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.
Droopys Hyde is back in action on Thursday afternoon, his second start back at Crayford having stepped up to make his 6 bend debut last time out. Our greyhound tips tonight will come from Hove and Monmore with the start of the Sussex Cup at the former, looking for a fourth NB winner on the bounce.
4.19pm Crayford 19/07/2018 S5 Grade
Emmerdale Belle – Experienced veteran has been in solid form at a lower level, winning four of her last seven races, including an S6 last time out. She lacks early boot, finding herself back at a level she has struggled at in the past (2/16) so needs a bit more to keep up her winning run.
Droopys Hyde – Not disgraced on his return to the track, improving a length on his trial time despite it being his first competitive action for seven weeks. A slow starter both sides helps him but he still has a few questions to answer over this C&D.
Truly A Ranger – Very strong stayer at this trip, his last two wins have both come over 714m. He was an S3 winner last December here, slipping down to S5 for the first time in his career. Needs to be respected this far down the ladder but requires luck to come from behind.
Upton Gunner – Struggles with consistency but not a bad hound when she puts it all together. Form in the 34.50’s is solid at this level, with a bit of early pace on occasion. She doesn’t have much early to clear inside so if she can find her trapping boots, she won’t be far away.
Canutes Hound – Another in here who lacks much in the way of early pace, she picked Hyde up on the run-in last week to grab third at this level. She may find that more difficult here with the field unlikely to be so strung out early to give her racing room.
Cuando Momella – Hit the lids and had the run of the race out in front last time out when beating both Hyde and the 4. That 34.50 is as good as she is, taking her record at this level to 0/7. She needs to be out and gone to maximise her chance once more.
Conclusion
Not a strong S5 whatever way one looks at it, a distinct lack of early pace on the inside will help Hyde take a prominent early position. The early will come from 6 who beat Hyde last week and perhaps the 4. If 4 misses it then Hyde has first shot at the 6 who is yet to win in this grade but he will have to hold off some very strong runners at this trip from the home turn,