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Genesis continues Wallis' strong start to '08

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Jonathan Hobbs of the Racing Post goes over last week's action from Perry Barr...

We are still drying off after Hall Green's Prestige meeting on Tuesday.

Okay, perhaps not yours truly who was safely tucked 'upstairs' with Gary Newbon, but you had to feel for the cameramen outside, not to mention trainers and kennelhands - and our own Tanya Stevenson leading the parades.

As for the racing, the track held up incredibly well. The sole advantage was to be out in front and even then with rain-softened conditions, it was hard work. Just ask Droopys Nelson or Directors Chair!

Looking through each of the races, for me the star of the night, aside from big-race winner Tuftys Pearletta, had to be Oh His Nerves.

Bob Hall's dog suffered a broken hock last year having qualified impressively for the Scurry final at Perry Barr, but has made a great recovery and fairly sped away from is rivals. He is certainly one to follow. Baran Hawaii could also be on his way back and, but for running wide, would have been closer.

Kildare Lark underlined his hurdler of the year claims by skating up, while there was plenty to like about the two strong-running performances, notably Like Hot Cakes and Shelbourne Holly. Like Hot Cakes is an improving sort who was comfortably in Open class 'away' from home and has plenty of scope, while Shelbourne Holly really was top drawer in winning the marathon. When you think how many struggled to get home on the night, Nick Colton's bitch finished full of running and surely Oxford's next training appointment will have some fun with her in 2008!

Genesis Alix, winner of the 670m race, helped continue Mark Wallis' great start to the year and he has clearly already set out his stall to reclaim the Trainers' Championship crown, but runner-up Droopys Nelson surely lost nothing in defeat.

While he held off Spiridon Louis at Wimbledon, conditions were far worse at Hall Green and, with just two 380m trials at Crayford, will have been short of six-bend work. He remains, for me, the dog to be with in the upcoming Golden Jacket.

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Elsewhere, Ted Soppitt looks to have a massive hand in the upcoming Futurity Puppy Cup and anyone betting against his runners in Monday's heats (live on the BAGS/SIS) service must be brave indeed.

All have run with distinction in trial stakes and, while Calzaghe Ted and Droopys Totti have underlined the potential already shown, the one with the scope is Droopys Taffy. He has looked as green as grass in his races at Colwick Park, but is open to huge improvement. And while not eligible for the puppy competition, keep an eye out on Dave Firmager's Romeo Llan. He has struggled to cope in recent 500m contest but clearly has plenty of speed and will pop up at a price before too long.