Candolim Monsoon (7.49) can get back to winning ways when Derek Knight's star lines up in heat three of the Coral 500 Standard Trophy over 500m at Hove tonight, live on the Premier Greyhound Racing service.
The 2023 Coral Sussex Cup winner missed the break last week before showing his trademark speed to close the gap on the leaders, going down narrowly to Uncle Freddie, who's also on the card tonight. A faster start from this wider slot could set up victory, although Clona Kody (who gave us a good run for our money last week!) will again run fresh and fast into the turn.
Heat one of the Coral 500 Standard Trophy can see this year's Sussex Cup winner Newinn Benni (7.16), also trained by Derek Knight, dominate into the turn on his way to success. However, clearing Droopys Dialogue is key into the turn with the latter more than capable into the bend, while Droopys Extragud looks the type to appreciate the Hove contours and is respected.
Uncle Freddie (7.33) might again have the race run to suit when he lines in heat two. Richard Rees's runner might be led early by Crayford's Bluejig Baron and fellow local Gingers Shelby but is an exciting runner to watch in behind and can stalk his prey into the third bend and will be tough to hold as the runners swing for home.
The feature events on the card are the Coral 740 Super Stayers Trophy Final and Coral 515 Bitches Trophy Final with the votes respectively going the way of Tuono Bella (8.07) and Starshinestunner (8.24).
Tuono Bella is difficult to get away in the 740m decider from the Paul Donovan-trained St Leger finalist posted the fastest heat time last week.
Being aimed at the George Curtis & Ballyregan Bob Memorial in December - an event which shares the stage with the end-of-season Coral Olympic - Tuono Bella might not be as poorly pitched in trap five as a railer as first feared. A handy position looks on the cards given Join In will head inwards early.
Starshinestunner coud be well pitched in the bitches' four-bend final, although Richard Rees's 2023 Oaks finalist needs to do things right given Urlee Star finishes like a train and is certainly good enough if close enough.
The 12-race card at the seaside venue kicks off with heats of a maiden event over 500m with Soul Reason (8.08) looking well pitched outside ready to strike early doors, while the other heats can go to Derek Knight's well-pitched Tea For Me (6.26) and Belinda Green's Carrick Cantona (6.42) narrowly over newcomer Bombay Mojo.
Other fancies are Heather Dimmock's Signet Tess (6.59) with pace to burn in the sprint and Jason Heath's Burrows Eclipse (8.41) who doubled his tally in some style last week and looks set for a follow up, stepping up in trip over 695m.
Newcastle and Swindon also stage open-race action tonight with Gary Hamilton's Beepers Lariat (7.44) catching the eye value-wise over six bends at the Byker venue, while David Lewis sends out the strong Alright Gordy (8.44) with a real chance at the Blunsdon track.
*Catch our look at the heats of Sunderland's Premier Greyhound Racing Classic tomorrow.
