JONATHAN HOBBS: Eyes down for a superb Saturday morning at Crayford, live on SportyStuff TV/RPGTV, with the semi-finals of the Ladbrokes Gold Collar supported by heats of the Ladbrokes-backed Cesarewitch, Kent Rose Bowl and Kent National Hurdle.


It’s a brilliant card with a host of stars on show, including the reigning Greyhound of the Year Aayamza Royale who looks to defend her Cesarewitch title won at Romford last year.

Let’s take a look at the best of the action.

Crayford

10.37: Russian Blake failed to dominate last week, but wasn’t far off leading in a race won by the impressive Ragtime Billy. A sharp start could see John Mullins’ dog do what he does best in dictating terms – a 23.98sec Romford win in September shows what he can do.

Play: Russian Blake

10.53: The first of the Kent National Hurdle heats where Toughest Test catches the eye – again. Jim Reynolds’ runner won well over 540m last week and remains a brilliant veteran performer still doing it at five years old. He needs to edge Toolmaker Daddy early, however.

Play: Toughest Test

11.24: The first Gold Collar semi and Warzone Tom is tough to look beyond. Liz McNair’s dog overcame a stumble last week to win but should continue his fine run with a solo, although Doolin Princess caught the eye in defeat last week and looks in rude health.

Play: Warzone Tom

11.39: Heat one of the Cesarewitch – and a Mark Wallis-fest. Top-class Aayamza Royale, Antigua Lava and Blueberry Bullet go here for the 11-time champion trainer – and it’s the latter who gets a narrow vote on her leadability claims, although her kennelmates will not be stopping in behind!

Play: Blueberry Bullet

12.09: The second Gold Collar semi and Aayamza Lexie could get the better of Ballynabee Lucky and Bens Lad here – if coming away. The Mark Wallis-trained runner is still coming forward after seasonal rest and could break better from the midfield here.

Play: Aayamza Lexie

12.24: Heat two of the Cesarewitch and what a match-up between Alaskan Dawn and Hunt Cup champion Salacres Pippy. The former won a dual distance event for Heather Dimmock last week, winning the final over 874m, and could be drawn for a big run again.

Play: Alaskan Dawn

12.39: Theresa Dornan’s in-form Ragtime Billy might be tough to hold in this heat one of the Kent Rose Bowl. He’s now won 7 from 17 starts and a flashy turn of early pace from a perfect six-box draw could work the oracle again. Clearing Mon Amie is key, however.

Play: Ragtime Billy

12.54: The second of the Kent National Hurdle heats and Roxholme Biscuit looks the one to be with. Ricky Holloway’s runner bolted home at Central Park last time and this midfield pitch helps him more than the five-box did when last here. Wilson is always thereabouts.

Play: Roxholme Biscuit

1.24: The final Rose Bowl heat looks a competitive affair with plenty of recent winners. The draw outside might see Darren Whitton’s Moaning Diablo bounce back with a start. He’s a useful local, although must time things right to beat recent conqueror Sweetsantreats.

Play: Moaning Diablo

Good luck all.

@Hobbsy67