Produce Stakes Semi Final Preview + Competition Thoughts

Already, we find ourselves at the semi-final stage of the Produce Stakes?! Unbelievable stuff really. These competitions seem to absolutely fly by. The obvious favourite for the competition is Johnnys Boy, tipped up at 5/1 at the start of the competition by yours truly. The key to him is that, in my opinion, he’s a class above the field. I don’t often judge a dog solely on times, however the 2^nd round really summed up this thinking. Whilst the likes of Klockwork Korker etc. were looking good in winning their heats, they are still about 5 lengths off the pace of Johnnys Boy. The one issue, and when it gets to this stage of the competition it’s when it starts to bite, is when the dog comes up against an issue, or a particularly bad draw/predicament. Fortunately, as you will fathom from the preview, I still don’t think this is the case in this race, which should see him win again.

One issue I have about this competition, however, is the whole ‘2 go through’ scenario for the semi-final stage. I’ve never been a fan of it. I do think a semi-final should be that the first three go through to the final. However, I do understand that this would also mean the competition having to be whittled down somewhat etc. It just seems that you do the hard work to get to this stage, and then you have to finish in a forecast position to get through. Just a minor gripe!

A lot of questions have been asked about the general running of the Produce Stakes, which I will go into a little further down this blog:

15:58 – The Produce Semi Final – Heat 1

My Pick: Johnnys Boy (NAP)

Looking at the race as a whole, I really can’t see there being too many obstacles for Johnnys Boy to overcome here. The only potential issue could be the 4 dog, Yorkshire Coral, taking some of his ground going into the first bend, as he’s got a tendency to cut the bend somewhat. However, this really should be plain sailing.

As for the second qualifier, that really is a toughie! I do think there are about 3 that are within a shout of getting through. Realistically, I don’t think the 1 or the 6 are at the same level as the other greyhounds in this one. My vote will go with Klockwork Korker for the 2^nd qualifying place. Korker put in a brilliant trap-to-line performance in the 2^nd round, producing a good 28.64, but more importantly a 2.40 split. Looking at the card, I think he’s got a plum draw with 2 slow starters either side of him. Obviously, Romeo Hi Rumble will be coming with a late charge, however I think Korker could be long gone by then. I’m not saying he’ll beat Johnnys Boy, however he’s certainly the best drawn barring the favourite.

16:18 – The Produce Semi Final – Heat 2

My Pick: Klockwork Kaipo

I’ll be the first to admit, I think I’ve underestimated just how fast this dog is. In the heat, he destroyed a top field, winning by over 3 lengths in a decent 28.55. Klockwork Kaipo, above all, as a superb draw on the outside of 5 railers. He’ll move in himself mind, and he’ll have to look after himself going into the first bend. However, given the possibility of some scrimmaging on his inside, he should see this opposition off well.

Son of Delboy, for Stuart Buckland, is my other qualifier in this. Although he has a terrible draw in trap 5, he’s one of the most consistent trapper’s I’ve ever seen over a 4 bend trip. Any resemblance of a 2.28 split here should see him clear of the inside runners early, where he can then move over towards a rails pitch and go on from there. He’s not the best finisher in the world mind, and against the better opposition he could find himself struggling to get home. The good going will help here, mind.

16:37 – The Produce Semi Final – Heat 3

My Pick: Cimla Superstar

If anything, I would say that this is the weakest of the 3 semi-finals, with (in my mind) two obvious qualifiers. Cimla Superstar, trained by Neil Jones, has really come on leaps and bounds in this competition. I’m a big fan of hers, and the fact that she’s got a good kick of early, but that she flies home as well. To me, she has a cracking make up here, in between two sleepers at the boxes. So long as she can stay consistent to her split times, she’ll qualify from this heat with ease.

The other qualifier, to me, is Kay Gee Bee. Tipped up last week by yours truly, I thought he ran a stormer after one again flopping out of the boxes. His track craft is absolutely awesome, and he made up some serious ground on Yorkshire Coral last week (5 ¼ lengths looks bad, but it wasn’t considering the amount of lengths he left at the traps and around the 2^nd).

By my tips then, that makes it 4 railers, 1 middle and 1 wide that should make it through to the final on Saturday 20^th July 2013.

The competition itself, and as we draw nearer to the conclusion of this year’s offering, questions beginning to mount about the long-term future of the competition and the way it is handled.

