There might be major competitions sandwiched either side of tonight's fixture at Romford - Newcastle last night and Hove and Oxford tomorrow - but the Essex track never lets you down when it comes to end-of-week open-race action - and two finals grace the 12-race programme tonight.
While open races take centre-stage, Bacon Roll (6.53) catches the eye in one of the early graded contests. Paul Burr's runner is ex-A1 and, still improving post-season, she might get the start required to make all at this A2 level. A best time of 24.22sec puts her in the mix with improvement after a break still likely.
Quiet Kanye (7.11) could be the answer to the first of the open races. Richard Rees's runner is having just his third start and is open to improvement, with the benefit of a speedy 24.19sec laying the foundations for a solid run tonight, although up-in-tip Newinn Ranger might soon be handy on the outside with best paw forward.
Romeo Cypher (7.27) had no luck in his BetGoodwin Pall Mall bid at Oxford but might enjoy the return home in heat one of the standard event over 400m. David Mullins' runner ran-up in the Romford Puppy Cup last year before winning the British Bred Puppy Cup at Oxford earlier this year. He's a nice sort off the front, but must come away.
Maxine Locke's kennel continues to rack up the wins and Dannys Gem (7.44) might be drawn to hit rivals for six in heat two, while the Gemma Evans-trained Fratton Bark (8.01) has enough solid Romford lines to think he might get back on track in heat three.
So to the two finals on the card and favourite backers look set fair with Annual Atticus (8.54) in the 400m maiden decider. Paul Young's youngster sparkled in the heats in just his second UK start and improvement is more likely than not from the white jacket, although Miltons Dream also ran well to win his heat and is respected as drawn.
The 575m final might also go to a Young-trained runner given Bubbly Athena (9.11) won her heat well seven days ago and has possibly an even better draw. A 35.32sec victory last week was quicker than Droopys Mamba (35.48sec), the other heat winner, and the red-jacketed runner is a real improver after just five starts.
Best overall race of the night is the finale over 575m with Fabulous Sonique (9.46) can send favourite backers home happy. Mark Wallis's runner is one of the most improved runners in training and, with four wins in her last six starts, is certainly in red-hot form with that recent 28.82sec success at Towcester standing out big-time.
Romford Racers
Bacon Roll (6.53)
Quiet Kanye (7.11)
Romeo Cypher (7.27)
Dannys Gem (7.44)
Fratton Bark (8.01)
Annual Atticus (8.54)
Bubbly Athena (9.11)
Fabulous Sonique (9.46)
