his ideal trip of 450m, and has the benefit of a trial. By
all accounts, Hoots completely fluffed the start, however still managed to post
a 27.16. Anyone who knows Hoots Mon knows he’s not one to muck up the start
twice. The boxes at Poole are near enough identical to Swindon, so if he can do
the same at Poole as he does at home, this race should be easy for him.
In what is a
race with not alot of early pace, I’m liable to side with Grogeen Lodge for the
places. Richard Baker’s charge has a serious kick of early pace, and has the
benefit of a trial.
Thursday, 15 November 2012
The BAGS Intertrack - Oxford Leg
Well, spirits seem really high heading into the middle part of this competition. We have the best points total from the opening rounds, and should realistically be good things to get through this group. I believe we were as short as 1/200 with Paddy Power! To me, thats a bit nuts, as we have to go to two tracks now that really don't suit all that well. Still, anyone investing at those sorts of prices, good luck!
The next leg on our journey takes us to Sandy Lane, where we do battle vs. Poole and the home team Oxford. My general feeling about the leg is that we are going to struggle in some races, quite frankly. I don't think the draws have been particularly kind on our dogs either. Still, here is my low down of each race, obviously looking particularly at our dog's chances.
11:34 - The BAGS Track Championship Puppies
My Pick: Old Codger
I think the home team can start with a bang here in Old Codger. Trained by the Baker boys, this dog looks to be a good sort round Oxford, and has what could be an excellent draw in one, with Oxford's other, slightly down on class runner in two. A recent trial time of 27.00 looks good enough to win this race.
As for the Swindon dogs, and I know we are particularly short in the pups department, but the lack of any sort of early pace is a slight cause for concern. Plus, to be frank the times that we've posted round there are poor. I think that ours might struggle with the early battle, but possibly the points will come as ours seem to be the more running on types.
To me, of the two, Sharp Exit looks to be the well drawn, with railer Droopys Bass from Poole in 3. Sounds daft, but again Poole don't seem to have really bothered with trials, and round a track like Oxford, though similar to Poole, you could find their dogs veering anywhere round the track!
Aspiration's time in particular disappoints, but lets be honest this trip was never really going to be up her street. I think, out of all the races on Friday morning, this is going to be the one we lose the most points in.
11:48 - The BAGS Track Championship Standard
My Pick: Mercurial Lady
This could be a good points winning race for us, as the two bitches we have running look particularly suited to Oxford. I've sided with Lady literally on the time she posted on Monday. I personally thought the going was alot slower than what was indicated, meaning that she did a better time in my opinion. She's pinging well from the traps at the moment, as so long as she can get round the first bend in front she should find the line. A short head would be fine here!
As much as I think we can do well here, and actually I believe Oxford have a pretty poor line up in this race, Poole's runners look to have a cracking make up here. Distant Midnight for Pete Ruddick is a mega consistent sort, who again looks tailor-made to Oxford., Tommy Gun posted a very quick 26.76 last time out at Poole, which should replicate well here.
Tarty Toes, running for John Peterson, should take to Oxford like a duck to water. I think she can improve off the trial time, and possibly even win the race with the right make up. To me, however, I can see the 1 dog moving off, possibly causing some traffic problems.
12:04 - The BAGS Track Championship Bitches
My Pick: Shelbourne Nat
Here is where we can definitely pick up a good win in my opinion. Shelbourne Nat here looks to be drawn superbly on the fence. She trialled well last Friday, and has previous experience of the track, so she should handle the place well. Just sheerly on the draw alone, with Movealong Penny to me moving slightly middle on the run up, she should get a good run round.
Unfortunately our other prospect, Perles Minaj, doesn't look to be particularly well drawn. Trap 5 I don't think is ideal, and in her trial she didn't ping out of the boxes. On her Swindon runs, you'd say she would be well suited to the place, but her trial says otherwise. Fingers crossed she can come on from that. The saving grace is that she looks to have a slouch in the 6 box, and a hit-and-miss sort in 4. Fingers crossed she can find her trapping shoes and get a clear run round the bend.
One runner who looks to have a decent make up is Mallogs Amy of Shaun Gresham. The Poole raider, again bombing round without a look, looks an out and out middle runner, who has a good kick of early. She has some good times at Poole in top grade, and again looks suited to the track. The lack of a trial is a worry though.