For one, I do think that the date needs to be changed. I think this July slot, although the weather at the moment is fab, is far too early, and it plays as a disadvantage to the later whelps. There are some dogs in this competition that are literally on about their 20^th odd race of their career, basically a seasoned campaigner already, whereas there are some runners that have barely started their careers. I know you are going to get this scope in ages when you’re running a competition such as this; however the problem can be helped somewhat by running the competition later. Personally, my thoughts were how brilliant it could’ve been to have had a TV Trophy/Produce Stakes double header on that 4^th September Sky slot. Alas, that wasn’t meant to be!

Another thing to consider would also be the coverage aspect of the competition. Having the competition on SIS/BAGS this year has been a big plus, as it allows you to reach an audience that you otherwise wouldn’t running the competition locally on Friday/Saturday nights. However, as a promotion of British Breeding, and being THE competition for British Breeders in the whole calendar, it would be great to have a Sky slot to promote the event. I know these slots are limited, and to be honest we should be most thankful that we even have Sky coverage at the moment. However, this is the marquee event of the British Breeding calendar, and to big this up somewhat, and give the finalists and other greyhounds the coverage and promotion they otherwise wouldn’t receive, this could really revitalize the British Breeding sector.

People have asked me about the prize money in the competition, and I must say I think the prize money is actually very good, and should be kept at the same level. Yes, if there is the allowance there to make it bigger, then increase it. However, as a Cat 1 it is up there with the St. Leger in terms of prize money.

One thing I would seriously be looking at, however, is the entry process of the competition. It boggles me even thinking about it, and to be truthful I think half the reason why a few didn’t enter was because they weren’t entered at certain stages. In an era where we have central databases, and credit cards, and all those other technological advances, why not develop a form of online entry, where people can pay directly, without all the hassle of cheques, and missing signatures etc. It would just save a lot of hassle, and actually bring the competition up to 21^st century standards!

The Produce Stakes 2nd Round Preview

Already, we hit the ground running with the 2nd round taking place tomorrow. You can catch the heats live from 20:07, or catch them on the BAGS service in most major bookmakers!

To be honest, from the first round it can't be said that there were that many shocks. Tipping 9/10 winners could usually be deemed a good thing, however with the stand-out's being there (along with some very short prices), it should be a night where most people can knick a couple of quid.

Saying that, the performance from Johnnys Boy to equal the Swindon clock was superb. Superb in the sense that, in all honesty, it didn't look that fast. Now, this I deem a good thing. Can the dog go quicker? I do think he can, and I'd be betting that he does the clock in the next round. 3/1, with Calne Racing, to win the competition is a massive price, and I reckon one that should be taken. It's worth noting that 2 of my other antepost tips are still running, including Toosey Beannie, tipped at 50/1 e/w, who produced an awesome win in the heats.

Anyway, here's the preview of the second round. Again, as per the other previews, the prices are merely a guide and just my opinion on a race. They aren't to be taken!

20:07 - 2nd Round - Heat 1
My Pick: Johnnys Boy (NAP)
Tricast Pick: 6-2-1

Cimla Quinta 8/1
Brazen Knight 6/1
Special Spell12/1
Black Assassin 6/1
Nolans Scolari 12
Johnnys Boy 2/5F 

It's hard to look past Johnnys Boy after that awesome display in the first round. He hosed up in the race, with a long stride and good track craft, he made it look easy. I still say there is more to come from him, alas I'm expecting a near-track record performance. 

In terms of the forecast and tricast links, I think Brazen Knight will be there for Team Draper. I felt as though he was feeling his way round in his last run, taking a bump at the first. He's got the times capable of a big run. 

Cimla Quinta would be my tri-cast selection here. Neil Jones' bitch really has taken to the track well, and with a solid rails pitch (where she wants to be), she should be able to find herself going round relatively trouble-free. 

20:22 - 2nd Round - Heat 2
My Pick: Son Of Delboy
Tricast Pick - 3-6-1

Seathwaite Frann 6/1
Antartica 4/1
Son Of Delboy 1/2F
Joe The Jaw 10/1
Barley Beloved 14/1
Shimano Cyan 10/1

Another relatively easy race here, with Son Of Delboy getting the verdict. However, he will have to overcome a particularly difficult trap draw. The 2 dog, Antartica, has some good early pace, meaning Del Boy will have to be his usual foot-perfect to get out and steer clear of trouble. I expect him to take the trap 2 line relatively quickly.

One dog I was quite impressed with on Friday was Shimano Cyan in Trap 6. Bill Adams' runner has some decent early pace, and was, by the looks of things, really feeling his way round the track last week. In trap 6, with a pacemaker on the inside of him, he could go round in a handy position behind trap 3 here, for a big forecast. 

Do watch Seathwaite Frann on the fence in this one. Carol Evan's runner will be a big player against these early pace types. Expect her to be flying home.

