We began the eagerly-anticipated meeting at Newcastle Greyhound Track with the very short outright favourite as well as the long odds-on chance Icemans Girl in the first race.
Unfortunately, after a reasonable break from the traps, it soon became apparent that something was amiss, writes Greyhound Weekly’s Peter Walker.
Although it was a very disappointing start, the Nathan Hunt team took consolation as Bridefort Lady won the following heat.
That second heat involved my selection Wraysbury Angel and after a sluggish start endured a troubled passage at the first bend.
Even so, she managed to recover coming from last of five to still qualify in third.
By the end of all six Angel of the North heats, the first three in the early ante post prices had all been eliminated with Leighas Dream and Bang On Edith also missing out.
After the draw, Coppice Saphire was made favourite based on the quickest finishing time. She had to negotiate traffic problems but could be vulnerable around the opening bends.
Bogger Darling makes more appeal at 20/1 each-way. She is an August 23 puppy and on the upgrade with scope to make the final if breaking ahead of Dominoh Hoo Hoo on her outside.
The key to success for Wraysbury Angel is getting a clear run so from trap 6 has work to do to qualify in a tough heat.
Time Greyhound Nutrition Northern Flat
After the shocks of the bitches’ event, the favourite in every Northern Flat competition qualified for the semi-finals.
Even so, the ante post favourite Droopys Bookem had to battle early on to come through his heat.
Unanimous Leon won the last race to keep my early selection still a lively contender. In fact, local trainer Tom Heilbron had a fantastic night with nine out of 10 entries getting into the semi-finals held next Thursday.
Sadly, we lost Slingshot Sam after his brilliant fastest of the night performance. Condolences to Sam’s connections as he suffered an unforeseen stomach problem on the journey home and are naturally devastated.
Jacktavern Chief has been top-rated in both the master and sectional ratings after his convincing victory. He’s worth a win bet at around the 11/2 mark.
Hollyhill Gonzo must have broken the sectional record at Newcastle (correct me if I’m wrong!) after a remarkable 4.39 second split.
His previous trial split time of 4.68 has lowered his rating accordingly but is another greyhound with future potential.
At 33/1, he might be the surprise package with a small each-way wager an alternative option to the Chief.
Unanimous Leon is now the only winner drawn in the third semifinal but Slingshot Shaz is capable of lowering his colours if taking an early lead.
Who could deny the trainer Brian Fairbairn a change of fortune in this category one event!
There are three additional category three events starting on Thursday so I have produced ratings for all six races.
It promises to be a great night at the track – I just wish I could make it to the track this time but it’s on my list of tracks to visit in the foreseeable future. Good luck if going on the night and hopefully a few winners!
