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.
Having run a huge race when runner-up in his first attempt in an A1 last Saturday night, Jose is back for a second bite of the cherry. It’s a great card at Crayford tonight, which is where our greyhound tips will come from. Let’s break down the task that faces Jose in top grade.
8.51pm Crayford 27/01/2018 A1 Grade
Yahoo Esther – An old foe for Jose to go to war with once more, she was behind him in A2 on the 12th when missing her break and finding trouble. She quickly made up for that with a win last time out and as always with her early pace, she will be in the mix,
Cuteen Jess – Impressive winner in this grade on the 13th, she is another who has smart early gears. A regular in the 23.60’s, she will need to be right on top of her game if she is to clear the 1 on the run to the bend. If she can clear her, she’s a massive threat.
Millbrook Queen – Dead heated with the 4 last week in an A2, missing the break the week before when well beaten by Jose. She has done well in recent weeks having only been in A4 in mid October, but this level does look tough for her.
Conna Enfield – A fellow Kelva inmate, he was a fluent winner of a sprint open at Nottingham, beating Jose there. He has exceptional early when he hits the lids and having been a regular in this grade of late, he needs plenty of respect.
Kentish Master – Multiple open race winner over a true 4 bends, he has been thrown in the deep end on his Crayford debut. Boasts some smart sectionals at the likes of Central Park and Hove, but will need more to cope with the brute early of a couple of these.
Meenagh Mourinho – One of the most consistent trappers at Crayford, he is a regular sub 3.50. He has a relatively slow starter inside him so he has a nice enough draw, but with so much other early in the contest he will need another smash break here.
Conclusion
Jose will always have a chance in any race he runs in given his brutal early kick. He just failed to make the bend in front last time in an A1 that didn’t look to have quite so much depth as this. Whatever turns the corner on the inside out of 1 and 2 will likely be his biggest danger, but his kennelmate in 4 is a big player if he is back in the form that saw him pick up an open beating Jose up at Nottingham in December.