20:37 - 2nd Round - Heat 3
My Pick: Kay Gee Bee
Tricast Pick - 2-6-1

Lady Jayne 4/1
Kay Gee Bee 2/1
Stella Zavala 12/1
Moses Star 6/1
Caz Expresso 6/1
Yorkshire Coral 6/4F

I was really taken by Kay Gee Bee's run last week, and I do fancy him to really come on from it. Dave Mullin's black completely fluffed the start, however paced up really well. It was from then that he weaved through the pack well, running well to score by a length from Antartica. I feel if he had hit the lids better, and not have to do some much running to get to the front, that he would've put in a very good time here. Expect better from him this time.

The obvious, stand out favourite is trap 6, Yorkshire Coral. Barry Draper's runner ran really well in behind Klockwork Korker in the heats, putting in a very decent 28.78 calculated. Expect her to go well here, in with an arguably easier field.   
  
20:51 - 2nd Round - Heat 4
My Pick: Bodell Sheila (NB)
Tricast Pick: 2-1-5

Special Release 2/1
Bodell Sheila 9/4
Cimla Visa 16/1
Gate Lane Lass 50/1
Romeo Hi Rumble 7/4F
Bodell George 8/1

I said to the bookmakers last Friday night that the lay of the night had to be Romeo Hi Rumble. He's really got a machine under the bonnet, however he runs off at the bends, and relies on coming off the pace to win races. He made eye-catching progress in the first round from a seemingly not-qualifying position to chase down Special Empire. It's the same story here, really. I can't see him getting much of a run, and he'll have to chase down some particularly fast dogs.

Bodell Sheila really caught my eye in the heats. She really kept the ground up on Johnnys Boy, which was some run considering he equalled the clock. She ran well enough in her trial to, and I think, given a handy pitch behind Special Release, she could mow her down on the run in to score. 

I see Special Release being the key pacemaker here, and her class should outshine the other's in the field to qualify.

21:07 - 2nd Round - Heat 5
My Pick: Cimla Superstar
Tricast Pick: 2-4-6

Seathwaite Hage 12/1
Blonde Tango 12/1
Cimla Superstar 2/1J
Klockwork Kaipo 2/1J
Special Lexi 5/1
Yorkshire Maddy 7/2     

This really is a scorcher of a heat! Casting an eye over this race, the first 3 home seem to be easy to find, however I do think this is a race where every greyhound has a good chance.

I was, however, most impressed with Cimla Superstar. Neil Jones' bitch ran an awesome race, putting in a trap to line performance that, in all honesty, I think everyone has been waiting to see in a race. In her trials, she proved that she can run well, and put in decent times. However, last Friday was the first time we've seen that in action in a race. Hopefully, this was the start of things to come, as after Saturday she's a big contender in my eyes.

She will, however, have to contend with the experience of Klockwork Kaipo. Paul Sallis' fawn won well in the heat, proving that he is a big contender for this year's £15,000 prize. He'll have to battle Superstar for early pace, however.

The early pace battle through the middle could, potentially, see Yorkshire Maddy fly high-wide-and-handsome. Barry Draper's runner put in a good run in the heat, however the time wasn't exactly the best. However, with a good wide pitch, she could potentially put in a good run.

21:22 - 2nd Round - Heat 6
My Pick: Special Empire
Tricast Pick: 6-1-5 

Klockwork Korker 6/4F
Seathwaite Herne 10/1
Cimla Ffion 10/1
Rock It Vera 5/1
Toosey Beannie 3/1
Special Empire 3/1  

This is a pretty good little race to round off the second round, and my pick goes to a slightly bigger price-fancy than in the other races, in Special Empire. Empire, trained by Dave Lee, ran really well to get home from a fast-finishing Romeo Hi Rumble in the heats, and overall has been very consistant. With the lack of pace on his inside, I see him getting a good position early on. To be truthful, I'm envisaging some scrimmaging on the inside, which may allow Empire a good lead going off the 2nd.

Of course, he'll have to hold off the challenge of the likely favourite, Klockwork Korker. Korker looks to be the fastest in the race here, however I do worry about the trap draw. Fortuntely, he has a sleeper on the inside of him, as I can see him wanting to take the trap 2 line out of the boxes. This should see him get round, however there is still a chance of some trouble from the other railers turning in.

To round off the tricast, obviously I'm going with the antepost selection Toosey Beannie. Trained by John Mullins, this lass ran really well in the heat, having to run on strong from a pacing Joe The Jaw. With the early pace coming from the inside runners, she could be in a handy position off the 3rd bend to qualify.

