The Virtual Kennel: Another pair of pooches to punt on!

BAGS / The Hawk / 11 February 2009 / Leave a Comment

The Hawk's had his beady eye on the BAGS action and has selected two more to watch.

Robins Fox is now 5-52 at Poole, but he should have won his sixth race last Saturday on the south coast as he was absolutely murdered at the third bend when just about to take the lead. This fawn dog ran from trap two, but moved middle on the run up and it was a surprise to see him lean towards the inside at the third bend. He was severely impended and but for that would have won, as he had moved past the winner to get into that original challenging position. He hasn't won since contesting an A4 back in July 2008, but this showed a welcome return to form and he may well win in this grade A7 at a big price soon. I note he has run from traps 1, 2 and 3 - but that he has only won once when berthed in the red jacket in 19 attempts. His record from trap three is one from seven. He was only beaten seven races ago by a head in A6 grade from trap two and his time is near.

Robins Fox, Poole A7

Sometimes race card comments should be taken with a huge pinch of salt, and provide evidence to why you should make your own notes on dogs. How the racing manager cannot put 'a missed break' or 'slow away' note next to Winning Bond's run on Saturday at Newcastle is beyond me.

The fawn dog's comments of 'clear run' does not do him justice, as he made up a lot of ground early from a mistimed start to finish just under 5.25 lengths behind the winner in fourth. This came in an A3 - a grade he has yet to win in despite having raced ten times at this level. However, his A4 record is excellent having won four from six. He has also won five from 11 in trap 5. All his wins came when running on late, and it maybe that the A3 dogs just get too far in front for line. He looks a natural for the four bend handicaps around here, and figures of 31.34 in such races at odds of 3.5, 6.0. 3.5 and 3.25. Note: he has only won once when starting favourite.

Winning Bond, Newcastle, now in A3 (but should be backed in A4 only)

Update:

Swift Blade managed to win his A1 at Nottingham (SP 7/4 but [3.00] was traded on Betfair to £187), and now leaves the virtual kennel having done the business.

Apart from him, Newtown Abi, Salacres Lisa, Blue Hawaii, and Sadlers Jenny all lost - athough the last named lost by a short head at SP 4/1 in the fastest time she has ever recorded at Kinsley (29.01). So, a slight loss on the week.

Virtual kennel inmates:

Newtown Abi Sheffield (2) *
Salacres Lisa Nottingham (1)
Blue Hawaii Hall Green (2)
Onthewayout Poole (1)
Sadlers Jenny Kinsley (1)
Burnside Flair Sunderland(0)
Indigo Jenny Oxford (0)

* Indicates number of runs since highlighted - maximum of three runs allowed before dog is 'sold' out of virtual kennel if failing to win