Saturday, 30 June 2007

See You When

I'm thinking of renaming the Pirate "See You When" as he does seem to have more stop starts than a pair of London traffic lights. After being not accepted for Gymcrack after finishing just 3 lengths behind Kingsmill Sparky he had to watch Sparky go off to Hall Green to land the Gymcrack first round heat yesterday. Sparky looks to have some fantastic early pace and one to follow. He has a slight knock on his pad so will be off for a couple of days. Lance indicated he will probably take him to Wimbledon for a trial to see how he takes to the track.

Lisa's Invader looks sure to lead at Monmore tonight but not to sure whether he can hang on. Bubbly Casino finished 5th in the St Ledger Final at Henlow whilst Bubbly Classic was in trouble again at Romford this week.

Iceman Flying

The winners contine to flow for Lance. Great to see Kingsmill Sparky take the first heat of the Gymcrack yesterday. Iceman Ross(pictured) heads back to Wimbledon tonight to contest the Derby plate.

Tuesday, 26 June 2007

Trouble in Derby

Plenty of big shocks down at Wimbledon tonight. Thought I had done a silly think by laying Ego back after Droopys Robinho and Phoenix Paddy had crashed out. Paddy's injury did not look good at all. Fingers crossed for the dog. Anyway Ego, Dutchy and Dino all bit the dust. It leaves me with Westmead Lord to just get out of trouble and Kanes Blue would be a dream result but very unlikely.

Great to see Lances Iceman Brutus(pictured) bang out and win by nine lenghts on the undercard.

Monday, 25 June 2007

Gutted

The Pirate has not been selected to run in the Gymrack starting this Friday. Totally gutted................We have waited 20 months to see him run and to see him not make the line up is very disappointing. Lance will probably enter him at Coventry before heading to Nottingham with him.

Positive Outlook will also be heading to Coventry as he is not getting any runs at Swindon.

Final word..............gutted............................

Saturday, 23 June 2007

Derby Latest

Spent the morning up at Martin's kennels. After taking Avenue Guide and Lisa's Invader out on a long walk I took a new shots of dogs looking for new homes for his website. The dog pictured is retired and one of those. He kindly posed very well for the picture.

Joe at Shelbourne Stud mailed me that Queen Survivor had her litter to Boheduff Light. The first picture of the litter is posted on the site under News.

Gave Monmore a miss so I could watch the Derby on the Internet. After laying back Hooter and Westmead Lord in the week my collection of bets still looked good. Of the selection remaining Blonde Dino, Zig Zag Dutchy , Express Ego and Kanes Blue all qualified. Sadly Westmead Joe went out. Droopys Robinho and Phoenix Paddy again looked fantastic.


Friday, 22 June 2007

Mixed Bubbly Fortunes

Bubbly Casino finished second last night to qualify for the £4000 St Ledger Final at Henlow next Thursday. Bubbly Classic finished a disappointing last at Romford. It's clear the Derby took alot out of this dog last year.

The picture is of a dog called Proud Ronaldinho that's in training at Monmore with Martin Burt. http://www.martinburtracing.co.uk/
He's a fine looking dog that is always catching the eye in trials. Looks like one to follow over coming months for sure.

Wednesday, 20 June 2007

Pirate Pleases

On going reported as slow Kingsmill Sparky(28.95) beat Zigzag Pirate(29.22)at Hall Green after BAGS this afternoon. All being well Piratewill now be entered for the Gymcrack. The picture is of Dopeys Return on the day Pirate was born.

Tuesday, 19 June 2007

New Recruit

I love my summer evenings at Monmore so when I was offered a fairly cheap dog that had won its only race in Ireland which had a decent pedigree I thought I'd snap him up for a summer campaign. The dogs name is Avenue Guide (Droopys Vieri x Spooky Nikita). He landed his only race in Tralee 30.17 before I bought him. He has won his two sprint trials very well. Today he had his 480 metre trial. Running from Trap 6 ne missed his break and then showed rapid early pace to record the third fastest split time of the trials session. He flew round before running out of steam on the last bend. It was his first run over 4 bends since 20th April. He will be trained as always my Martin Burt my Monmore trainer.

Monday, 18 June 2007

Busy Blog


Since starting on the Blog it has amazed me how many people log on to have a read. Today alone I have had visitors from UK, Ireland, Argentina, Australia, Turkey and the United States.

Every Monday is update night when I work on ZigZag Kennels site. Charles always writes some interesting articles on the sport that I have to post. He has a lovely range of pups at the moment and the site is well worth a clance.

http://www.zigzagkennels.co.uk/

The picture posted a a favourite of mine taken back in May when visting the Archer back at Paddys.

