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 will seem strange not to see Meenagh Mourinho on the Saturday night card this week, his top grade assignment coming up on Friday lunchtime instead. It’s a lot of the same names once more against Jose this afternoon so we know where we stand with them. Our greyhound tips will be online before 6.00pm tonight, until then, let’s break down the 13.07pm at Crayford.
13.07pm Crayford 16/02/2018 A1 Grade
Yahoo Esther – Esther once more sports the red jacket against Jose. A slow starter to her right should allow her to lead up the inside once more. Metronomic in her trapping, she is going to be hard to keep out the frame.
Tinas Paddy – Veteran is still a force at this level, sent off favourite in three of her last four starts. She has to do things the hard way, lacking the early pace to go with them to the bend, but she will be coming home strongly from the halfway mark.
Millbrook Queen – Split decisions the last twice with Yahoo Esther, she has plenty of early pace to turn on the shoulder of the 1. She is strong enough to pick her up if getting a clear run, she should get the all important first run on the 2 if that is the case.
Minas Flash – Rocketed up the grades in recent months, she produced one of her best ever sectionals to just beat Jose to the turn when they met in January. She missed the kick when behind Millbrook Queen last time so needs a ping break once more.
Billis Tyson – Huge hound for this small track, he picked up an A2 contest last time out, coming from behind to lead on the line. He doesn’t have the sectionals in the book to be leading these up so is going to need some trouble in front for him to pick them up.
Meenagh Mourinho – Was always going to be an uphill struggle having missed the kick on Saturday night, he’s finished fifth the last three times in this grade. Has great trapping ability but has just lacked half a yard of early to clear the field at the bend so far at A1 level.
Conclusion
Plenty of recent top grade winners taking each other on here. The 1 is always thereabouts at this level, with her trapping metronomic. The 3 boasts an excellent combination of early pace and staying power at this trip, if she turns handy she’s a big danger with the 2 running on. Jose was unable to clear the 4 last time they met and has seen the behind of all bar the 5 so far at this level. Everything needs to happen perfectly for him to win this.