Greyhounds News / Editor / 12 January 2009 / Leave a Comment

Maldini keeps an eye on the weather, Affleck Elite sends a warning to Fear Zafonic and bad luck for those without tickets for the GBGB Awards - this year's bash is a sell-out!

Romeo Maldini can be backed at [2.0] to win the Prestige at Hall Green on Tuesday, Sky's first major competition final of the year.

Owner-trainer Dave Firmager is hoping the anticipated better going conditions will help his dog, who only just qualified behind Steady Scholes in the semis.

The latter, an Oaks finalist for Mark Grady, is lining up in her sixth decider and is the favourite's nearest market rival at [4.2].

Eight races are live on Sky from 7.30pm.

* * *

After Hall Green, the TV cameras head for Perry Barr a week on Thursday (Jan 22) for the Birmingham Cup final.

Charlie Lister's Affleck Elite was quickest of the heat winners, but kennelmate Fear Zafonic (2.8) remains at the head of the betting after finishing a close-up second in the same qualifier.

The first two in Thursday's semis will reach the £6,500 final.

* * *

Greyhound racing's annual black tie event is a sell-out.

The GBGB Awards, which honours the champions of 2008, is being held in London on Sunday, January 25, and tickets have proved popular with the 'house full' sign up earlier than at any time in recent years.

"Whether it's because there's a close-run thing for the Greyhound of the Year title I don't know, but it's been as popular as anyone here can remember which in difficult trading times at most tracks is heartening," said one source.

Leading contenders for the top honour, which will come from the winners of the main categories on the night, are Boherna Best, Bubbly Totti, Flying Winner and Lenson Joker.

* * *

Campaigners seeking the return of racing at Walthamstow are awaiting the result of a meeting next week of the local council and the site's owners, London & Quadrant.
It is understood council leaders will seek assurances from L&Q that leisure requirements for the area will be met. 'Save Our Stow' leaders are hoping that failure to meet the council's demands could see the Chingford Road venue back on the open market, and possibly sold effectively as a going concern.

* * *

The ongoing Birmingham Cup has had a minimal effect on betting on the Derby.

Fear Zafonic, favourite at Perry Barr, is expected to come tumbling down in price for the Classic should he win the final next week. Charlie Lister's speedster is currently trading at [24.0].

Bandicoot Topki, a kennelmate of Fear Zafonic's at Lister's kennels, has been the week's mover after winning on debut at Nottingham. He is very highly-rated by the former champion trainer and sparkled in qualifying trials.

He is owned by Ray White, whose Rapid Ranger won back-to-back Derbys.

Flying Winner has the defence of her TV Trophy as top of her list of targets for 2009.

Chris Lund's bitch is on the comeback trail after rest over Christmas having completed an unbeaten run through the Ted Hegarty Marathon at Harold's Cross.

The TV Trophy, won by the Greyhound of the Year contender, will this year take place at Newcastle in June.

* * *

Mark Wallis is intent on defending his Trainer of the Year championship.

The boss of Imperial Kennels has vowed to target all the major race in his quest and will be keen on improving his showing at the Trainers' Championship meeting after disappointment at Wimbledon last year.

Wallis will take on Seamus Cahill, Charlie Lister, John Mullins, Barrie Draper and Pat Rosney in the Betfair-sponsored extravaganza at Sheffield in March.

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