We had get another nice touch again today thanks to Brian. 5/2 just the job on a Monday afternoon.

Sunday, 17 June 2007

Weekend Round Up


Very busy weekend away. Kicked off with Bubbly Casino finishing third at Henlow so she’s qualified for the St Ledger Semi Finals. I attended a course near Euston on Friday before heading off watch the start of the Derby 2nd round at Wimbledon. Spend Saturday snapping around the City and visiting a few places of culture that couldn’t normally when I have the lads with me. I stayed as always with my Irish friend Rayo is his south London penthouse. Predictably he had me out to 3.30 am.

Droopys Robinho and Phoenix Paddy both impressed me and are ones to keep on the right side. Clearly two I have under estimated.

I love backing a few for the Derby each year and then trading then back at a profit or a free back. This year’s selections are :-

Blonde Dino – Backed at 100 now best price 25

Express Ego – Backed at 17.5 now best price 12

Westmead Joe – Backed at 19 now best price 14

Westmead Lord – Backed at 27 now best price 16

Zig Zag Dutchy – Backed at 130 now best price 100

Kanes Blue – Backed at 320 now best price 100

Hooter Macooter – Backed at 320 now best price 250

I think the top have realistic aspirations to land the Classic. I’m tempted to lay Lord back, not sure……………

On the graded scene Lisa’s Invader broke well at Monmore only to be reeled in on the last bend. Positive Outlook missed his break at Swindon and finished unplaced.

Thursday, 14 June 2007

Weekend Ahead

Heading down to London this evening on the train to attend a course tomorrow and then hopefully both nights of the Derby second round. Ross, Vader and Dutchy all have tricky draws to cope with. The cousing dogs name has not been cleared by the Coursing Club so we are going to have to rename him..........gutted. Bubbly Casino is running tonight at Henlow in the Stondon St. Leger. Looks to have a very good chance with perhaps the Westmead dog the one to beat.

Wednesday, 13 June 2007

Pirate Trial

The Pirate clocked 29.56 at Hall Green this afternoon. This was his second only run over 480 metres in his life. He will return next to Hall Green next Wednesday.

I had a quality 10/1 winner this aftenooon as a tip from syndicate member Brian did the business at Nottingham. Will pay for the weekend ahead at Wimbledon.

Tuesday, 12 June 2007

Jimmy In Boys

With each differnet dog the syndicate slightly changes shape with personalities as peoples personal circumstances change. We have eight in the syndicate of which three of us have been in from the very start. Thought I'd do a breakdown of everyone.

I've organised the syndicate from day one with the Rob as one I tend to bounch any ideas off.

Rob is known as the Silver Fox. He works for Landrover and is known for his shrewd long shots at Monmore and great golf tips.

Brian (Rab C Nesbitt) is our scottish owner who loves a good punt given any opportunity. He also owns horses in training with Brian Smart.

Paul (Swanny) is local to Monmore and works for Jaguar. Will travel any where to see his dogs run. Loves a pint and punt.

When Lynne joined us she won a Trophy Race, landed a bet and had a runner in an Open within 2 weeks. Lynne manages one of the leading Swimming pools in the Midlands.

Heather has been appointed as travel organiser, has the inside news on all cheap long haul flight!!! Enjoys a good bottle and a sure fire winner.

Colin offers the best chance to land a bet. He is always odds on last to pay. Is rarely seen these days as a new female interest is keeping him away from the track and the golf course.

Mark is our newest member and works for Road traffic management company.
His passions are horse & dog racing and playing bowls.


Monday, 11 June 2007

Chewie News

The Jimmyin Boys latest pup "Chewie" (Knockabout Wok x ZigZag Peggy) is developing very well. Kath from the kennels kindly forwarded the photo showing. If you look at the dogs markings they are so similar to Mossys its untrue.


He now out in the runs bossing his commrades around.

I will try and get some video coverage next time I visit.

Blue Amarillo Latest

Belle (Blue Amarillo) is reported in great order by Paul over in Northern Ireland. She remains as keen as ever and a real hand full when out down the lanes.

She is due in season in a months time so a wide range of sires are being considered. Her pups will be very much in demand what ever sire she goes to but Paul is trying to ensure the best possible cross. Thanks to Paul for the photo.

Saturday, 9 June 2007

Derby Update and More

The Prince looked to be going very well again at Monmore yesterday until coming to a quick stop. Two runs close togther may have caught up with him.

Bubbly Classic was a good second at Romford to the highly rated Roswell Spaceman.

