Betfair Official Blog

Side with Vieri

Vieri Glenside (T1) should get his supporters away on favourable terms in the
Romford Stadium Sprint on Friday night (19:30).

Course-and-distance form counts for plenty over the sprint trips and Steve Willey's charge knows where the finish line is. Obliging for favourite backers on each of his last two visits, the son of Droopys Vieri has previously accounted for a number of tonight's rivals. Given an ideal draw, there are likely to be plenty of backers waiting to be matched about the possibility of an on-the-bounce treble.

Unique Rebel (T2) is certainly no pushover and while Peter Payne's charge does not lack for class, he is an infrequent visitor to the two bend discipline. The loss of the red jacket appears a big negative and the layers will be happy to accommodate.

Clonkelly Jimbo (T3) is recently graded in at A2 and could have a plausible chance if transferring trials form under race conditions. With two proven sprinters in the other middle seedings, there is absolutely no margin for error.

High St Ego (T4) had been a friend to the layers over four bends but he confirmed the impression that he might act over this trip when second to Vieri Glenside last week. Despite a lack of experience, this was a highly encouraging run that would put him in with solid claims if others err at the lids.

Ronnies Hare (T5) could pay for trainer Mark Wallis' diesel money for Saturday's third round of the Greyhound Derby. Difficult to win with in the past, his consistency on the clock is very much a redeeming feature.

Elles Hawk (T6) is a genuine wide seed in all senses of the description and rates as a big danger to all. Better known as a regular around Harlow, he did win well on a previous sortie around London Road, so any confidence behind Alan Stevens' runner in the Betfair market should not be ignored.

National winner back on view

Betfair Grand National winner, Jos Cigar (T4) bids to overcome a poor draw in the Romford Stadium Hurdles (20:15).

Alrita Prince (T1) is a good flat performer in his own right and showed enough to win an A1 in April. Although somewhat novicey at his hurdles, Martyn Wiley's charge left behind a poor run in H3 to see off Stradeen Ouzo by a head, in a time of 24:77.

Feach Anseo (T2) was behind on that occasion and there does not appear to be any reason to suggest that the form can be turned around tonight. Steve Gammon's dog has turned losing into an unfortunate habit and was unable to take advantage of an easier opportunity at Crayford on Monday.

Rio Guiseppe (T3) did not impress with his jumping in two solo trials around London Road and was successfully opposed in the Betfair market last week. He does have a future at the game, although backers saw their goose cooked by a very modest break. Nevertheless, the clock is coming down in the right direction and Danny Riordan is a trainer who knows the time of day.

Jos Cigar (T4) Steve Willey's training career was really put on the map by the Ricky Holloway owned dog, but the National winner could be vulnerable punting proposition on Friday due to the heady combination of a modest draw and a substantial drop in trip.

Alis Hope (T5) is incapable of running a bad race and continues to try hard in spite of a lack of natural ability. Dave Mullins' dog is here after running what was probably one of his best ever races at Crayford last Monday. A winner in H3 just nine days earlier, all hope relies on clearing the striped jacket at the first bend.

Newlawn Berts (T6) finished adrift of Alis Hope in that Crayford race, although he met significant bother throughout the contest. While excuses may be wearing thin for those who have lumped on at short odds in recent weeks, his short-head nailing of Rockmount Fitzy in 24:60 last month was visually impressive. There can be few complaints about the draw tonight.

It's that Man Again

Good Man John (T1) is likely to be sent off as a warm order for the Romford Stadium Puppies race (20:45).

The son of Top Honcho did not attract too much in the way of support on Betfair last Friday, but Paul Young's charge wasn't aware of that minor detail and blasted his way to victory in 24:39. That effort represented a significant step up upon his trials and it is unlikely that the layers will be in such a frivolous mood on this occasion.

Lockwood Littljo (T2) does not lack for experience but does suffer for early toe. Ill at ease from a poor draw over the mid-distance of 430 metres at Walthamstow and having lost her way over further, there appear to be few secrets left in the locker.

Flying Time (T3) John Mullins has never been afraid to travel for a winner and continues his "tour" around the British circuit. Sent off as favourite at Sunderland for a heat of the Ritchie Puppy Cup, 'Flying' lost all chance with a stumble at the start. White jacket runners have fared well at Romford over the last few months and it would be folly to discount him in the event of any positive activity in the Betfair market.

Barnfield Chubby (T4) looks an interesting recruit from the Sam Poots kennel. The son of Larkhill Jo has something to prove on his recent trial times, but his connections are unafraid of punting their opinion and the early trading is closely watched.

Sleep Tight (T5) is the only bitch in the field and is likely to give her supporters a good run for their money at big odds. Maxine Locke's A1 performer did not act around Walthamstow but has the sectionals to be handy at the first turn. She would however, need to reverse form with the red jacket in order to win.

Hudson (T6) is the only wide seed in the pack and in puppy races; it is not uncommon to see the punters smashing into the striped jacket. While his record at Romford reads four runs and four losses, Tony Collett is a very shrewd placer of his dogs and he may represent some value against the short-priced favourite.