It was all open racing last Thursday at Newcastle with the Angel of the North semi-finals prior to the Northern Flat, writes Peter Walker.
The first included the outright favourite for the event after the heats in Coppice Saphire. She quickly followed in Bluebell Teddy’s slipstream in trap 1 and took up the running at the third bend.
It looked plain sailing which was not the case for Wraysbury Angel.
After a fairly level break, she was shunted across in the early stages and couldn’t get in contention so bowed out in fifth.
Well supported
Chamberlain Kate was made favourite in the next race but Killieford Hanna was well-supported in the market.
It proved to be a good omen as she quickly took control at the first bend and never looked like being caught.
The last qualifier had Dominoh Hoo Hoo well-housed in six and the sole wide side managed to beat Bogger Darling to the corner.
This proved crucial but was chased all the way with only three quarters of a length between them at the finish.
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Open affair
Coppice Saphire has maintained her position as favourite but still a very open affair. She is marginally slower out of the traps so may need to ride her luck on the opening bends.
She is flanked by early pace on both sides so all the finalists are not without a chance.
Bogger Darling carries the burden of my each-way selection but let’s hope it’s a clean run race.
Time Greyhound Nutrition Northern Flat
The odds-on chance and current favourite Jacktavern Chief completely mis-timed his break. He made up ground but couldn’t reach the front two so was eliminated.
However, take nothing away from Hardwick Mighty who led from start to finish in a fastest of the night time of 28.36.
Deliveroo ran well in second and he became the only non-railer to eventually qualify.
Battle for supremacy
The next semi-final looked a real battle for supremacy to take control at the opening bend but unfortunately the front-runner Hollyhill Gonzo checked badly after another blistering break.
It was then time for Droopys Bookem to come to the party and he ran on strongly to overcome Naochra.
The last semi-final was now a four-runner race with Dunelm Dragon also dropping out following the loss of Slingshot Sam.
Unanimous Leon was the favourite but money also came for Slingshot Shaz, and when he broke in front, the writing was on the wall.
With five railers in the final, it could get very congested on the inside. The only wide seed Deliveroo has been very consistent in the competition and potentially the best drawn greyhound of the night.
Decent break
A decent break should see him avoid any scrimmaging and get a clear passage around the opening bends. He is also the youngest with scope to even improve and at 11/2 is certainly value in a fascinating final.
Tom Heilbron’s other runners include my earlier pick Unanimous Leon who is not without a chance but has the draw to overcome.
Droopys Bookem excelled in the Derby and has subsequently been priced up very short in the market.
If Slingshot Shaz wins, and in some ways would be very fitting, there won’t be a dry eye in the kennel!
In fact, a case could be made for them all.
Good luck to the finalists on what should be a fantastic night of open racing at the track formerly known as Brough Park.
