JONATHAN HOBBS: Semi-Final night in the Stadium Bookmakers Puppy Classic at Nottingham and another chance to see the stars of the future strut their stuff – live on RPGTV.
Antigua Rum (8.08) could get first run on Roxhome Dolly in the first semi. The pair clashed last week, with the better early dash of the Mark Wallis-trained runner making hay – although same again is definitely needed given Dolly’s impressive 29.96sec success the week before.
However, Antigua Rum is improving and showed good all-round speed a week ago to repel Hayley Keightley’s strong runner – although both should qualify.
The second semi-final is certainly the toughest of the trio with the Jimmy Fenwick-trained Ice On Fire (8.23) looking good for the spoils – if breaking fast.
He showed great pace to lead up last week and only the stamina of Headford Ranger denied him in the shadow of the post. Another slick exit will be required tonight, however, given Droopys Cannon and Waikiki Lad are pitched either side.
The aforementioned Headford Ranger (8.37) did enough last week to suggest Kevin Hutton’s dog might follow up. He failed to break from the inside the previous week, but a midfield pitch worked the oracle when picking up Ice On Fire in the heats.
Drawn inside the fast-starting Rackitup Charlie might not be ideal, but any sort of clear run should see the Hutton runner throw down a telling – and winning – challenge.
Pick of the supporting card might be Roxholme Jim (7.42) for the Keightleys
He ran well during the Derby and has moved well in trials and could edge out back-in-form Honour Goldikova.
Honour Turbo (9.06) is a tough local to beat when leading his rivals from the red-box and that looks a likely scenario for the Adrian McPherson-trained senior when he goes over 500m tonight.
A busy week ahead on the open-race schedule includes the heats of the Coral Champion Stakes at Romfordon Friday.
Catch all the advice on that high-class 575m feature later this week.
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