Irish sensation Droopys Kathleen dazzled in Round One of the £20,000 Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks at Dunstall Park on Friday, but hopes of a local finalist remain equally high.
Robert Gleeson’s May ’23 bitch maintained her 100% winning record when setting a new track record by clocking 27.87 seconds over the Wolverhampton track’s standard 480m trip while en route to victory in Heat 11 last week.
Mark Wallis’ Strike It Skye was the only other greyhound to break the 28-second barrier on the night when stopping the clock at 27.91 seconds three races earlier.
There was success, though, for the two locally trained greyhounds entered in the £20,000 competition.
Simon Deakin’s Now And Then ran on to finish third in Heat 11 behind Droopys Kathleen to qualify for Round Two on Friday night while a race later Michael Field’s Epic Evelyn finished second to book her spot in the second-round hat.
Now And Then has been drawn in Heat Five while Epic Evelyn will race in Heat Six in the company of Round One winners Strike It Skye, Beatties Razl and Kelvins Hat.
Although Bloxwich handler Michael admits his kennel star will be the underdog to qualify for next week’s semi-finals, he’s hopeful her swap to Dunstall Park and a recent trip to Ireland with highly regarded trainer Damian McCann can work its magic.
“She’s taken to the new track at Dunstall Park really well,” said Michael. “Her early pace is what wins her races, and she’s worked her way nicely through the grades this year from A6 into Category One company.
“Perry Barr didn’t suit her to be truthful.
“We sent her to Ireland for a few solo and bitch trials where she stayed with Damian (McCann) which seems to have worked really well.
“It’s a tough ask for her to qualify given the greyhounds she’s racing against, but I would expect her to come on from last week’s run. I don’t believe she wants to be too close to the rail so her being drawn in trap four will work to her advantage.”
In addition to hosting Round Two of the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks, Dunstall Park will kick-start the £7,500 Arena Racing Company Scurry Gold Cup on Friday night.
The competition is one of UK greyhound racing’s most prestigious sprint events and has attracted a full entry of 36 dogs, including defending champion Rioja Oisin.
Michael has entered improving middle distance dog Lynnia Murphy and hopes his two recent victories at A2 can set him up to progress through the competition.
“He’s improved every week since joining the kennel and can have electric early pace, so we thought why not,” said Michael.
“He’s won two A2s at Dunstall Park so enters the competition in good form although, again, we’re up against tough competition.”
Tickets for Round Two of the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks on Friday, October 10, at Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium are available online via www.dunstallpark-greyhounds.co.uk. Doors open at 5.30pm with the first of 12 races on the night off at 6.14pm.
