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.
While Jose has run in three opens for us, the two biggest prizes he has competed for are £500 and £400. This afternoon Droopys Hyde runs in a £1,000 final, looking to claim the biggest pot so far in the short history of the greyhound syndicate. Our greyhound tips for Nottingham tonight will be on site by 6.00pm, let’s see if Hyde has a chance of taking home four figures!
1.39pm Henlow 08/01/2018 A5 Grade
Droopys Hyde – Slightly unlucky to be picked up in his heat, he was trodden on slightly rounding the last bend. The draw has worked out in his favour (struggled drawn outside the 2 two runs back) but needs a clear career best if he is to win this.
Westmead Boss – Plenty of wins to his credit from this slot at Perry Barr, but all four of his Henlow wins have come from red. Goes to the bend well enough, but this does look a difficult draw for him outside the ever expanding Hyde.
Savana Min – Very impressive winner in heat, comfortably the quickest qualifier. Only an April ’16, he is a baby with far more future potential than those he is in with. It was his best sectional that led to the win and being a pup he is no sure thing to do it again, but if he leads up, it will take a stunning effort to pick him up again.
Mary Annie – A repeat of her 28.06 at the end of October would give her a solid shout in this line-up. She has not got her head in front since that day, but does at least boast the most consistent early pace in the contest which should see her front rank at the turn.
Blues Daisy – Picked up Hyde in the heats on Thursday, she is the strongest runner in the final. Five and a half years of age, she has been a great credit to connections over the years, the suspicion however is that she will need others to tangle in front for her to pick them up.
Mays Moonlight – A 27.73 winner back in June, he has not gone quicker than 28.15 in a race since. He is the sole wide seed in the contest and does have a sub 3.80 split in his locker so he should not be treated lightly having won his heat on Thursday.
Conclusion
A race that revolves around the pup in 3. The quickest qualifier last week, a similar sectional would see him lead up and after just four career races, he brings the most potential to the table. The 4 and 6 are both well capable of winning this if they turn front rank, though neither have been the most consistent in recent months. Hyde did a 3.78 sectional in a trial but is yet to do better than 3.85 under race conditions. He paces to the bend well if he has the room to operate, his best chance would come with a smash break and giving them all a nudge right at the turn.