The first major Greyhound racing final since the sport’s resumption post lockdown takes place on Sunday evening, with six dogs fighting it out to land the prestigious Silver Salver trophy.
Staged at Central Park in Kent, the competition has a rich history dating back to 1933 and is run over a short sprint distance of 265m. The six contenders would even make Olympic Champion Usain Bolt look slow with the fastest time posted by one of the finalists being a staggering 16.10 seconds.
The contest carries a prize fund of £3,000 to the winner, while three dogs in the final are in line for a £10,000 bonus if they land the final having won their two heats and thus go through the entire competition unbeaten.
So, let’s take a look at all six runners and deliver our verdict on the big race.
Trap One – Ballynabee Lucky
Exciting but relatively unknown prospect who has slipped under the radar to be one of three dogs in the line for the £10,000 bonus. He showed good early in both of his heats and posted two smart times.
Ballynabee Lucky may have preferred being drawn in trap two, but if avoiding trouble, he could make his rivals pay. His favourite treat is a Rich Tea biscuit and if breaking well, he could prove to be everyone’s cup of tea.
Trap Two – Druids Brazona
The dog with the most exotic name in the line-up, Druids Brazona is the outsider of the field who chased home ante-post favourite Shrewd Call in his semi-final.
Would probably prefer a wider draw, but has shown good early and can be in the mix. However, this is a red-hot final and he needs to improve markedly to plunder this crown.
Trap Three – Shrewd Call
The favourite and a deserving one. Has looked imperious in his two Silver Salver races and has posted times Usain Bolt would be jealous of. A slight concern is his trapping ability.
He has been slow from the gates on both occasions before turning on the turbo and he cannot afford to be tardy at the start on Sunday. If Shrewd Call is able to pull a fast start out of his talented locker he wins and would also pick up the £10,000 bonus for remaining unbeaten through the competition.
Trap Four – Coolavanny Dylan
A serious talent who narrowly won his first heat before finding King Drake too good last week. He is definitely a player and has a good draw in trap four.
However, Coolvanny Dylan is another who needs to take his form to another level to dethrone one of the more likely players.
Trap Five – Grays Cup Winner
His favourite treat like most of us is Chicken Nuggets from McDonalds – a fine judge – and he represents up and coming trainer Nathan Hunt. Second in both of his heats, Grays Cup Winner finished a commendable second last time out having got bumped at the second bend.
He is better than he showed there and notoriously shows good early. It would be folly to discount his chances and if showing brazen speed from the traps, he is a danger to all.
Trap Six – King Drake
Long live the King. He started from the bottom now he’s here. King Drake is a serious contender. Rab McNair’s stable star has looked imperious in both of his heats, winning the first one by six lengths before bolting up in last week’s semi-final in the best time of the competition so far.
He’s got a great draw in trap six and should be able to avoid the trouble on the inside. It’s hard to find chinks in his armour and he could reign supreme on Sunday, given he is another dog also in line for the £10,000 bonus.
Kent Silver Salver sprint betting tip
Shrewd Call
This looks like a straight shootout between Shrewd Call and King Drake. The narrow vote goes to Dave Mullins’ dog SHREWD CALL just because of the blistering speed he can show from the trap.
King Drake has probably got the better draw and will avoid a whole heap of trouble on the inside, but this is his sternest test to date and you could not help but be impressed by the power and speed the favourite has shown so far. A fascinating contest, but be Shrewd and dethrone the King.
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