Winning Streak is our fortnightly post where we bring you the greyhounds who are currently in a hot run of form in graded races.
Carl Gardiner’s Airlie Port is sailing through the grades on the South Coast at Hove. The March 22 black dog had been finding a win hard to come by. In the six months prior to going on a 4-race unbeaten run, he hadn’t won a race. His winning streak began on 4th September in an A9 over the 500m. He found 60 spots improvement to record his best time to date of 30.03 (calculated).
A two grade penalty
After receiving a two grade penalty from the grader, Airlie Port’s next outing was in an A7 at Hove on 19th September. Again, he soon led and was able to hold off Pocket Lacey (Trap 1) to win by a head.
Despite receiving another grade penalty, Airlie Port was sent off 7-4JF 9 days later in an A6. Again the venue was Hove and the trip 500m. Another strong run saw him in front early and running wide. Despite a late charge by Front Uno in Trap 2, Gardiner’s charge dug deep to win by the narrowest of margins: a short-head. The time was a rapid 30.04 (calculated).
Battling qualities extend winning streak
Yesterday, on the 6th November, Airlie Port demonstrated his battling qualities in a messy race. After an uncharacteristically slow start, he had to come through crowding at the first bend before powering to a 2 1/2 length victory over Trap 1, Herroyalhighness.
All eyes will be on the young improver next time-out to see if his purple-patch will continue.
