Matt first went racing in February 1982 at just 3 months old. Attracted to the sport by Desert Orchid in the late 80's, a media degree started a path to horse racing journalism. Owner of many horses and greyhounds through the years, the latter has led to the formation of the myracing greyhound syndicate, a Greyhound Writers Association membership as well as appearances on Racing Post Greyhound TV.
Tuesday is a big day for the syndicate as Droopys Nuka makes her first start in a race for almost two months. She has not enjoyed the cold weather, with a number of minor niggles not allowing her to show her best. This afternoon she heads back to action, with our greyhound tips live tonight before 6.00pm.
1.31pm Crayford 27/03/2018 A7 Grade
Daretobe Smart – Veteran is a consistent type, winning in this grade in early February. She is a regular sub 24.20 which should mean she is right in the mix for the places once more, with her usual slow starts perhaps not such an issue in a line-up generally featuring a lack of early.
Drive On Rascal – Debutante has progressed nicely in his trials, showing solid middle pace. He is bred to get a little further than this in due course with both parents staying a stiff four bend trip well, but he looks capable of climbing the grades over 380m first.
Harrys Odell – A winner on his debut at Hove, he repeated the dose at Crayford, staying on strongly to claim an A8 on his track bow. He lacks early but so do the pair inside him so has to be considered dangerous if he can turn close to the pace.
Blind Justice – Enough early in the tank to possess a solid chance of leading up the inside. Her sprint win at Cork is solid at this level, she should get on the bunny on her Crayford debut this afternoon. Whether she has enough to hold off the strong runners inside is a whole different question.
Funk Doll – Has lost her trapping boots in recent weeks, struggling to get involved from the back. She has pace drawn either side of her this afternoon which looks a difficult draw for her to overcome. Only her very best will suffice from this slot.
Droopys Nuka – Have to go back to September to find the last time Nuka got her head in front, that in fact is the last time she properly hit the lids. She looked a smart recruit when three grades higher last summer and would be thrown in today if she can tap back into that. Her two month absence however suggests she might just need the run.
Conclusion
Nuka would be plotted up here if this were 6/7 months back. Her favoured stripes on her back in a race lacking early pace, she would’ve picked these up and carried them. Things haven’t really gone her way over the last few months and after two months off is going to need the run. There are some nice youngsters in here with the 2 especially one to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.