Last night saw trainer Barrie Draper’s dogs display impressive form as all three qualified into next Tuesday’s 500m Dual Distance final at Sheffield.
This has given Draper a massive advantage - he will have literally half the field. Some would call that a 50/50 shot, but those who do would be unwise.
The first dog to produce a win for Draper was Magna Flintoff (7-2) in the opening heat, who clocked an impressive 28.39secs. His kennelmate Freedom State (11-4) was next to follow, to secure the last spot to next week’s final, eliminating market favourite Farloe Reason from the competition.
Heat two produced a shocker, with rank outsider Honchos Hawk (14-1) taking first in 28.45secs. Trap three starter Farloe Titan (4-5 favourite) gave Trainer Peter Sallis a satisfying result as he took second in 28.71secs. He will be starting from trap one in next week’s final and Sallis believes this should work well for him.
Trainer Charlie Lister, who’s Fear Zafonic won the Greyhound of the Year Award, was represented by three dogs in the Dual Distance heats. Unfortunately for him, third spot was the best he could produce - maybe he should have called in Zafonic.
Draper’s Moveit Jamie (6-4favourite) took the third heat in 28.12secs, setting the fastest track time of the night. Jamie will be making a trap two start in next week’s final.
The time he set last night will surely make him the favourite to take the £1,000 prize. All of Draper's dogs produced impressive times, although I believe Honchos Hawk may prove to be a threat.
Tuesday’s 500m final 1 Farloe Titan 2 Moveit Jamie 3 Magna Flintoff 4 Droopys Ranger 5 Honchos Hawk 6 Freedom State.
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