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.
The final race on the Crayford lunchtime card sees the return to the track of Droopys Hyde who is back at Kelva after a successful stint at Henlow. He would appear to have grown up plenty in his time there but he has to prove that he can do it back on this much tighter track. Crayford will form part of our greyhound tips this evening along with Sheffield.
1.49pm Crayford 10/07/2018 S5 Grade
Blinky Blobs – His last pair of wins have both come over the 714m trip here, showing little early pace over this trip. Once he gets into his stride, he’s a solid hound, clocking a 23.90 over 380 as recently as March. Dangerous if turning close but always needs luck coming from the back.
Droopys Hyde – Back from a very successful spell at Henlow, he has to prove that he can now handle a track he clearly didn’t last year. He’s shaped fine in a pair of trials since arriving back but that’s chalk and cheese from race conditions. A slow starter inside helps and this isn’t the deepest S5 ever run.
Clonleigh Rose – Trialled well over this trip in April but has finished last in all four races between them and now. Didn’t show as much last time in a trial at this trip, may not be in a great position outside of Hyde at the first turn.
Canutes Hound – 0/9 from this trap, she has won just one of her last nineteen races. Stays further than this but tends to find trouble over this trip before running on for a place. Her lack of early pace makes her hard to give much of a winning chance to once more.
Tims Hero – Strong stayer at this trip, he was sent off favourite for an S4 last time out. Is 2/5 when running in this grade, with a 34.17 at the end of March to his credit when winning. Will always need luck coming through from the back but he has the class at this level.
Cuando Momella – Yet another in here with 714m winning form, she is yet to win this high over 540, 0/6 at this level. Strong runner but others should have too much to the 5th bend for her to get involved.
Conclusion
This wouldn’t be the best S5 in the world but the 5 dog especially has a solid record at this level and sets a clear standard. The 1 isn’t a quick starter but has plenty of form in higher grades than this in the past, with a draw inside Hyde could be a very workable slot given Hyde’s former issues with the track. Hyde himself has a decent draw to work from but a display of confidence and growth is more the plan for today.