Romford Greyhound Racing / Jonathan Hobbs / 06 September 2008 / Leave a comment

Jonathan Hobbs witnesses another supreme performance at Romford and offers a smart tip for the Manchester Puppy Cup.

Lenson Joker was absolutely brilliant, not just on the night, but throughout the Champion Stakes at Romford and he has taken over from Flying Winner as front-runner for Greyhound of the Year honours.

Of course, Chris Lund's bitch has a chance to redress the balance when she returns from a spell off with a first intended target being the St Leger at Wimbledon where a certain Lenson Joker will likely go to traps favourite.

Clearly the pair will be battling it out, not just for the St Leger title - but the overall title of top dog! Add in the likelihood of Bubbly Totti and Ballymac Weeshie also heading for Plough Lane and it is shaping up as a vintage stayers' Classic.

But back to Romford, and victory for Lenson Joker was soured by an injury to that other supreme racing talent, Barnfield On Air, and it is hoped a return to track next year will see him bow out on a better note than trailing home at Romford.

As for the eye-catchers on the night, Lenson Joker was supreme as he made it ten straight wins - but then everyone knows that! And Seamies Gambler will also continue to be very difficult to beat as he made it eight wins on the trot.

Milldean Flash and Black Ice Boss really did star over 400m. Both won their races well and will pay continued support, Black Ice Boss especially railing like a cat. Give him trap one and he will not let you down!

Bonville Stan, an impressive winner of the puppy race, is shaping up into a very nice type and the Maxine Locke kennel seems to be flying just now after their 1-2 in the 575m maiden. And great to see Eye Onthe Veto back in winning form.

But among those who might have slipped below the radar were Jackdaw Joe, who showed the pace of a sprint open-racer in the puppy race and should be watched if ever put over two bends, while Starman Shaun also caught the eye in the same event.
The last-named finished sore and missed an intended engagement this week, but could be interesting when stepped up again in trip.

Noelles Saka was giving away plenty of experience when second to Eye On the Veto, but showed plenty of pace and at Romford especially over 575m should win a few races on the run-up to the Essex Vase at the track.

As suggested last week, Barnfield Chubby ran a cracker in he hurdles final won by Be All, and he might also be worth keeping tabs on. And well done also to Farloe Niall, mentioned in the same breath, who struck at Sheffield.

Elsewhere, the Manchester Puppy Cup is shaping as the best puppy competition of the year. There is huge quality here, and plenty of pace. But whatever Crown Rover achieves at Belle Vue, he will build upon elsewhere. Take note.