Happy Punting!

Wattsy 

The 67th British Bred 2 Year Old Produce Stakes - Preview

Wow, it's here already. The richest prize for British Bred greyhounds, the Produce Stakes, starts this Friday evening, in what promises to be a very competitive Group 1. Looking through the card, I can see a good 10 potential winners there, so it'll be interesting to watch how the draws go through the rounds. I can also say that Calne Racing are going to be putting up an ante post book at the track, so do take a look at that. I hope to give my picks for the ante post market too.

So, here's a look at each of the first round heats of this year's Produce Stakes. Again, as with the majority of my previews, the prices are merely a guide and just my opinion. Do notice a few shorties, which is generally the thing for the first round! One thing's for sure, unless your doing accumulators etc, you may not get rich quickly on the first round, as there tends to be such a scope in class that, often, the long odds on shots win well. Basically, I'm covering up for picking some 1/3 shots!

20:00 - Heat 1
My Pick: Son Of Delboy

1) Caz Brownie - Mosdall (W'don) - 12/1
2) Blonde Tango - Wallis (Ymth) - 2/1
3) Brazen Knight - Draper (Sheff) - 2/1
4) Moses Star - Battley (Hnlow) - 20/1
5) Son Of Delboy - Buckland (HallG) - 5/4F
6) VACANT

For a Produce Stakes race, I actually thought this was a pretty competitive betting heat. I think the first three sort themselves out here, however which of them will actually win? I've sided with Stuart Buckland's Son Of Delboy. I remember watching him at Coventry, back on the 29th May, and was amazed by his early pace. He's got a really funny action this dog, with his head up in the air. To me, he has the early pace to lead up, even given the bad draw in trap 5 with 4 other railers. Blonde Tango, running for Mark Wallis, has been putting in some eye-catching runs on the rounds, and will be flying at the finish

My Trio: 5-2-3

20:15 - Heat 2
My Pick: Yorkshire Maddy

1) Klockwork Kyoko - Sallis (Monm) - 2/1
2) Special Spell - Lee (Sitt) - 14/1
3) Barley Beloved (M) - Battley (Hnlow) - 6/1
4) Caz Expresso (M) - Mosdall (W'don) - 6/1
5) Bodell Lizzie (W) - Kemp (Hnlow) - 8/1
6) Yorkshire Maddy (W) - Draper (Sheff) - 1/1F  

Again, in this race I see it being a 2 dog race, however I'm finding it difficult to split them (though I do think the task is a bit easier than the opening race). Yorkshire Maddy looks to be a bit better class than her opposition really. She went round the track well enough, clocking 28.87 for a first look, and you've got to think she can improve on that. She has good early, however she'll have to try and avoid a possible argy-bargy encounter with trap 5, who looked like she needed the stripes in her trial.

My Trio: 6-1-3

20:30 - Heat 3
My Pick: Johnnys Boy - NAP

1) Bodell Sheila - Kemp (Hnlow) - 5/4
2) Gate Lane Lass - Dimmock (P'boro) - 40/1
3) Special Milli - Lee (Sitt) - 20/1
4) VACANT
5) Zoozee Blue (M) - Mullins (Ymth) - 20/1
6) Johnnys Boy (W) - Harris (BVue) - 1/2F

Easy one this one. I really like this Johnnys Boy in 6. He's really impressed me at Coventry in the past couple of weeks. His trial was stunning here at Swindon, however I do have to say that I thought the trial looked slow in running, alas it shows that, I think, there's more in the tank! I do think he has to be short to win the competition this year. I think the bookies may aswell keep on the right side of Bodell Sheila, though I do believe that the trial time is one that won't be repeated, looking at her recent form.

My Trio: 6-1-3

20:45 - Heat 4
My Pick: Aspiration

1) Cimla Visa - Jones (Cov) - 10/1
2) Romeo Hi Rumble - Firmager (Notts) - 6/5F
3) Caz Hitch - Mosdall (W'don) - 10/1
4) Donnys Angel (M) - Mullins (Ymth) - 10/1
5) Aspiration (W) - Dartnall (Swin) - 9/4
6) Special Empire (W) - Lee (Sitt) - 4/1

A local pick here, and one that I don't think will go off favourite (and not from trap 6!). On the card, you have to say that the Romeo dog is definitely the form greyhound. However, in his trial last week, he seems to run all over the place. One minute he's wide, next he's bang on the rails. Although fast, I like to see consistency in track-craft, alas I feel this could have a negative impact on his chances. Aspiration, although only just striding after a lay off, I think has a plum draw on the outside, and I see her following the 4 round and landing coming home.