12:18 - The BAGS Track Championship Sprint
My Pick: Grogeen Lodge
This race is going to be right up Oxford's street, as they run regular sprint graded races at the track. The time's are also very telling, with their runners being significantly faster than the triallers times there from Swindon and Poole.
Grogeen Lodge looks a stand out here. He seems very consistent sort in this sort of trip, and again looks like a trapper in every race he's in. The best time of 15.14 is also stand out compared to the rest of the runners, by a good length or so. This could be a very good day for the Baker camp.
For the amount of looks he's had at the place, and the consistency of his times, you'd have to say Primo Impact has a good shout to make some sort of charge on the race. Chris Stringer's dog has some good times at the track, and two recent wins over the sprint trip could be good form for this race.
Hoots Mon is also very well drawn, and in the form of his life at the moment, so fingers crossed he can keep up this excellent run of form.
I don't think too much of the Poole dogs in this one. To me, Brookend Merlin, and ex Swindon greyhounds, isn't of the class of the competition here. Catunda Luca, running for Jo Burridge, although the trial time was very good, hasn't really got enough form lines over a 2 bend trip for me to be positively backing him.
12:47 - The BAGS Track Championship Dogs
My Pick: Liosgarbh Way
My pick here is literally soley on the drawm as I do think this is a good 3/1 the field race. I went to trials on Monday, and one thing that really caught my attention was the way that Sligo Mick cut in on the first bend, then took a very much middle course round the rest of the track. It's amazing that a dog who's always been an out and out wide runner at Swindon can have such a different running style at Oxford.
Hence why I'm siding with Bob Hannan's Liosgarbh Way. He looks very well drawn, and has a pretty decent 27.05 on his card. Admittedly this was a bit of a freak time by the looks of things, however I don't think he did any harm in his last run, which I think wasn't bad at all considering being FcdToCk.
For the places I'm siding more along the lines of What A Disciple. Graham Wright's charge has been impressive round Poole recently, and has a cracking kick of early toe. He didn't run Swindon particularly well in the sprint, however he looks more tailor made to a short 4 bend trip. Romford could well be right up his street. Here, he's the best drawn middle runner in my eyes, and could take a commanding lead.
The Swindon dog's here haven't really got the times on the card to compete on the face of it. I do think Sligo Mick can find time on his second outing there, and at his pinging best could completely thrash the competition really. Primo Apollo doesn't look too well drawn here, and needs to be pitched handy to make a big run later on.
13:33 - The BAGS Track Championship Stayers
My Pick: Lacken Style
So the stayers pick goes to another Oxford dog here, in the form of Lacken Style. Once again for Richard Baker, Style seems to have the great make up for this trip. She's drawn in trap one, has a good kick of early, and seems to be wanting this sort of short six bends.
She ran a very credible race at Swindon, again running on strongly vs. Perles Minaj, and has a good line of OR form round here, just being beaten by 12 spots to Parkwest Leo. The time she recorded that day could see her win this well.
Initially my thoughts about this race, after hearing about his trial, was how far is Primo Ryan going to win!? However, he has the three box again here. Give him his due, he managed to just get round at Swindon and win, however being on a different track that's new to him is a whole different ball game. His time is excellent, and again looks to thrive over this trip. Fingers crossed he can bag some points here. If he can get round in front, then I don't think alot will catch him to be honest.
I think Droopys Harper is a bit of a weak link here. Nothing against the dog, as I'm a fan, but he's in completely the wrong box for the trip. Given the make up of the seeds (and we don't know the seedings as we're not the home track dealing with the draw), it would've made more sense to seed him rails, then he might've had a better pitch on the fence (though he still could've drawn 5). At trials on Monday, he cut on on the corners considerably, and then moved off on the straights. Out where he is he could well cause some carnage, which could open the flood gates for the six. Another issue is that he rather blew up on the run in, hitting the maximum distance for him. When you're not a particularly ping-gone merchant, and you don't really stay all too well, it doesn't particularly bode well!
I hope I haven't been too negative on here, as I've tried to look at the form objectively not as a Swindon follower. I think we do have some chances, and I think if we can keep the 40-odd point cushion up after the day I think that'll be a job well done. Remember, all the points I've made are literally my opinion and interpretation of the form. You can think I'm writing a load of tosh if you want, that's what's brilliant about greyhound racing, it's all opinion!
