SEMI – FINAL PREVIEW
FIRST 2 FROM EACH HEAT TO QUALIFY FOR THE FINAL 20th OCTOBER
HEAT 1
TRAP 1 – ( VACANT ) This trap should have housed the pup SAVANA LIONESS however she was marked awkward in her heat when failing to go past BALLINTEE NOSHOW on the run in.
TRAP 2 – ( DRIVE ON LAD ) The derby quarter finalist has been a revelation since stepping up to the Romford six bend 575m trip. Winning 3 from 3 over track and trip each time pinging out the boxes going round in front and not for catching. BRT 34.97
TRAP 3 – ( DROOPYS GOOGLE ) Nathan Hunt’s runner has been running really well in defeat. Last 2 runs has been in behind DRIVE ON LAD. Most recently was given an unfavourable draw in the 5 box but managed to qualify and book his place in the semi-Final. BRT 35.23
TRAP 4 – ( HAKA CARLO ) The Corn Cuchulainn finalist has only had 2 starts in the UK since moving to the Trinity Kennels including his heat last week. In behind DRIVE ON LAD he ran a great race without a trial prior to the competition only going down by half a length after checking up at the 5th bend. Has form over further in Ireland. BRT 35.04
Trap 5 – ( WHYAYE MAN ) The Derby Plate winner has been unlucky in his last couple visits to Romford. Found all sorts of trouble round the 1st and 2nd bend in his heat last week finding himself at the back of the pack but ran a blinder to qualify in 3rd and put his name in the hat. BRT 34.81
TRAP 6 – ( BEDROCK WILMA ) Martyn Wiley’s runner has done nothing wrong since stepping up in trip and company from the 400m graded. the heat run was a replica of the of the week before pinging from the boxes and catch me if you can. On this occasion she was nailed on the jamstick by none other than former track record holder WARZONE TOM. BRT 34.86
Ryan’s Pick – (HAKA CARLO)
I thought HAKA CARLO was very impressive last week in the heats especially with no look round Romford. If not checking up behind DRIVE ON LAD at the 5th, I think he would have won and should improve for the run. A few of these are front runners and may struggle to come from off the pace.
HEAT 2
TRAP 1 – ( MAGLASS BRAVE ) Completely cheated the draw last week when boxed in 5. Probably the worst drawn dog of the night got it right at boxes cut across at bend as was not for catching. Housed back in familiar territory for the Semi-Final heat. BRT 34.97
TRAP 2 – ( BALLINTEE NOSHOW ) Has really found his trapping boots since stepping up in trip to the 575m, on both occasions pinging out going round in front and winning off the front. Usually has to do it the hard way over the 4 bends but has been picking up some nice types. BRT 34.91
TRAP 3 – ( LONGACRES NUTTY ) The Pat Doocey runner was drawn in a tough heat last week lining up against the top 2 ante-post favs. Managed to turn in 3rd but the winner and runner up were not for catching, eye-catchingly though she did run on very strong and was on terms at the pick up. BRT 35.00
TRAP 4 – ( HOLLOW MAN ) The new track record holder stopped the clock in a time of 34.54 in his heat last week, 1 spot inside the previous time of 34.55 and a sensational 13.21 split only half a length off the current sprint track record held by ChopChop Rainbow at 13.17. Winning 7 from his 8 starts in the UK and very lightly raced it’s scary to think there could be more to come. BRT 34.54
TRAP 5 – ( BURROWS SAPPHIRE ) Previously named Coonough Barry prior to last weeks heat. Has missed the kick both times out the 575 boxes but got very lucky in his heat last week with trouble at the first allowing him to sneak round, but was always playing second fiddle to NINJA KERRY. BRT 35.17
TRAP 6 – ( WARZONE TOM ) Last year’s Champion Stakes winner and former track record holder. Has still been mixing it with some of the best dogs in training most recently in the Birmingham Cup at Perry Barr. The oldest dog in this year’s line up ran a cracker in his heat to wear down BEDROCK WILMA and get up, right where it mattered. BRT 34.85
Ryan’s Pick – ( HOLLOW MAN )
I think HOLLOW MAN takes all the beating in the 2nd heat, another off the front run from the track record holder with a split time even close to what he’s been doing will be good enough to win this race with WARZONE TOM getting the second qualifying spot for the final
HEAT 3
TRAP 1 – ( DRUMDOIT JACK ) Has now had 12 races over track and distance but yet to add a win to the tally. Was slow away last week but managed to miss the trouble in front at the 1st bend. He closed the gap and was nearly on terms with the leader round the last bend before the winner MAGLASS BRAVE pulled away again close home. BRT 35.08
TRAP 2 – ( HAVANA TOP NOTE ) The McNair runner went off odds on favourite in his heat last week, however favourite backers were left disappointed when he was moderately away and found trouble at the first bend. Ran well despite this to give himself another crack it in his Semi-Final. BRT 35.12
TRAP 3 – ( MINNIE BULLET ) Mark Wallis’ Empress Stakes finalist is no stranger to the London Road venue. Winning 8 from 15 over track and trip, she is not one to be ignored. Was caught up in first bend trouble in her heat but managed to get round and claim the 3rd qualifying spot. BRT 35.15
TRAP 4 – ( CANDOLIM MONSOON ) Derek Knights ante-post favourite runner lost nothing in defeat last week when losing out to kennel mate HOLLOW MAN. Only went down by a length and half clocking a very impressive 34.66. BRT 34.66
TRAP 5 – ( GUTSY JET ) When getting it right at boxes this dog is hard to beat, however has been inconsistent of late. Couldn’t go with them to bend in his heat last week finding himself at the back of the pack. His Dam RIVERSIDE HONEY is the track record holder of the 925m at Romford so bred to stay further and this showed when he ran on strong to get the 3rd qualifying spot. BRT 35.00
TRAP 6 – ( NINJA KERRY ) The derby finalist and 2022 Sussex Cup winner showed us what he can do in his heat last week. We all know he knows how to qualify through a competition and last week made use of a good draw, trapped out and made all off the front. BRT 34.75
Ryan’s Pick – ( CANDOLIM MONSOON )
A repeat of last week’s run should be good enough to win this heat. Should be able to cheat the draw given some of his recent split times and could be a bit of trouble with the inside 3 runners round the first bend as they look to want the same ground. Based on this NINJA KERRY or GUTSY JET could take the 2nd qualifying spot for the final.
OTHER PICKS/FANCIES ON THE CARD
6:09 – Chelms Bob
9:42 – Pepinthestep