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’s another quick turnaround for Droopys Nuka, just four days after she went to post in this grade on Tuesday. She will be taken off the card for at least ten days after this contest as the last thing we want is to burn her out with too many races too fast so it would be great to sign off with a victory. Our greyhound tips will be online later on this afternoon.
11.07am Crayford 12th August A4 Grade
Pesky Drama – A strong stayer at this trip, she has landed both A6 and A5 races in recent weeks. Her future lies over further, unable to get herself a clear run in this grade for the first time when last seen. She is going to have to trap better than she normally does if she is going to keep tabs on a few of these in the early strides but she would be dangerous if turning close.
Hollyhill Nellie – A little disappointing when behind Nuka on Tuesday given that she has gone well in races as high as S2 in the past. She is going to have to trap clever to avoid the 1 on the run-up, which was the issue she had earlier in the week. Has the ability to score in this grade, but is going to need to trap far better.
Coco Prince – Found his trapping boots when winning last time out, overcoming another hound trying to chew his ear off on the run-in. He had shaped well early on in trials but had missed the kick in his first two races so he is no sure thing to ping out again. He is a big boy, over 37 kilos when racing in Ireland so he is not the kind of dog most will want barrelling up their inside at the first bend.
Piemans Blast – Missed 9 months of action with a broken hock, returning in A1 in June before slipping steadily down the grades. He is nudging veteran status but this time last year winning A1 at odds on in the 23.30’s! He has been a long way away from that since the return and despite looking on the downgrade, he would be a very dangerous dog to completely discount.
Boleyn Pete – This doesn’t look the easiest race in which to be making a debut but he has been steadily progressive. He has been able to lead up despite not doing quicker than a 3.61 sectional in trials so he is going to struggle to get to the front especially with Nuka on his outside. He is a May 2015 so has clearly had problems, it will be interesting to see what he can do for future reference.
Droopys Nuka – Delighted to see Nuka back in stripes this morning having been in 5 the last twice. She is much better when trapping from here, flying out in a 3.48 from this trap last time. A repeat of that sort of sectional is going to get her to the first bend in front with any trouble in behind only serving to get her further clear.
Conclusion
Back in stripes is going to be a huge positive for Nuka, with a pup inside who is unlikely to be able to out-trap her. The 4 would be 1/4 in this grade 12 months ago but he has spent 9 months on the sidelines and since returning has looked a shadow of his former self. He would be dangerous if retaining even half his old ability and could be a huge threat if turning handy. The 2 was disappointing on Tuesday but she is well capable of winning in this grade if able to lead up the 1.