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.
An early assignment on Tuesday morning for Droopys Nuka, looking to back up her winning effort last week with another step forward to full fitness. She has the orange jacket on her back which has never been her ideal draw, but she was a couple of grades higher last summer so has the class edge. Our greyhound tips will be on the site before 6.00pm tonight, Sheffield and Poole forming the tips.
11.46am Crayford 10/04/2018 A6 Grade
Turbine Thallo – Better known as a 6 performer, she has won just once in twenty runs at this trip, a 0/10 record in this grade. She produced a good effort at the end of February to win an A7, she needs a bit of trouble up front for her to pick these up.
Tarnbridge Nina – A winner over the 640m trip at Newcastle in 2017, she is another to show her best form at this track over further. She has very little early pace but did pick up a win in an A5 when things rather fell in her lap back in January.
Keeperhill Kerry – Almost three months since she was last seen in competitive action, she began the year in A4 having rattled up the grades in late 2017. She has the odd turn of early, the best of her work tends to be done late. Needs to ensure she clears the inside early.
Portmagee Aloi – Found her trapping boots again the last twice, successful in A8 ad A7. She will need to get out and on the bunny early again as her best form doesn’t stack up as well as the best of these. Her 30th race here and the highest she’s been, she needs a new best.
Droopys Nuka – Got her head back in front last week, still a bit away from her best as she works back to full fitness. Importantly she produced her best sectional July, a huge step forward. 5 isn’t ideal, but there is very little early pace across this line-up.
Winning Distance – As with a number of these, this veteran is better known as a 6 bend performer. She produced a solid run when last seen over this trip, though she tends to turn closer to last than first so has to do things the hard way.
Conclusion
Very little early pace in this contest, from 6 Nuka would’ve had a great chance to repeat her latest winning performance. Things aren’t going to be so easy from 5, but if she can lead the 4 to the turn, she should go clear of these down the back. Whether she can poach enough of a lead to hold off the strong closers that she faces is going to depend a lot on how she comes away. Another step forward with regards to time (even if she doesn’t win) would be a pleasing result this morning.