My Trio: 5-2-6

21:00 - Heat 5
My Pick: Kay Gee Bee

1) Cimla Ffion - Jones (Cov) 3/1
2) Antartica - Hampson (BVue) - 3/1
3) Kay Gee Bee - Mullins (Rom) - 5/4F
4) Mullpark Jeannie (M) - Mullins (Ymth) - 7/1
5) Brookend Scatcat (W) - Smith (Swin) - 7/1
6) Karens Treasure (W) - Battley (Hnlow) - 16/1

An interesting race this one. I think the winner is pretty standout in the field. However, the qualifying positions are really intriguing. I think that, potentially, Brookend Scatcat could run a big race to qualify, along with Cimla Ffion. However, I reckon that all 5 greyhounds are in with a great chance of qualifying (maybe barring the 6, who looks a bit out of his depth here).

My Trio: 4-1-5

21:15 - Heat 6
My Pick: Klockwork Kaipo (NB)

1) Stella Zavala - Dimmock (P'boro) - 50/1
2) VACANT
3) Wellesley Fleck (M) - Evans (PBarr) - 8/1
4) Klockwork Kaipo (M) - Sallis (Monm) - 2/5F
5) Bodell George (W) - Kemp (Hnlow) - 4/1
6) Nolans Scolari (W) - Simpson (W'don) - 10/1

Again, it's an easy one this one. To me, Kaipo is one to keep an eye on in this competition, as I do think he has the class to win it. Paul Sallis' fawn looks a class above in this race. Aside from that, I see Bodell George giving him a good early pace battle, though he'll have to improve on his trapping.

My Trio: 4-5-3

21:30 - Heat 7
My Pick: Toosey Beannie

1) Joe The Jaw - Dartnall (Swin) - 3/1
2) Black Assassin - Mullins (Rom) - 2/1J
3) VACANT
4) Klockwork Kinda (M) - Sallis (Monm) - 2/1J
5) Toosey Beannie (M) - Mullins (Ymth) - 3/1
6) Blueeyed Bullet (M) - Kemp (Hnlow) - 14/1     

Now this is a difficult race! Honestly, I think it's a race between the 2 and the 4, but I can't split them. Alas, I'm going for what I think might be a touch of value in the form of Toosey Beannie. John Mullins' runner has been running decently in the A2 grade at Yarmouth, and looks to want a bit more of a gallop. Her run behind Francos Causeway at Sittingbourne franks this mode of thought. The big issue is a lack of a look round, which I reckon could see her moving off at the bend. On a night like the Produce 1st Round, it's worth a go on something that's a bit of value. Remember, these dogs can do what times they like in solos, however it's when they're in race conditions that you see the true running style.

My Trio: 5-4-2

21:45 - Heat 8
My Pick: Klockwork Korker

1) Cimla Paradise - Jones (Cov) - 25/1
2) Seathwaite Frann - Evans (PBarr) - 4/1
3) Klockwork Korker - Sallis (Monm) - 7/4J
4) Thandis Thai Ni (M) - Ralph (Swindon) - 5/1
5) Yorkshire Coral (M) - Draper (Sheff) 7/4J
6) Special Lexi (W) - Lee (Sitt) - 10/1

Very good race this one, with my vote going for Klockwork Korker. I've watched Paul Sallis' runner a couple of times at Monmore, and, when he's on the bunny, he is a seriously fast dog. His split of 2.37, along with the winning time of 28.68 in a trial, shows he can do more of the same in this competition. He doesn't have a lot of pace around him, so he should have all the room in the world. Barry Draper's runner Yorkshire Coral also has the early to go with Korker, making this a good tussle. I'm rooting for the local Thandis Thai Ni (formerly Fabulous Fusion) to nick a qualifying spot here. I reckon, so long as she's handy to the front runners, she'll run on strong enough to qualify.

My Trio: 3-5-4

22:00 - Heat 9
My Pick: Cimla Superstar

1) Seathwaite Herne - Evans (PBarr) - 6/1
2) Rock It Vera - Sallis (Monm) - 4/1
3) Cimla Superstar - Jones (Cov) - 5/2
4) Shimano Cyan (M) - Adams (Hnlow) - 10/1
5) Special Duo (W) - Lee (Sitt) - 6/1
6) Blonde Bobby (W) - Wallis (Ymth) - 7/4F

I think I'm in danger of fancying Superstar over a hill here, however I've sided with her once more. Trained by a old Swindon favourite Neil Jones, Superstar certainly seems to be able to clock the times in her trials, it's just when it comes to her racing that seems to be the problem! She has the geats to be a potential star over the standard (and possibly short 6 bend) trips, it's just that she's green as grass when it comes to running with other dogs. If she can keep reproducing 2.40 odd splits, then she'll do mighty well, and only improve. Blonde Bobby looks the obvious favourite here, winning well at Coventry last time, and should be considered a potential winner of this year's competition.

