Get set for a quite outstanding final of the National Sprint, as six of the fastest dogs in the country go for gold at Nottingham on Monday
Those who follow these words might just have been on King Lee after he blew away the opposition at Romford recently, but the draw could make things tricky in the final, as he looks set to move middle from two judged on his efforts at Nottingham thus far. On the draw, and after a very impressive effort in the semis, Rotar Wing gets the vote - just.
But throw in leading open-race winners Officer Donagh and Jimmy Lollie, and the last major final of 2009 must rank with the very best all year - and The Lord will be there to report back on what is shaping up as a great card.
That, of course, will include Vatican Seamus and Droopys Joe going head-to-head in a terrific supporting four-bend puppy decider. We've been fans of Vatican Seamus since his second in a Doncaster unraced final, and he continues to impress. Both dogs are worth keeping tabs with, though, but on his better early speed and first-run potential, it's Vatican Seamus for this particular duel.
Others to catch the eye on a good night at Nottingham on Monday were Mario Gomez who, while knocked out at the semi-final stage of the National Sprint, got so close to Jimmy Lollie to suggest he won't be long in returning to the winner's enclosure after a recent lay-off.
Monleek Cowboy looks a progressive sort of David Pruhs's. He won his 500m race at Notts very well and, having beaten the likes of Farloe Lee at the track recently, should be watched when he goes on the road.
In the meantime, of course, he has the small matter of a Guys & Dolls final at Nottingham next Monday when he has the star bitches Plan and Ring Ouzel to beat.
Hove continues to rise to the challenge of leading open-race track, and following on from its Ballyregan Bob Memorial/National Hurdle card on Thursday, was back for more on Sunday's BAGS offering.
And while at first glance it looked an average card, it proved to be anything but.
King Ron was an early eye-catcher and the switch of another member of this outstanding litter from Wimbledon trainer Tony Taylor to Liz McNair produced another victory.
Taylor does a grand job in giving the dogs experience before the McNairs take them open racing, and a 16.35sec first look at Hove suggests another top performer is in their hands.
Farloe Skywalker was the next one to raise an eyebrow when, on debut, he sluiced round to win over 515m in 29.83sec. Bred to be a champion, he too is in good hands with Matt Dartnall.
Back over two bends and in behind Droopys Bocelli, Ardbeg Mentor caught the eye with a cracking comeback run. Locally trained at Hove by Ken Tester, he always looked a nice type and has come back in style it seems.
Mochos Maracas (Claude Gardiner) should win next time judged on his second behind Glencard Man, as should Sobers (Dartnall), who showed ring-rustiness in his comeback run.
Monmore capped a busy week with a host of finals on Friday and Crown Rover probably did his Stayer of the Year claims no harm in winning the main event.
But one or two dogs are worth following on the strength of their efforts in heat and final. And the first on the list is, unquestionably, Magna Venturer. Barrie Draper's dog ran second in his four-bend final and really had no right to having been pitched in trap five. But he ran a cracker behind Barnfield Rocky and is ready to hit the big-time himself again.
And in Crown Rover's final, Boolavogue showed himself a fully-fledged six-bend performer. He fell out and got well detached, but stayed on with real purpose.
A 'soft' six bends at Romford saw him strike Essex Vase glory but stiffer tests won't phase him - the Golden Jacket maybe?
Finally, great to see Westmead Osprey make an exciting comeback at Henlow last week. A one-time Derby contender of Nick Savva's, time will tell if he can recapture past glories, but it was a cracking start!