JIM CREMIN

Weblog: At large in the greyhound world

Monmore promotions are drawing in the youngsters

SO who wins Monmore’s Ladbrokes Puppy Derby final on Thursday night?

Despite having seen all the heats and the semis, I think I’d still wait to see what the trainers say –  I will start tracking them down over the weekend, and that piece is due to appear in  Thursday’s paper, Ladbrokes World Hurdle day at Cheltenham, what a huge occasion for the sponsors.

Carly Philpott’s view will be the most fascinating. Can she correct Millies Hawk’s sudden falling a hole in the semis? If she had to pick him, or Ballymac William, which one? Of course she won’t say, this lady is too cute for that, but her two star pups are set for a tremendous 2010.

Directors Spur has the draw and is improving rapidly. Mark Wallis reminded me he had made him his Greyhound To Follow a while back but sickness intervened and only now is he fulfilling the potential.

Bower Eagle, with a ping break, has the class and speed.

Farley Totti is the most powerful finalist and will finish best.

Star Gaze showed some real speed Thursday in a bunched affair. His slow time will make him a price but he is no mug.

The sponsor’s ante-post bogeys, Peggys Way (slow away, early pace, wide first) and Droopys Ruso (early pace, bumped first,checked second) both went out, so Ladbrokes’ Richard Harkness will feel vindicated at taking them on.

It proved a real buzzy night again there for the semis. It was another Sporting Leagues promo, and instead of the scantily clad ladies from last week, there seemed more youngsters, all having a whale of a time. It is great to see and well done GM Richard Brankley.

It’s of course Cheltenham week ahead [Birchy is busy writing his pre Cheltenham blog so that should appear here later] and Monmore can expect a good number to make the journey up the M5. The problem is always getting out of the Prestbury car park, I will be leaving early and taking a look at a few betting shops along the way.

But before all that we have the launch of Wimbledon’s new stand, and Henlow’s second round on Sunday lunchtime.  Gary Newbon told me at Monmore he will see me there as he is making his first visit to Henlowto do a GWA Greyhound of the Month presentation. I’ve told him the grub’s great;  he tells me I’m taking the pic, so remember to bring a camera, and charge the battery up.

No problem, I hope!