My Trio: 3-6-1

22:15 - Heat 10
My Pick: Special Release

1) Special Release - Lee (Sitt) - 5/4F
2) Cimla Quinta - Jones (Cov) - 3/1
3) Lady Jayne - Dartnall (Swin) - 3/1
4) VACANT
5) Seathwaite Hage (M) - Evans (PBarr) - 5/1
6) Barley Ginola (M) - Battley (Hnlow) - 5/1

Hopefully an easy one to round off the night! Special Release here looks a class above in the lucky last. She's finally got herself the 1 box round Swindon, too! Look for a big run here, she's potentially a big player in this year's competition. I see this being an all-rails tricast.

My Trio: 1-2-3

There's the race by race analysis. Now, in terms of antepost, I say that Johnnys Boy has to be the outstanding one in the line up this year. I think he can only improve, and in a competition that doesn't have a load of wide runners, he's bound to get decent trap draw's throughout. In terms of prices, I actually haven't really tried to formulate my own market! In term's of playing a first 4 market, I also think Klockwork Kaipo is a big player.

If you're looking for something down the big-price e/w route, I would side with 2 greyhounds. First of which, I would go with Aspiration. Matt Dartnall's runner can seem to win it off the front or off the back. Before a spell of lameness, she looked to be a big contender for this competition. She's just coming back into form, and in terms of e/w, she might be at her peak come the semi finals.

I would also go with Toosey Beannie. For some reason, I've really taken a liking to this bitch, and I reckon she can go well in the competition. She's really well bred, and looks tailor-made to Swindon. Again, she'll be a big price, but when you're playing first 4 ante-post, you can potentially win a large amount of money.

Happy Punting!

Wattsy,
       
    

The William Hill Greyhound Derby, Produce Stakes Discussion

I know it's not strictly a Swindon-based entry, however I feel it'd be daft not to cover arguably the biggest night in greyhound racing. Saturday see's the final of the Derby take place at Wimbledon, with Swindon's Kevin Hutton running with Screen Critic in that final. A big good luck to Kev for the race, but also a mighty great well done for getting to such a big final.

19:08 - William Hill Bet on the Move 273m Sprint
My Pick: Ballymac Jones

I actually thought that the sprint division was on a bit of a downward spiral recently, however here you have, arguably, the top 6 sprinters in the country at the moment (barring Your A Champ, Lil Risky). Ballymac Jones is my pick here for Pat Rosney. This dog is the model of consistancy, winning in decent times at Nottingham, and being there or there abouts in the majority of his races. He's a dog that can ping (vital in a sprint), but even if he misses it slightly he has the EP to get to the bend handy with his rivals.

19:23 - William Hill Download the App 480m Standard - Division A
My Pick: Loughteen Blanco

Loughteen Blanco for me in this one. I know that Lemon Pluto has a bit of quality, but he's too hit or miss at the boxes to be backing him. Blanco seems to always be able to pace to the bend well. He also has a terrific Wimbledon record.

19:38 - William Hill Download the App Stayers Stakes
My Pick: Farloe Tango (NAP)

Cracking race once again (hard not to expect that on derby final night!), however, to me Tango is different league to everything in this race. Yes, I'm bigging him up that much. I remember that run at Yarmouth when he first went over the trip, and he just cruised past everything in his wake, even checking rather violently at the 5th (if my memory serves me right). Put it this way, if you're thinking about betting him here, why not just have your stake on him winning the St. Leger? I think he could, potentially, be THE star of the stayers division.

19:57 - William Hill iPhone, iPad and iPad Mini Derby Invitation
My Pick: Holdem Spy

My pick goes with the 'butcher's apron' in Holdem Spy. I would argue that this greyhound is one of the fastest in training, it's just that sometimes I think his mind wonders a touch! Even with a dog like Teejays Bluehawk in the race (who I've never been too high on as a top class OR performer if I'm honest), I think the Spy should go well here. There's such a lack of any form of pace in this race also, I can't see anything really leading him out of the 3rd.

