ANOTHER bumper weekend of top-class greyhound racing sees the semi-finals of the Premier Greyhound Racing Kent Derby at Central Park and the semi-finals of the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks at Perry Barr. You can also throw in the heats of the Arena Racing Company Scurry Gold Cup at the latter!
So, deep breath, and let's smash into the Central Park semi-finals where King Memphis (8.54) looks to consolidate his position at the head of the betting.
Liz McNair's champion goes in the second semi-final and, while workmanlike rather than spectacular last week to the eye, still equalled the track record and probably came up against a good sort in Cinderella Tell.
It could be more straightforward for the multiple big-race winner, although the likes of Crossfield Enzo or Tintreach Trueno have the early pace to definitely make it a race.
Patrick Janssens-trained runners could dominate the other two semis.
Romeo Steel (8.36) unleashed huge pace in the heats last week and did a lot of running before tiring late on. He could put pressure on his rivals if coming away, although Hove raider Newinn Benni will certainly be no pushover.
Droopys Doughnut (9.11) versus El Tornillo is a crackerjack head-to-head in the third semi, with preference for the former. Both have searing and serious pace but might the Janssens runner be too strong when push comes to shove off the last bend?
There is a brilliant card at Perry Barr where four Oaks second round heats and six Scurry Gold Cup heats take place - and the bitches' Classic could grab the headlines.
King Memphis's kennelmate Queen Joni (8.28) lines up in the toughest semi but there was a lot to like about how this multiple Category One champion raced away once seeing daylight in the heats and can go to the bend more quickly tonight. Coppice Ella might be best placed to pounce if they crowd inside here.
Other Oaks heats can go to Patrick Janssens' Yarmouth Derby champion Druids Say Go (7.36), Matt Dartnall's likely leader Distant Cara (7.53) and Phil Milner's class act Avongate Venus (8.11).
Looking at the Scurry Gold Cup and heat votes go to Liz McNair's well drawn King Capaldi (8.44), Matt Dartnall's Pall Mall runner-up Long Fellow (9.02) and Romford Puppy Cup hero Fire And Ice (9.20), Richie Taberner's consistent Cree Jo Jo (9.36) and his Pall Mall champion Aero Sacundai (9.52), and Kevin Hutton's speedy Rioja Oisin (10.11).
Monmore also hosts a number of open races tonight.
The eyecatching entry is Newinn Syd (6.48) as Mark Wallis's Eclipse champion steps up to six bends for the first time.
The Wolverhampton venue is a great way to test the water stamina-wise with a short run to the first bend for the 630m trip and he looks tough to oppose.
Tony Harmes' Chakra (7.22) can bounce back from Oaks disappointment by also stepping up in trip successfully, while Diana Henry's St Leger runner-up Clona Curly (7.56) might also take some beating on the card.
Chris Fereday's Thor Odinson (8.31) caught the eye on his UK debut and could go well over 480m, while super senior Crossfield Larry (8.47) can star once again over C&D for Richie Taberner in the sprint.
It is an excellent card at Monmore.
