Ninja Jamie - A Bit of Value

On rare occasions you see a bit of value that tempts you. This morning I couldn't believe my eye's as I skimmed the Racing Post to see Ninja Jamie highlighted by Richard Birch at 33/1 for the English Derby. This impeccably bred dog out of Farloe Oyster murdered a quality field by over 8 lengths when winning the Yarmouth Derby and taking the track record at the same time. After speaking to the lads we decided to trouble Mr Hill for a few quid each way only to quoted 40/1!!!

Flying Pups in Futurity

The highly touted Bandicoot Tipoki was well and truly put his place last Monday up at Nottingham by the Steve race home bred Head iton Ellis. His time of 30.31 for 500 metres marks him down as a serious dog for follow for 2009. The draw is so important to this class of animal and Monday will see a rematch in the final with draw favouring Tipoki. As result to look out for. (Misc image)

Plenty of Dollar

I spent yesterday morning up at Martin's kennels. I took all the Proud pups out two by two. They all seem mad keen on spotting the local wildlife. They were a lot of pheasants out for their winter stroll. One of bitches almost pulled me straight through the hedgerow in pursuit. After getting home I glanced through the Monmore evening card. The card was scattered with dogs that cost well in excess of £10,000 running for about £100. The Open race included Magna Dave, Shadayid, Ballymac Ruso, Burnpark Champ, Canary Max and Marbeck Wonder. These bunch of super bred dogs were running for just £175. The chances are a couple of these might well land a prize of £7,500 once, one may win a classic, but if you add the cost of buying a dog of this quality, training costs, transport to the track is it really worth such an investment. The likes of small owner landing such a dog now is now impossible. I'm now at a stage I'd rather win an A1 at Monmore than an run of mill open any where else. There was a nice dog called Lefanta Fly make is debut last night in an A3, this dog should seriously better than his running last night and is one to follow.

Avenue drops a grade

Avenue Guide looks to have been given a good chance by the grader at Monmore tomorrow at 5.57pm. Let's hope he bounces out and gets a clear run.

Nice to see Martin's Proud Rooney strike tonight in 29.29. He looks a lovely green pup and should fly through the grades.

One to follow from tonight racing is Chris Allsopps Nirphania. A Cork winner in 28.71 has some how got into A5 at Monmore. He looked as he needed the run seriously tonight.