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 has made a smart start to his career at Henlow, a pair of wins in 4 dog races easing him in gently before beating a full field last time in a new best effort. He is clearly enjoying the track more than he did the tight confines at Crayford so it will be interesting to see how he fares as he climbs the grades. Our greyhound tips will be live on the site before 6pm tonight, with Hove’s open card the meeting of choice. Let’s take a runner by runner look at Hyde’s task tonight, live on RPGTV.
8.02pm Henlow 28/12/2017 A5 Grade
Westmead Boss – Returns to this track having spent this year plying his trade at Perry Barr. He was as high as A4 when racing here in the past (now A2 after the recent grading change) and boasts solid sectionals. Will look to be front rank on the run to the turn which could be a test for Hyde.
Droopys Hyde – Has a 3/4 record at the track, his wins coming when nobody could watch him. He finished last the only time he has been on RPGTV here so hopefully that won’t be repeated. This is far tougher than last time with early pace up his inside so will need to trap clever.
Camerons Indalo – Sent off a short priced favourite in Hyde’s race last week, walking out and losing all chance. He has a ping break in his locker from which he produced a 28.07. A repeat of that would see him go close.
El Pais – Solid hound at this sort of level when he turns front rank, clocking both a 28.25 and a 28.28 in recent starts. He will have to be on his toes if he is to turn unscathed here however with plenty of pace on his inside.
Blackrose Benson – Chased home Hyde last week, half a length behind him on his debut at the track. Was 3rd on Boxing Day so makes a third appearance in a week which might be too much for him, especially in a race full of early pace.
Mays Moonlight – Ex A1 Romford hound, he produced a 27.73 in an early effort here in the summer but has regressed badly since. He would beat these senseless if able to repeat that but this is only his third run in four months so has clearly had his problems.
Conclusion
The grades have changed at Henlow, with all dogs climbing 2 so although Hyde won an A7 last time, this A5 is the same level so he is a winner without a penalty. This is much tougher however, a sleeper in 1 last week, he has a dog that will pace up his inside tonight as well as one on his outside who was 5/4 in the race he won last week. 5 was only beaten half a length by him there, while the 6 was miles better than these 6 months ago but has regressed and had issues since. A tough contest all in all, off safe and sound looks the main target tonight.