Speaking of opinions, feel free to comment on the bottom of this blog on what you think could happen in the races. It's brilliant to see other people's views on the races, or maybe even something I've missed etc.
Still, #UpTheSwindon!
Happy Punting, and the best of luck to all the Swindon dogs, trainers and owners.
Chris Watts
The next leg on our journey takes us to Sandy Lane, where we do battle vs. Poole and the home team Oxford. My general feeling about the leg is that we are going to struggle in some races, quite frankly. I don't think the draws have been particularly kind on our dogs either. Still, here is my low down of each race, obviously looking particularly at our dog's chances.
11:34 - The BAGS Track Championship Puppies
My Pick: Old Codger
I think the home team can start with a bang here in Old Codger. Trained by the Baker boys, this dog looks to be a good sort round Oxford, and has what could be an excellent draw in one, with Oxford's other, slightly down on class runner in two. A recent trial time of 27.00 looks good enough to win this race.
As for the Swindon dogs, and I know we are particularly short in the pups department, but the lack of any sort of early pace is a slight cause for concern. Plus, to be frank the times that we've posted round there are poor. I think that ours might struggle with the early battle, but possibly the points will come as ours seem to be the more running on types.
To me, of the two, Sharp Exit looks to be the well drawn, with railer Droopys Bass from Poole in 3. Sounds daft, but again Poole don't seem to have really bothered with trials, and round a track like Oxford, though similar to Poole, you could find their dogs veering anywhere round the track!
Aspiration's time in particular disappoints, but lets be honest this trip was never really going to be up her street. I think, out of all the races on Friday morning, this is going to be the one we lose the most points in.
11:48 - The BAGS Track Championship Standard
My Pick: Mercurial Lady
This could be a good points winning race for us, as the two bitches we have running look particularly suited to Oxford. I've sided with Lady literally on the time she posted on Monday. I personally thought the going was alot slower than what was indicated, meaning that she did a better time in my opinion. She's pinging well from the traps at the moment, as so long as she can get round the first bend in front she should find the line. A short head would be fine here!
As much as I think we can do well here, and actually I believe Oxford have a pretty poor line up in this race, Poole's runners look to have a cracking make up here. Distant Midnight for Pete Ruddick is a mega consistent sort, who again looks tailor-made to Oxford., Tommy Gun posted a very quick 26.76 last time out at Poole, which should replicate well here.
Tarty Toes, running for John Peterson, should take to Oxford like a duck to water. I think she can improve off the trial time, and possibly even win the race with the right make up. To me, however, I can see the 1 dog moving off, possibly causing some traffic problems.
12:04 - The BAGS Track Championship Bitches
My Pick: Shelbourne Nat
Here is where we can definitely pick up a good win in my opinion. Shelbourne Nat here looks to be drawn superbly on the fence. She trialled well last Friday, and has previous experience of the track, so she should handle the place well. Just sheerly on the draw alone, with Movealong Penny to me moving slightly middle on the run up, she should get a good run round.
Unfortunately our other prospect, Perles Minaj, doesn't look to be particularly well drawn. Trap 5 I don't think is ideal, and in her trial she didn't ping out of the boxes. On her Swindon runs, you'd say she would be well suited to the place, but her trial says otherwise. Fingers crossed she can come on from that. The saving grace is that she looks to have a slouch in the 6 box, and a hit-and-miss sort in 4. Fingers crossed she can find her trapping shoes and get a clear run round the bend.
One runner who looks to have a decent make up is Mallogs Amy of Shaun Gresham. The Poole raider, again bombing round without a look, looks an out and out middle runner, who has a good kick of early. She has some good times at Poole in top grade, and again looks suited to the track. The lack of a trial is a worry though.
12:18 - The BAGS Track Championship Sprint
My Pick: Grogeen Lodge
This race is going to be right up Oxford's street, as they run regular sprint graded races at the track. The time's are also very telling, with their runners being significantly faster than the triallers times there from Swindon and Poole.
Grogeen Lodge looks a stand out here. He seems very consistent sort in this sort of trip, and again looks like a trapper in every race he's in. The best time of 15.14 is also stand out compared to the rest of the runners, by a good length or so. This could be a very good day for the Baker camp.
