By Racing & SportsThe live-on-SIS action continues the regular Sunday afternoon feast of open race at the Northamptonshire venue and, while the runners in today's heats have a hard act to follow in last year's winner and subsequent Greyhound of the Year Droopys Clue, each have a chance to star themselves in some quality contests.
Romeo Steel (3.49) is tough to get away from in the opening heat. Patrick Janssens' runner was a smart winner of his Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby first round heat before exiting the Classic in the second round behind Crafty Shivoo. A lightning quick sprint trial last week (15.59sec) is difficult to ignore. He can make all.
Roy Peckham's Tiffield Tarquin (4.07) is an interesting sort in heat two given the son of Broadstrand Bono is having just his second start. He caught the eye in defeat last week on UK debut and has posted some decent clocks in qualifying trials. Clearing Acejukeboxpopper might just be key, while respect to speedster Keefill Rocky.
Rioja Bungle (4.26) starred in the British-bred competition at Newcastle recently with a brilliant show of all-round pace and Kevin Hutton's youngster - representing a bang-in-form kennel - looks well drawn in heat three. Pitched against the fence and set to soon be handy, there is great respect, however, for Irish raider Syd Zafiro in the same contest.
Having run so, so well in the English Greyhound Derby to reach the semi-finals, Maxine Locke will be confident of a good showing from her Droopys Pivotel (4.07) in heat four. He moved well in a recent trial at Hove and, with those above-average formlines at Towcester, might be tough to hold to lead home improving Flying Desire.
The penultimate heat five might also see a Locke winner given the Romford handler sends out Droopys Rosie (5.03). Bowled over in the semi-finals of the Derby Plate, the blue-boxed runner needs to come away with pace either side but is quick in the clear and might just have too just for Skeard Josie, albeit the latter improves for last week's UK debut.
Slick Sentinel (5.21) has finished behind some classy - and fast - sorts of late and has run well each time in defeat. Will it be his turn today? Patrick Janssens runner is really consistent and, well drawn outside, might always hold sway if breaking smartly. He was behind a 28.82sec winner last week, remember, and has the edge on the clock.
Towcester tonics
Romeo Steel (3.49)
Tiffield Tarquin (4.07)
Rioja Bungle (4.26)
Droopys Pivotel (4.44)
Droopys Rosie (5.03)
Slick Sentinel (5.21)
AS promised, the canine action really does hot up post-English Greyhound Derby and tonight is as good an example as any.
If last week was the calm after the storm of the Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby - and, yes, we are claiming the winner in De Lahdedah, one of our ante-post selections - there's no question the action hots up again this week.
Sunderland remembers one of greyhound racing's greats tonight with a memorial meeting for Harry Williams, the legendary owner, trainer and breeder - and track saver.
A week on from New Destiny's record-breaking victory in the Coral Coronation Cup Final at Romford, the go-ahead Essex track celebrates its 95th anniversary with another Friday night treat for open-race fans live on the Premier Greyhound Racing service (Sky Sports Racing and Attheraces).
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