Down at Wimbledon I've had a postive start with my betting portfolio with all going through to date.

Great to see Vader and Ross (comfortable winner) go through to Mondays draw. Brookyln Bridge got a mighty slap on the first corner and failed to qualify.

Wednesday, 6 June 2007

Pirate Trial


The Pirate clocked 17.60 at Coventry tonight. A fair run considering he's been off for 4 weeks. He has still only been in the boxes 7 times. Lance plans to take him to Hall Green next Wednesday for his next trial.

Derby Kick Off

The Blue Square kicks off tomorrow. Sadly no runners this year but plenty of personal interest. My favourite is Lance & Pam Burford's Iceman Vader(pictured). I've was taken with him as soon as he arrived some months ago. He doesn't like shiny floors and has his own carpet at the kennels. Wimbledon has the same type of flooring so I guess Lance will be doing plenty of carrying. He is joined by Iceman Ross who looks to be the leading hope.

My Monmore trainer Martin Burt is taking Brooklyn Bridge down also. He recently won the competition at Monmore so hasn't been able to get a trial round the track.

Dutchy and Dutchaman are there again but are now getting on in age.

I have backed a few antepost over the last few months as all being well all should start. Last year I had backed Hawk(1st) and Amarillo Slim(3rd) antepost post and the previous year I'd backed Geldrops Touch who made the Final. Fingers crossed for another good year and all dogs come off sound.

Monday, 4 June 2007

Get in the Prince










The Prince (Lisa's Invader) broke away fast and never saw another dog this afternoon at Monmore. A very generous 9/4 was available which myself and Ray helped ourselves to. This was the Prince's 8th win from 39 starts. He may not be heading to Wimbledon but he's a great fun dog to own. Well done and Martin and his kennel staff.

Sunday, 3 June 2007

Pirate Bouncing














Had a lovely morning with Lance and Pam Burford taking loads of snaps of all the dogs. It was great to see Bertie (ZigZag Pirate) back to his old form and over his bad back. All being well he will go to Coventry on Wednesday for a sprint. Lance is keen to take him to Hall Green for the Gymcrack, so fingers crossed he comes off sound. Positive Otlook had no luck at Swindon last night.

Saturday, 2 June 2007

Weekend Action

Positive Outlook is out at Swindon in an A1 tonight. He looks in against plenty of good dogs and will need to everything right to have any chance. The Prince (Lisa Invader) has been dropped by the grader on Monday, he had his back legs taken from him last time out and has had a luxury of having a fortnight off. I think he's better than what's he is in against but Trap 5 is a shocking draw for him. Bubbly Classic ran an encouraging trial at Yarmouth on Wednesday so will run on Sky on Tuesday night in a very tough race.

Fingers crossed all return safe and sound.

Friday, 1 June 2007

Westmead Hawk

If there is one sporting event that I look forward to most of all it’s the Greyhound Derby at Wimbledon. Sadly we won't be able to witness the mighty Westmead Hawk at Wimbledon this year. He is surely the greatest tracker ever. I saw him at Monmore recently and whilst it was another great honour to see the dog (I even got a pat) he didn't seem the same dog. I'm sure he will enjoy his retirement at Stud with the Dunphys. We all were all privileged to see such a wonderful dog. I’ll always remember when he came out on parade for last years Final. I'm sure he winked at the crowd and was says "Right lads, now watch this. I have posted the video of my favourite ever race of the Hawks. Ignore the first second its just how the clip has been edited.

Burty Hits Monmore Jackpot

After a few days away with the family in the capital I went up to my local trainer Martin Burt as I needed some new pictures to update his website. After walking my two dogs I photographed a few cracking looking dogs. Martin has amazing success with a limited resouces on the dogs front.

Sadly I'm not in a position to spend big amounts on dogs. I've had some great nights out following the likes of Conspiracy Seb as well as my own dogs. Martin seems to have rekindled Brooklyn Bridge.

Today he won Summer Festival Final at Monmore at 4/1 in 28.26, this followed a recent win in the Guys & Dolls Final at Nottingham. After backing the Bridge I have plenty of cash to invest in
my nap of the day Droopys Romeo which won at 7/4. Nice to see Carmac Lottery (Droopys Kewell-Maries Decision) win one of the supporting Opens today as she was bred and reared by my Kerry friend Mark Ryall.

Nice afternoon's work. Martin looks to have two very nice prospects in the kennel currently - Proud Ronaldinho(Black & White Dog), La Galga Shaz(Blue Bitch), the other picture is of Brooklyn Bridge.