20:12 - William Hill Dorando Marathon
My Pick: Musical Gaga (NB)

Wow, now this is a race! Cracking marathon this one, and my vote goes for Musical Gaga. Like many others, I've been waiting for this bitch to go over a marathon. She obliged in style over 750m at Romford, however this will be the true test for her. To me, the trip wont be an issue, and she has the early to lead and hold on strong. In all seriousness though, I can see 4 potential winners in this race, it's that tough a race!

20:28 - William Hill Champion Hurdle Final
My Pick: Droopys Lorenzo

I do admit to having a bit of 5/2 about Lorenzo before the heats last week to win this competition, and overall I'm pretty happy. Somehow he clocked the fastest heat win, even though the comment 'Hit5H' is an understatement. He practically ran straight into it, and didn't even look like jumping it! To me, Lorenzo is the quickest dog in the race, it's just whether his jumping holds up to the masters of the jumping in my mind, 5 and 6.

20.43 - William Hill Derby Plate Final
My Pick: Castlelyons Cofi

To me, Cofi is completely different league to the others in this race (no offence to the others!). Charlie's dog ran an awesome race last time out, and looks to have a perfect make up here to do much of the same. Hopefully the past couple of runs are this dog coming to form, as to me he has the potential to be a good competition dog, however his form is very hit and miss at the moment.

21:08 - William Hill Greyhound Derby Final 2013
My Pick: Screen Critic

This race, honestly, I would just sit back and enjoy the spectacle. I've tipped Screen Critic because, let's be honest, it would be great to see him win. In fairness, on the draw he has an outstanding chance. Enjoy the final, of what has been a truely great Derby.

21:35 - William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed 480m Puppy Stakes
My Pick: Droopys Odell

Again, it's just a case of scope in class in this race, as Droopys Odell looks a class above the rest in this race. Seamus Cahill's bitch has been crying out for the red, and should make full use of it here with a middle runner in 2. One thing to mention, and I know that for scheduling reasons it's the case, but it does feel really perculiar 1) the derby being so early, and 2) there being 5 races after the derby. Very odd.

21.50 - William Hill Download the App 480m Standard - Division B
My Pick: Alterra

I actually thought this was a very give-or-take race. It's the sort of race where, if I were at the track, I probably wouldn't actually have a bet in it. Alas, I've sided with Ernie Gaskin's runner Alterra here. I watched him at Romford last week clocking 24.05, and he looked mightly impressive, showing some great early toe.

22:05 - William Hill In The App Store 480m British Bred

One slight thing before I start, and I'll be talking more about the Produce Stakes in a couple of paragraphs. I do just wonder why there are 3 '11 whelp British Breds in this race, yet they aren't entered for the Produce Stakes? Seems a wierd decision.

Anywho, my vote here goes for one of my favourites, Bonamassa Rocks. He's a cracking dog, and when he's on the buddy he's a hard dog to break down. He'll have a hard time getting an early advantage over 1 and 3 though, which could give Kev's Gemstone Jack a peach of a run through the middle!

22:20 - William Hill Exclusive Mobile Bonuses 480m Ladies
My Pick: Fionntra Molly

Good little race this, with my pick being the 'form' bitch in the race, Fionntra Molly. She's been winning for fun at Coventry recently. You should always be following a bitch in form, alas the bet here has to be her. This is as tough a bitches race as you'll find, however, so her task may not be all that easy. Expect a good EP battle between 1 and 2.

22:35 - William Hill In The App Store Seniors
My Pick: Jazz Apollo

In terms of recent form, I do believe that Jazz Apollo has the best card in this race. He's still clocking 29.70's at Hove, which for a 4 1/2 year old is just awesome. I do love the seniors/veteran races, there should definitely be more of them in the calendar. Keep an eye on Crusty Crab in trap 6 for Ray Jones!

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 As you all know, it's the Produce Stakes time again. However, this year has certainly taken a tumble in the numbers. We're used to getting around 75 entries or so, which, when you factor in the dogs that are often withdrawn for whatever reason, the number usually goes down to 70.

This year we've got a total of 56 (upon the first count), which is obviously rather disappointing. Obviously, a number of factors are involved, the main of which is that the litters just aren't being bred any more. Surely, this number of entries should be an indication to everyone that we need to look at how we treat our home breeders and see about how we can change this pattern around. 

Again, one thing that did surprise me were a few of the absent dogs that I knew where British Breds. I touched on it in my OR preview, the likes of the Offshore Sox litter, the Final Gold litter all missing. I do wonder why this is the case, and what can be done to perhaps get them to enter next time around. One thing that I think must be done is that the date needs to change. July makes it too early for the younger whelps to get proper racing and experience in, giving advantage to the older whelps. Now that our Produce is the only one remaining, I feel a September date would be more suited to alleviate those age worries. Maybe this is something the Breeders Forum should look at? 
 

