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The Arc Final: Centaur Decree stuns the favourites with scorching time

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Jonathan Hobbs took in all of Tuesday's action at Walthamstow including the Arc final. He lets us in on his thoughts after a cracking night at the Dogs.

It looked likely to happen, and it did. Centaur Decree, with the best trap draw in the Arc final at Walthamstow on Tuesday, went to the bend as he liked and won as he liked. But the time will also show you that he was no lucky winner, a brilliant 28.45sec effort that is the fastest time clocked in the event's decider in its history.

Milldean Flash and Blonde Jeannie could never get by each other, and it was Kilkenny Lonjack who came through late to grab second. He may have been Seamus Cahill's 'second' string behind Milldean Flash, but here is a top-class stayer in the making. An expensive purchase with six bends in mind, he looks destined for honours over a stiffer test.

In terms of what else happened on the night, and particularly the dogs to watch in the coming weeks, top of the list must be Pennys Viktor. Edged out by Droopys Nelson and Big Brett Coal, he finished with such a flourish that many thought he had got up in the 640m race. Paul Garland's dog may possibly have been flattered by having overly tired dogs in front of him, but the way he flew up the home straight was reminiscent of Foulden Special's Grand Prix finish.

Pennys Viktor was bought around Christmas, presumably with the Golden Jacket in mind. Unlucky to be drawn in a tough heat after an easy and impressive trial stakes win, he bowed out at Crayford but should be racking up with wins now, just as her mother Soviet Gypsy did, especially at the Stow!

Hotdog Jack was awesome in defeating Kildare Lark. The latter's mistake was to get the first hurdle all wrong and he'll be back for sure, but the winner has so much pace it's frightening. Comparisons with Druids Mickey Jo are thoroughly deserved. Keep an eye out too for the runner-up in that race. Be All should also pick up his fair share of jumps races.

Fine Moment impressed me in the six-bend event. For a first look at the extended trip, it was a fair effort and if he can consistently come away, the 575m trip at Romford could turn out to be perfect. Champion Stakes material for sure, but come the summer, and the quicker conditions, 640m again should see him strike gold.

Likewise, Baran Miami looks a great addition to the ranks of marathon dogs. Stacey Baggs's bitch kept up the gallop well and probably gives her young handler no option but to stick with the tougher tests, although she remains young for an eight-bender at just over two years old. She definitely has enough pace, though, to suggest that a stiff six bends might also suit if they fancy travelling.

Toosey Blue remains a top-class animal and put a rather disappointing effort in the Arc heats behind him with a fluent success. The switch to Monmore and then Reading worked the oracle and in one-offs you would do well to back against him.

Spiridon Louis is carrying the mantle of Greyhound of the Year just brilliantly. He held off Slaneyside Demon well, despite the fact the going was against him and the fact that the runner-up stays forever and has won and set track records over 1,000-plus. Now, Spiridon Louis will face Pennys Viktor, Swift Jade and new recruit Flying Winner in the TV Trophy at Doncaster . . .

That could be something special.