Racing

Romford Tips – Friday 9th August

Having written some sublime horse racing previews in the past, our popular Syndicate Captain Cheltmental turns his hand to the greyhounds, penning our first ever £30,000 Win 8 preview at Romford on Friday evening. He has also sent us some background on how to pick out a dog! Read on.

 

Greyhound racing was a massive part of my youth and, although I’ve been out of the game for over a decade, the fundamentals required for profitable play are still etched in my brain.

Firstly, you need to appreciate that these animals are largely inconsistent and, for the most part, that’s out of their paws. That leads to the second fundamental which is the ability to read and envisage the way a race might pan out. Thirdly you need to understand that the sectionals are to cross the line for the first time from the traps and not just to reach the first bend. Finally you must watch as much dog racing as you can because what the race-card comments say and what you see can be markedly different.

Of those four fundamentals the latter is the biggest factor in making this game pay as it really does enhance the other three but you can still hold your own without it as I’ll aim to prove here.

The idea of picking eight successive winners in any medium can be daunting, let alone one with over 1.5 million permutations (assuming 6 dogs line up in each race). However, when we look at Open races you’re seeing a more predictable level which should make things easier.

If you agree we my selections, you can join my Syndicate.

 

18:27 – 400m Maiden

Bubbly Dudley represents big connections and should have improved from his recent trial.

Miss Chapo has run round here plenty of times but really would want her best trapping boots on but sets the standard if coming away well.

Savana Whiskey is drawn on her outside and possesses some decent early toe but if Faydas Jet, drawn in trap 1, can ping like he did round Henlow last month, he might just be good enough to take this.

Selections – 1, 3, 5

 

18:44 – 400m Maiden

This looks a much better standard than our opener but it also represents a tricky looking trap draw.

5 would want to be drawn more central and 4 would probably want to swap places. This means that if Droopys Toast in 6 can come away a bit better than he’s done to date, he should get a solo round the outside.

However both 4 and 5 tend to trap well so they could come to blows as late as the first bend which could knock onto the 6 dog.

Miss Blackbell in 2 has won two A1’s (top grade) and has been second in two opens here. She’s drawn outside a dog with loads of early but that’s been shown in a much lower class.

Selections – 2, 6

 

19:03 – 575m MAIDEN

This wouldn’t be the stayer maiden of the year but Droopys Mac in Trap 3 looks worth a pop over this trip and he’s a quick dog over the standard 400m too.

Savan Myles in Trap 1 has hinted this trip would suit and has been well found in the market in Open races before. I’m just not convinced on his track craft but he could go alright if the gaps come.

Selections – 3, 1

 

19:17 – 575m Maiden

Like the second 400m Maiden, this looks much better than the first iteration over 575m and we have a recent open race winner in Fools Gold who was still a Maiden at the time of closing.

That win came when stepping up in trip, so you’d expect him to go well again. Saving Sonic has clocked a fair 35.65 round this trip in an open race and might be able to lead this lot.

Selections – 3, 4

 

19:33 – 400m Standard

This race is open to all greyhounds and all 6 runners have been competing in Open company of late.

Goldies Hoddle in Trap 1 was sent off favourite last week for an Open race but wasn’t well away and was forced into trouble.

Trap 2, Bubbly Buster, is as inconsistent out the boxes but on his day he’s the fastest runner in this field.

Piemans Asprilla in Trap 3 should land this with a clear run but his chance will stand on how well 1 and 2 get out the traps and head to the bend.

Satin Alfie will be happy back in trap 4 whereas Savana Lass would have preferred to be drawn outside of middle to rails running Geelo Carlos. Both these have plenty of early pace so it will be interesting to see how they go to the bend.

Selection – 3

 

19:49 – 575m Maiden

If Seaglass Phantom stays this far then he has a huge chance drawn in Trap 1 but this looks a tidy enough race.

Distant Sailor was less than a length away from winning in this grade over this trip back in may but would really want one of his better starts and he’s drawn outside Roxholme Glory who is one of the likely leaders.

Willowdale Shane is unraced in Britain but his trials suggest he has a career on the open scene and this trip should suit.

Selections – 6, 1

 

20:06 – 400m Standard

Timewise this race looks very tight as plenty have run to 24 seconds flat. Leading might just be the key to this one and Trap 2, Union Jack, and Trap 5, Not So Lento, look likely front runners.

Trap 3 Savana Class might end up the meat in the sandwich but he’s the more solid of the field on balance although Trap 1, Camps Star, would be very dangerous is able to sneak through on the rail.

Selections – 2, 5

 

20:21 – 400m Winner Of One Standard

Knockboy Pep is hit and miss from the boxed but if coming away on terms he’d have enough early to lead these. In doing so he’d be a major player.

Have A Brandy in 5 however is a solid enough trapper and he’d take advantage if 4 wasn’t level with him at the bend.

Selections – 4, 5