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 busy spell for Jose continues tonight as he heads back to Nottingham for the final of a maiden sprint trophy with £400 to the winner. We will have greyhound tips for the Nottingham card on site tonight. Let’s break down the task that faces Jose.
8.36pm Nottingham 18/12/2017 OR Grade
Holdem Zidane – Has plenty of speed but is yet to score in 5 career starts. Split the Jim Daly pair in the heats last week, a short priced failure for the third time. Sole rail seed tonight so pick of the draw has no excuses not to get off the mark.
Coolavanny Boy – A perfect 2/2 to start his career, he looks a hound of some potential for 2018. Strong at this trip in the heats to grab the win in the closing strides, this demands more but he is open to plenty of further progression.
Conna Enfield – Smashed the lids in no uncertain manner in the heats, he will probably have to do so again here given his draw. A really smart trapper at Crayford he may well time his break to perfection again, big player if so.
Mustang Kelly – Plenty of all round pace, she strikes as the type to do well over a sharp 4 bends like Romford. This looked a little sharp for her in the heats but 480 at Perry Barr has stretched her. Will need to trap clever drawn between the two early leaders in the heats.
Tyrur Zlatan – Came away in smart fashion in the heats, unfortunate to find the 2 too strong in the last few strides. He was a perfect 4/4 coming into that race so with that look under his belt, needs plenty of respect.
Meenagh Mourinho – Four middle runners so there could be a little trouble inside him tonight. He didn’t pace up as well last week as he does at Crayford, running right off the second bend. Gave the impression there is plenty for him to work on to shave time, but he is going to have to be right at the top of his game to win this.
Conclusion
A smart final with some decent recruits for 2018. 1 has some smart times in defeat and has a perfect draw to work from. The fact that he has not taken advantage of better opportunities in the past sounds a slight note of caution. The 2 looks the best long term prospect in here but had to work hard to pick up the 5 in the heats so will need to trap clever once more.