The Coral Champion Stakes greyhound final takes place at Romford this evening, with eight keenly-fought contests
The Coral Champion Stakes final line-up, Romford, 21:45
Trap One: Westmead Maldini (4.3)
Owned by Bob Morton, the man behind plans to return greyhound racing to Walthamstow, and trained by Nick 'Mr Westmead' Savva, Westmead Maldini was a star puppy who is fast becoming a star again over a distance. Knocked out of the Irish Derby on the toss of a coin after finishing third in his second round heat, the St Leger is a long-term target for this half-brother of the mighty Westmead Hawk. Enjoying every metre of this 575m, he is railing well into contention past halfway, so the draw is a good one.
Trap Two: Emperor Leon (8.0)
An ex-Nottingham-based runner with Susan Corrigan, who joined Seamus Cahill's kennels earlier this year. Go back through the formbook and his first open-race success was over Romford's 575m in October of last year so in terms of local knowledge he has bundles. Owner Rick Williams will be hoping his dog can trap better than he did in the semis, lead trap one and put the pace to the race, as he done over course and distance a number of times. Certainly exposed a lack of stamina in the six when closing down on him last Friday.
Trap Three: Local Dee Jay (8.0)
Owned by West Ham assistant manager Wally Downes and footballers Kevin Doyle, Shane Long, Stephen Hunt and Noel Hunt, Local Dee Jay is trained by Kelly Findlay, sister-in-law of big-punting Harry after marrying his brother Gordon two years ago. Findlay trained this year's Derby runner-up in Westmead Guru. Downes and the crew owned big-race winner Bush Paddy and in Local Dee Jay they have a dog who almost won the Kent Derby, Stepping up in trip for this, he has been clocking sprint-like sectionals and will ping from the middle.
Trap Four: Droopys Hester (2.54)
The first of Jimmy Wright's two finalists, Droopys Hester is owned by John McLachlan and Anthony Rhodes and and will go to traps as favourite for the £10,000 prize. The only unbeaten runner in the event now, he has flourished at Romford over the trip. Four bends saw him generally find trouble at the bend after trying to weave his way through, while Monmore's 630m and Sunderland's 640m were just too far. Did reach the Grand Prix final at Sunderland and won on Sky on Scottish Derby final night at Shawfield. Will try to make all.
Trap Five: Hugo You Go (15.5)
Harlow-based trainer Philip Simmonds has enjoyed great success with the litter that produced Hugo You Go and owners the Forever Sterling Syndicate will be hoping their charge can be in the money by leading the Wright runners either side. The youngest runner in the race by some way, Hugo You Go made his open-race bow at the Essex track last October over 400m and only stepped up from four bends to six in July. Given a middle seeding, and with that getting wider draws, seems to have helped the dog who is still improving.
Trap Six: Droopys Luisao (6.6)
In terms of races run, Droopys Hester and Droopys Luisao are the least experienced at 28 apiece, with Luisao rivalling Westmead Maldini when it comes to a star-studded puppy career, actually finishing second to Maldini in the Northern Puppy Derby final at Newcastle last year. The second of Jimmy Wright's runners, he is choicely-bred with a number of the litter winning major races including Deerfield Music and Droopys Oscar. Like his kennelmate, he made the Sunderland 640m final but has found his niche with this 575m.
19:40, 575m
Skywalkersharer roared back to form at Wimbledon last week, but suffered at the paws of Honey Trampas in the heats of the Champion Stakes. Westmead Melanie was brought back to Westmead Kennels by Nick Savva and was rewarded with a Brighton Belle win. Balmi Blue is on the comeback trail and won at Sittingbourne on Sunday. Coolbrook Paddy is best when leading, and could do so here.
20:00, 750m
Droopys Djokovic and Ayamzagirl were two of the triple dead-heaters here in January, with the former back to winning form after a rest. The latter has come through clearing trials but backpedalled quickly over this trip on her first run back. Aero Gaga beat Skyline Amber in Wimbledon's marathon last week. Mercury Rose has some very good course and distance form, although has been running over further.
20:15, 400m Puppies
Brothers Offshore Rebel and Sundance Jet line up side by side here, both finishing second in their heats. The former ran a stormer, however, behind Mountjoy Hawk who made all. Fastest heat winner was Fire Food Chili with a stunning 23.85 win for Jim Daly. Droopys Calvin (named after Betfair's head of media?!) is the least experienced, breaking his duck at just the second time of asking in the heats.
20:35, 575m Maiden Final
The big question is will Droopys Greg stay, and this might just be one of the biggest betting races of the night on that alone. Do you lay or play? He led okay in the heats, but was caught by Afan Hawk which will raise doubts about whether the Midland Puppy Derby winner has the necessary stamina after he was knocked out of the Irish Derby. Cockney Diva ran a good heat and is open to improvement. Afan Hawk has great pace from halfway.
20:50, 400m Hurdles Final
Billis Renegade was a Grand National semi-finalist, has great early speed, and is one of three Jason Foster-trained runners in the line-up along with Whiterock Champ and Jamaican Man. Baltylum Houdini will look to lead out wide early. Romeo In Miami stays strongly, while Soviet Nailer is a raw novice who has real talent as shown in the heats.
21:10, 400m Standard Final
Lil Risky has a very impressive strike-rate, helped by plenty of successes over course and distance. However, the race features last year's Golden Sprint winner and track-record holder in the form of Ardbeg Mentor. Both won their heats well. Olympus Jack and Oscars Blurr are two local hopes with enough about them to win.
21:25, 750m Marathon Final
It's about whether anything can beat Razldazl Pru. She bolted home in the heats, making the most of the extended trip and railed brilliantly. Therefore trap one looks perfect, so the layers will hardly be too generous. Mountjoy Orion won her heat well and will put pressure on the favourite with a fast start. Capel Yankee needs trouble ahead and he doesn't get going until the second lap. Blonde Blitz folded surprisingly in the heats and can be better,