The Derby, Stayers Races, The Produce Stakes

First things first, and a big well done has to go to Kevin Hutton and the team for getting Screen Critic through to the William Hill Greyhound Derby Final. It takes a hell of a training feat to get a dog to the ‘big dance’, so congratulations. This week in greyhound racing must be one of the best for the connections of the finalists, knowing that the big race is coming up. What with the Derby Dinner etc., it makes for a terrific event. A lot of questions are asked about the Derby (more the actual home of the event, rather than the event itself), however it cannot be disputed that the competition captivates the greyhound fraternity. If (like moi) you were on him Ante post (first 6), then you can sit back and relax to watch the final! I must say, looking at the trap draw as I would any open race, you have to say he has the plum draw of the race (along with Sidaz Jack). I hope to do a full Derby night preview on this blog sometime in the week.

Back to things at home, and it’s been good to see a slight resurgence in the stayers division at Swindon. It seems nowadays that we’re having more and more stayers races, which makes for a much more interesting card. Variety is the spice of life, as they say, so it’s good to see this variation. The problem with maintaining two separate grades is that obviously the greyhounds have to be trialled over the trip before commencing racing. However, with the recent rule change going from 8 to 12 weeks being the time that you can be declared ‘out of time’ over a trip, this will certainly help keeping the races going.  Would more variety be accepted? Of course it would. Personally, I’d love to see graded racing over all the trips; however I understand how that can be difficult to keep up.

Of course, just round the corner now is the Produce Stakes, the biggest British Bred race in the calendar. I always look forward to the Produce, as it allows the smaller breeder to compete with the big boys to compete for a big prize. It’s a competition that always springs a few surprises, however it also brings together the best British breds in the country. In terms of our best local chance, I believe the best hope we have is with Fabulous Fusion, batting for the Nick Ralph kennel. She’ll have some competition, however, from several top class dogs including Johnny’s Boy. One big question I’ve asked is whether we might see Mr. Lister and Golden Wonder make an appearance?

R.I.P ID Books, Hello 21st Century

This week marks a sad week in greyhound racing (well, for those that are really that OTT about them), as the long time trusty servant to racing office's, the ID book, is taken out of the rules of racing. In it's place, the microchip technology that has worked so well for the past couple of years becomes the new rule, though markings of the dogs are still available. It might sound a bit like something of nothing, but this step (for greyhound racing as a whole), is pretty significant, as it see's a sport that, a lot of the times seems to struggle with embracing technology, making full use of a very powerful and up to date tool.

The use of the microchipping system, however, makes me wonder whether the sport is actually doing enough to modernise and embrace technology. The marking up procedure, and thus the posting of paperwork etc, is still in tact, meaning that there is still the long turn-around from markup to trial. Knowing a little bit aout how databases work, and with the development of digital photography, I do wonder why a new marking up procedure couldn't be looked into. The idea of markings of a dog should still be in use, however the capture of a photo would surely suffice, and in fact improve on a drawing and sketching? 

As some of you may know, I am on an IT degree, and have a pretty good mind when it comes to computers and that sort of thing. I honestly cannot fathom why, this day in age, a dog cannot be registered and ready to run, literally on the day. The mark up could take place in the form of a photo identification procedure, with the dogs details checked against the Irish/Stud book ID. From here, it's a case of data entry and registration confirmation and voila, the dog should be ready to race. Problems with paperwork could be dealt with there and then, thus saving owners and trainers time, effort and money. This system is relatively basic to set up, and wouldnt cost a great deal, saving money in the long run.

The issue, however, isn't just with this sort of procedure. The embracing technology issue is industry-wide. There are so many ways of reaching new audiences now, it's unreal. All it takes is a but of savvy and working out, and your away. This blog, for example, is completely free to run. Yes, it takes a bit of time to post up every now and again, however you are giving the audience (in this case you, the reader) anoer insight and something different to look at. I applaud trainers who take the initative to try these new things out. Twitter, for example, is a great (and yes, free!) tool to reach a new audience and publicise your product. Trainers are just starting to embrace this, and I've heard but nothing but good things, such as getting in new owners. The number one thing trainers (and companies in general) say to me is how they're struggling to find new people. Embracing these technologies is certainly a start, and I see no reason why we can't use these tools. We as a track have new people attending due to it, so it just shows it works!

The issue with embracing technology is that it does take time and effort to set up, and you do need it working properly and looking good. The other thing is that you need to WANT to use it. Modernisation is there to make things easier, alas go out there and use it!