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.
A Sunday afternoon assignment for Hyde who looks to bounce back from his performance last Monday where he found trouble round the opening couple of bends. Our greyhound tips will come from later in the Henlow card so no time like the present to get looking.
3.07 Henlow 14/01/2018 A6 Grade
Velocity Lady – Has been trapping a little better in recent weeks, but is not loaded with early pace. She stays this trip strongly and with a couple of efforts in the mid 28.30’s, she should be in the mix for the places.
Droopys Hyde – Produced his best race sectional on Monday but it wasn’t enough to get him to the bend ahead. Checking wide off the back of the winner, he found trouble and faded. A slow starter inside is perfect for him, as always his best chance will come if able to get on the front end on his own terms.
Blackrose Paddy – Pup is regularly well supported but has yet to cash in. Has reasonable early without setting the world alight but he looks capable of taking higher order than this once the penny drops.
Glenmaye Lass – An A3 winner at Dundalk but she has not got to grips with Henlow at all yet. Her times would struggle to win an A7 so she is best left alone until she gets a bit of a hand from the grader with a drop down or two.
Carpet Mark – Pup arrived on these shores after a smart 29.02 at Tralee. Landed short odds just before Christmas, coming home powerfully from the 3rd bend. He will need to keep a close tab on these early, but is well capable of competing at this level.
Monalee Celt – Wide margin winner when hitting the lids in this grade on the opening day of the year, clocking a slick 28.14. That was an above average sectional for her so is no sure thing to ping like that again. That said, she has 4 sub 28.30 times on her card in her last 14 races, the rest of the field have 0 in their careers combined.
Conclusion
The grader has been generous keeping the 6 in the same grade as when bolting up at the start of the month. Her average times are well above this field so she looks the one they all have to beat. Hyde is the second best of these on the clock so could well be the forecast link, providing he can clear the 1 on the run to the bend. The 5 has a decent time on his card in Ireland, while the 3 is regularly supported as if capable of better than he has shown so far.