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.
It was a sensational win last week from Jose. Dropped into A3 grade, he pinged the lids and never looked back, our first winner of 2018 and our fourteenth overall from sixty-four runners for a very healthy 22% strike rate. Our greyhound tips will be live from Romford tonight, on the site by 6.00pm. For a bit of early afternoon action, let’s break down Jose’s task.
1.37pm Crayford 12/01/2018 A2 Grade
Yahoo Esther – Despite approaching veteran stage, Esther has been in sparkling form, picking up her first ever win in this grade last week. She has her perfect draw once more and given her smart early pace, she should be right in the firing line.
By Chance – Didn’t make his debut until the end of July, he’s already made up into a smart performer. Came away far better last week than is often the case, just failing to run down Yahoo Esther. Will need a similar smash break with 6 bends surely beckoning for him.
Boleyn Sally – Plenty of solid early pace has seen her fight her way up the grades to her highest perch. Her win last week in an A3 was a career best, but from this slot she may well need another one straight away if she is to get competitive.
Millbrook Queen – Showed smart pace to the third bend when winning in this grade before Christmas, beating Jose in the process. He missed the kick on that occasion, but this veteran is performing right at the top of her game at present.
Pure Peron – Four sectionals of 3.57 or quicker in her last five races, but she has struggled to make much of an impact at this level. This is plenty far enough for her so unless she turns clean in front, she looks an unlikely winner.
Meenagh Mourinho – Smashed the lids last week, frankly annihilating an A3 field. There’s bundles of early pace inside him here so will need another smart sectional to stay out of trouble. Is a proven winner at this grade though so is by no means out of the equation.
Conclusion
This field contains serious early pace across the entire line-up. 3 and 5 are probably the weakest pair in here, but with a smash break even they can’t be discounted. Jose is probably the most naturally talented trapper in the line-up with 8/15 races boasting a 3.55 or quicker sectional. If he can break 3.50 then he will turn front rank and we know all he does is put his head down and battle and is a past winner in this grade. A truly fascinating contest, fingers crossed with all the early pace that all come back safe and sound.