For the amount of looks he's had at the place, and the consistency of his times, you'd have to say Primo Impact has a good shout to make some sort of charge on the race. Chris Stringer's dog has some good times at the track, and two recent wins over the sprint trip could be good form for this race.
Hoots Mon is also very well drawn, and in the form of his life at the moment, so fingers crossed he can keep up this excellent run of form.
I don't think too much of the Poole dogs in this one. To me, Brookend Merlin, and ex Swindon greyhounds, isn't of the class of the competition here. Catunda Luca, running for Jo Burridge, although the trial time was very good, hasn't really got enough form lines over a 2 bend trip for me to be positively backing him.
12:47 - The BAGS Track Championship Dogs
My Pick: Liosgarbh Way
My pick here is literally soley on the drawm as I do think this is a good 3/1 the field race. I went to trials on Monday, and one thing that really caught my attention was the way that Sligo Mick cut in on the first bend, then took a very much middle course round the rest of the track. It's amazing that a dog who's always been an out and out wide runner at Swindon can have such a different running style at Oxford.
Hence why I'm siding with Bob Hannan's Liosgarbh Way. He looks very well drawn, and has a pretty decent 27.05 on his card. Admittedly this was a bit of a freak time by the looks of things, however I don't think he did any harm in his last run, which I think wasn't bad at all considering being FcdToCk.
For the places I'm siding more along the lines of What A Disciple. Graham Wright's charge has been impressive round Poole recently, and has a cracking kick of early toe. He didn't run Swindon particularly well in the sprint, however he looks more tailor made to a short 4 bend trip. Romford could well be right up his street. Here, he's the best drawn middle runner in my eyes, and could take a commanding lead.
The Swindon dog's here haven't really got the times on the card to compete on the face of it. I do think Sligo Mick can find time on his second outing there, and at his pinging best could completely thrash the competition really. Primo Apollo doesn't look too well drawn here, and needs to be pitched handy to make a big run later on.
13:33 - The BAGS Track Championship Stayers
My Pick: Lacken Style
So the stayers pick goes to another Oxford dog here, in the form of Lacken Style. Once again for Richard Baker, Style seems to have the great make up for this trip. She's drawn in trap one, has a good kick of early, and seems to be wanting this sort of short six bends.
She ran a very credible race at Swindon, again running on strongly vs. Perles Minaj, and has a good line of OR form round here, just being beaten by 12 spots to Parkwest Leo. The time she recorded that day could see her win this well.
Initially my thoughts about this race, after hearing about his trial, was how far is Primo Ryan going to win!? However, he has the three box again here. Give him his due, he managed to just get round at Swindon and win, however being on a different track that's new to him is a whole different ball game. His time is excellent, and again looks to thrive over this trip. Fingers crossed he can bag some points here. If he can get round in front, then I don't think alot will catch him to be honest.
I think Droopys Harper is a bit of a weak link here. Nothing against the dog, as I'm a fan, but he's in completely the wrong box for the trip. Given the make up of the seeds (and we don't know the seedings as we're not the home track dealing with the draw), it would've made more sense to seed him rails, then he might've had a better pitch on the fence (though he still could've drawn 5). At trials on Monday, he cut on on the corners considerably, and then moved off on the straights. Out where he is he could well cause some carnage, which could open the flood gates for the six. Another issue is that he rather blew up on the run in, hitting the maximum distance for him. When you're not a particularly ping-gone merchant, and you don't really stay all too well, it doesn't particularly bode well!
I hope I haven't been too negative on here, as I've tried to look at the form objectively not as a Swindon follower. I think we do have some chances, and I think if we can keep the 40-odd point cushion up after the day I think that'll be a job well done. Remember, all the points I've made are literally my opinion and interpretation of the form. You can think I'm writing a load of tosh if you want, that's what's brilliant about greyhound racing, it's all opinion!
Speaking of opinions, feel free to comment on the bottom of this blog on what you think could happen in the races. It's brilliant to see other people's views on the races, or maybe even something I've missed etc.
Still, #UpTheSwindon!
Happy Punting, and the best of luck to all the Swindon dogs, trainers and owners.
Chris Watts
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