JIM CREMIN

Weblog: At large in the greyhound world

Midway at double figure Jacket odds is tempting

WITH every trap winning, at least the going had evened out at Crayford on Saturday morning – although I still felt there was a slight edge for anything on the outside.  I’m sure Barry Stanton, the general manager, would argue the point, and with him making a complete recovery after  a heart attack, I wasn’t going to start moaning!

It is the 17th Ladbrokes Golden Jacket for Barry [36th staging of the event overall], and he pointed to a wonderful new Roll of Honour upstairs – these things are so important – and his first Jacket, won by Wexford Minx in 1994.  Derek Knight’s bitch donned it the year after too.

Barry also  reminisced about his first major interview as GM, with the late Harry Lloyd of The Sporting Life. He made it sound as if nothing good has ever been written about him since!

At least we agreed the sport has to do something urgently about a museum, and that this is yet another job for the incoming Greyhound Board chief executive, whose identity is expected to be announced in a week or so.  No it’s not Barry Stanton or I am led to believe any other promoter, nor – in response to a mischievous  inquiry from Ricky Holloway - yours truly!

Incidentally, in chatting with Ricky,  I asked him to reconsider his decision to walk away from the sport as an owner and trainer.  He said many have asked him this, which was most  encouraging to hear.

The ferocious manner in which Ricky has campaigned around the Stow [he says he has more  positive news shortly]  has put much needed fire back into the sport’s belly. He also spends a lot on his dogs, anyone who does that also deserves our respect. And the fact he loves hurdle racing – we share this joy – is another advantage!

Talking of hurdlers,  Matt Dartnall’s  Bank On John, who swerved violently into fence at the first hurdle of the opening heat of the Chief Ramsbottom [he seemed baffled/confused] was later reported understandably shaken and bruised but with no significant damage.

And on the subject  of confusion, I found it strange arriving at Crayford  to discover  a massive expansion by Sainbury’s which has removed a chunk of their car park.  I suppose the track is unaffected [with its parking to the far left corner], but for those of us who always parked in Sainbury’s to get cash out of the machine, and perhaps  a few odds and ends, it is decidedly trickier.  

Racing at Crayford is anyway always tricky and requires guile by anything that hopes to wear  the Golden Jacket – and with Ladbrokes quoting Dazzle Special as 2-1 ON for Saturday morning’s  £15,000 to the winner final it is clear Theresa Hunwicks’ bitch meets that bill after a battling effort in the heats, and then a  runaway win on Saturday.

Saturday's Ladbrokes Golden Jacket (with the sponsor’s betting)  1 Group Skater (2-1), 2 Midway Skipper (10-1), 3 Dazzle Special (1-2), 4 White Blaze (m) (16-1), 5 Bridge Diamond (m)  (25-1), 6 Eye Onthe Spirit (w)  (33-1).

Ireland’s Group Skater  also looked the part and has the draw, though I suppose if I was going to back anything, I’d have to look at double figure odds on Midway Skipper.

She has no chance on semi times, but was clipped from behind when poised to sail clear in the opening semi, and although then disappointing a little in not outstaying White Blaze – which suggests she might not quite  be at her best – at least the price is right.

And who is this Bridge Diamond in trap five? This is the renamed Ashby Diamond – who under that name ran second to Group Skater on Saturday. That the Greyhound Board permits a runner to undergo a name change in the middle of any event, never mind a Category One, is disgraceful.  This is not a pop at the connections,  who are entitled to do as they see fit – but it is up to the administrators to ensure it only happens AFTER any existing engagement.

Unfortunately I will be on the missing list at Crayford for the final – as it is Racing Post Chase day at Kempton, but will be watching in the course betting shop.

That is quickly followed by the Racing Post Juvenile at Wimbledon [Tuesday March 2, look for the voucher in the paper and do  come along].  An issue seems to be whether Ten Large Down is a railer as he trialled from trap two on Saturday.  He moved off early,  then kept middle.

Rab McNair was saying on Saturday he reckons the RP Juvenile should now be expanded into an 18-runner event, witha £300 entry fee to prove commitment, but for it all to be added to the prize-money. He was speaking with heat as you might expect with Shaws Dilemma, in an exceptional year, not being given a guaranteed run - yet. Rab was certainly fired up, and his bitch ran well in her Saturday trial.

Incidentally, the connections of the eventual RP Juvenile field are also invited to a pre race reception at the back of Wimbledon’s restaurant from 6.45pm on Tuesday March 2, hosted by Brough Scott. Get there early seems to be the advice as Pat Buckley’s team pledged to drink whatever champagne is put in front of them! Memo to Keith Hallinan [Wimbledon’s GM]: more straws please.