As far as open racing is concerned, July is without doubt the time where all eyes are on Newcastle’s Greyhound Stadium.
Apart from during the winter period when they hold the All England Cup and the Northern Puppy Derby independently, the main competitions are this month, writes Greyhound Weekly’s Peter Walker.
They host the Time Greyhound Nutrition Northern Flat (category one) and the ARC Angel of the North (category two) for bitches only.
Category three events
In addition, there are several category three events which begin on the second Thursday following the heats on 10th July.
The finale is two weeks later so if you’ve never been to the track, keep Thursday 24th July free in your diary and book online asap!
The draws for both competitions were made on Monday and the outright ante post prices are now available.
At this stage, it’s very difficult to look beyond Icemans Girl in the bitches’ event and connections hope she hits the bullseye.
Imperious form
Since going out in the first round of the Derby, she has been in imperious form. However, at a best-priced 11/8, I’d rather look elsewhere for value and prefer Wraysbury Angel at 20/1 each-way.
In the Northern Flat, Droopys Bookem will be popular as well after a fantastic campaign in reaching the semi-final of the aforementioned competition.
Even so, I am keen on his kennelmate Unanimous Leon’s chances. He has been running in top-class company and was very unlucky to be withdrawn from the Laurel’s semifinal having been bitten prior to the race.
At around the 10/1 mark, he’s coming into the event fresh and my choice against the shorter prices on offer before the first round.
More analysis to follow after Thursday when the subsequent semi-final draws are known.
JR Racing Juvenile Classic
The Juvenile Classic features the Romeo litter brothers Ability and Alliance in the same semi-final.
In the absence of Headford Asher, both should qualify. However, Romeo Alliance has improved considerably of late and gets the nod with another quick break from trap 1 the likely scenario.
Look no further than Not So Steady for an ante post each-way option at 12/1. He’s going the right way and Patrick Janssens’ three juveniles can all make the final of this category one event at Towcester.
