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.
Droopys Hyde will be the first syndicate runner of 2018 as he goes to post in the first round of a Graded Sweepstake competition. He has really filled out since going to Henlow, two kilos heavier now than when running his final race at Crayford, helping him grow in confidence. Our greyhound tips for tonight will come from Hove, before then let’s take a look at the task that faces Hyde.
1.39pm Henlow 04/01/2018 A5 Grade
Droopys Hyde – Three wins in five starts at the track, he has taken his chances well when things have gone his way. The red jacket and a slow starter in 2 suggests that he has a nice slot to work from again here. Hitting the lids will give him his biggest chance.
Swift Ginger – Behind Hyde when they clashed in mid December, she has to improve her trapping to allow her the chance to climb higher at this trip. Shapes as if 6 bends will suit in time, she will be doing her best work late on.
Southern McCoy – Veteran was formerly a smart hound, a multiple top grade winner at Poole. He is nothing like the same dog now but was still an A3 winner at Perry Barr in November. Both runs here have been poor but is capable of better than he has shown.
Blues Daisy – Strong stayer at this trip, she was leaving the money in the satchels until last time. She was behind both Hyde and Swift Ginger in mid December so will need to be on her toes early to get a clear run to halfway.
Emze Girl – Ex top grade winner at Hall Green, she has had a clear run just once in eight starts here. She clocked a 28.05 on that occasion which sticks out like a sore thumb at this level. If she times her break then she is the one to beat.
Savana Jane – Relative newcomer to the track having just her second run has come in as a late reserve. Hasn’t shown much here in trials but her form in Ireland suggest that she is well capable of better than she has shown in time.
Conclusion
Not masses of early pace in this so it’s easy to see Hyde being able to take a prominent early position. He will have his work cut out if the 5 hits the lids though, an A1 winner at Hall Green last year and in that grade as recently as June, she is the class act in the race. A slow starter to Hyde’s right (and a hound he is 10kg’s heavier than) should see him front rank to the bend so a final qualifying run in second looks a feasible target for him.