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 corker on his debut for the syndicate, Meenagh Mourinho is back in action on Friday’s BAGS card at Crayford. Our greyhound tips will be up tonight between 5-6pm, read on for our preview for this evening’s syndicate race.
9.12pm Crayford 22nd September A4 Grade
Lord Kinsale – Young pup has done well moving up the grades. Having started in A8, he came within a whisker of scoring at this level two runs back. His average sectionals in the mid 3.60’s are going to hold him back at this level. Chance would increase if being able to lead up on the rails.
Swift Thruxton – Veteran was in A1 at the end of June (won one in May), showing signs of late that age is starting to catch up with her. She still has plenty of early boot which she will need to use to clear the pup inside. She may appear on the downgrade but with a 5/6 record when running in A4, it would be folly to disregard her.
Tipp On Home – Rocketed through the grades this summer, winning four times in just six races. 23.83 is his best time, couple that with an average sectional in the mid 3.60’s, he is going to need a lot to go his way if this race is to land on his plate, despite dropping down from A3.
O Leary Tune – Another to progress up from bottom grade, he was a slow learner, not getting off the mark until the seventh time of asking. He has scored in four of his last five races now, using smart early pace to wriggle clear early. He won’t find that quite so easy up in grade but he will be full of confidence.
Meenagh Mourinho – Jose ran a huge race on his debut last week, just getting a little lost at the third bend, taking the hare rail route round the final two bends. He fought back on the run-in to only be beaten a length. He has smart early so should be in the firing line on the run-up, if he gets on the bunny he should be hard to catch if running the bends a little better.
Bandit Puma – Impressive when dropped into A5 two starts back, he was behind Jose last week having failed to lead him up. He has the odd bit of early, but not consistent enough to think he could lead up in this field with plenty of early in 4 and 5.
Conclusion
Not the easiest task on the run to the first corner for Jose, with the 4 boasting plenty of early boot. If he clears him early on, he has an excellent chance. The 2 is on the way down the grades, but having won at A1 level less than 4 months ago and with the early to lead up those either side of her, she has to be a huge danger to all given what she has in the book.