The Lord's Dogs Column - All eyes on Wimbledon
Greyhounds News
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Darrell Williams /
10 October 2009 /
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"The first might be a tad obvious, but Officer Donagh ran a lot better than his third place suggests in the sprint which kicked off proceedings at Manchester - Chris Allsopp's dog was cut off in his prime when making a big challenge at the crown of the first and second turns."
The Lord gives us his thoughts on the latest developments in the world of greyhound racing.
The Lord's eyes will be firmly fixed on tonight's St Leger heats at Wimbledon as the Classic season swings back into life - and watch this space for some pearls of winner-spotting wisdom!
In the meantime, a few more surefire money-spinners to whet the appetite from the last Sky meeting at Belle Vue, one or two that might have slipped under the radar.
The first might be a tad obvious, but Officer Donagh ran a lot better than his third place suggests in the sprint which kicked off proceedings at Manchester - Chris Allsopp's dog was cut off in his prime when making a big challenge at the crown of the first and second turns.
Plan was a good winner of the bitches' stake and David Pruhs deserves a real pat on the back from back-to-back wins with this enigmatic sort. She might be an Oaks bitch if he can keep her fresh.
But the other to take from the race is Face My Fortune, who showed good pace to three-quarters before fading. It was a step up in class for Mark Wallis's bitch but she is ready to tackle this sort of company on the evidence of that run.
Finbarrs Lad did his St Leger claims no harm with a decent enough run over six bends. Although ultimately beaten by Global Kipper after showing smart early zip, it should be noted he was running on the worst of the going and was staying on again when others had cried enough.
Eye Onthe Storm underlined his Classic aspirations for 2010 with a good show first time up at Belle Vue, but Target Classic gets the 'bold' treatment for nearly beating the winner.
He showed great pace throughout and was just wrong to challenge the leader when he did. He was unlucky and summed up a frustrating night for Julie Bateson, who was later beaten into second in the Laurels final.
Tyrur Kirk should go in again soon, judged on his effort over 590m behind Bubbly Rambo. He has got lots of pace but didn't get the clearest of runs. A more galloping track could also see a return to the winner's enclosure.
Bower Surfer took his chance well, and tenaciously over 590 in the top division of the short six-bend event. The buffeting both he and Barbies Man took from each other should have put paid to them both. It did Barbies Man, who should be watched next time for sure, but Bower Surfer proved very strong and really is a useful sort.
He is from an event, the Peterborough Puppy Cesarewitch, which has produced such a great line of winners including Roxhome Girl and Spiridon Louis. Maybe too young to be considered for the St Leger, he could make hay while the big guns are otherwise engaged in the Classic.
Droopys Zach took off over six bends, but is always prone to that sort of run, while Sunoak Crystal proved a bitch at the top of her game to win the Laurels and continue Julie Calvert's great year.
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