Dog Tales

I was recently asked if I could submit an article of interest for the Betfair Forum "Dog Tales". Any way I managed to find ten minutes and submitted it this week. Nice bit of publicity for the websites.Happy reading.

Gallop Report

Jameson had his first gallop since 2008 this morning. Paul reported his action seemed much easier on the eye and the rest has done him the world of good. He has a lovely big back on him and is currently 36.6 kg. All being well be will be back on the schooling track in two weeks and hopefully with us in six.

Springbok Fancies

Our antepost punting has started well this year with a juicy 20/1 place in the Birmingham Cup, we entered the fray of the Springbok on Saturday. Taking the 14/1 about Bomber Bailey and Platinumlancelot. The great news is that both won well and are now 1st and 2nd favourite. Platinumlancelot won by an amazing 11 lengths and also completed the fastest of the night 28.05.

Swimmingly Well at Clonmel

Ray dropped me a text from Clonmel to say coursing was on but the visability was shocking. The rain they have had there in recent week is of record levels. This picture of the greyhound stadium, which is normally packed every night, was taken off one of the forums. Of my selections the following are still standing.
Derby - Wallace Green, King Saunders, Droopys Galvin and Fullerton.
Oaks - Cleanaway Smurf, Candles Dripping, Feora Time

Puppy Video Latest

Dave, Slim Amarillo's co-owner kindly posted this video for us of the dogs at Drumscaw.

All Positive

Dave and I were grinning all day after hearing the news that Slim Amarillo had shown some super early pace again at the schooling track and improved another 4 lengths. Jamesons pad had also improved and he may get back into work this week however we are in no rush we would rather ensure the pad injury is 100%.

Clonmel Coursing Preview

The heavy ground at Powerstown, Clonmel will test all the greyhounds that head for the ultimate test tomorrow. Heavy rain in the region has supposed to have made the ground seriously testing and the trainers will have to call on all their skills to keep there charges fresh. Brendan Matthews is seeking his 8th Derby win and has four runners ready this year. Three litters have dominated the season as I have written about from the very season. Carrick Sam and Fiery Mary have five of their litters in either the Derby or Oaks, whilst Uptown Smurf has four Oaks qualifiers. The betting ring will be full of people willing back their opinions to the hilt so here is my five against the field for both Classics.

Boylesports Derby

Wallace Green - Strongest form in the field, landed the Corn Na Feile after trial stake.
King Saunders - My tip from the start of the season, I'm hoping his poor run against older dogs was just an off day.
Droopys Galvin - Serious pace but need to come away from slips better.
Catunda Donie - Well backed by connection who reached semi final last year.
Fullerton - Owned by Lixnaw pal Paudie "Whisky and Red" Lyons, off colour at Christmas, meets the other Lixnaw dog in round 1.

Hotel Minella Oaks

Newinn Droopy - My tip from early season, will love the hill.
Uptown Smurf - Has an all age win on her CV, should go a long way.
Candles Dripping - A must for the portfolio, won a tough all age bitch at Newcastle West confirming Trial Stake promise.
Cleanaway Smurf - Turned form around after changing kennel, still on the upgrade.
Feora Time - A selection at 100/1, Ray tried to buy this girl at Christmas. Clocked some serious times, may just shake a few up.