The show must go on at Walthamstow

11:40am Wednesday 21st May 2008

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DOG RACING

DESPITE the shock news this week announcing Walthamstow's imminent closure, Racing Manager Chris Page claims it is business as usual' as the track gets set to stage the Duffy Group Test Final tomorrow (Thursday).

"Of course we've all been left shocked and saddened about the news of the track's closure, but we've still all got a job to do," stated Page.

"There are a lot of big events coming up before the track closes in August, the first of which is the Test final.

"It looks like being a fantastic race, with little to choose from between the best dogs in the field."

Down as race 12 on the night there appears another interesting battle on the cards between Steady Scholes and Aero Blackjack.

The former, who has been drawn in trap three, overturned the odds last week, when at 14-1 secured a surprise victory over the NGRC Stewards Cup winner in last week's heats.

Mark Grady's Sittingbourne charge made the most of Aero Blackjack hitting trouble on the fourth turn, to secure a narrow win and the fastest qualifying time after stopping the clock in 39.66secs.

Mark Wallis' home raider still managed to record a useful looking 39.71secs and had looked to be closing at the end, but just ran out of time.

He will, however, start the favourite for the final and will be looking to replicate the blistering 39.33secs performance he produced in March.

Other heat winners last week were Ard Engine (39.71secs) and Discreet Cat (39.99secs), who are in two and three respectively.

There is a fine supporting card of action on the night, with a Pre-Graphite Puppy Standard in race ten looking set to throw up another close contest.

Fear Zafonic in trap one was reportedly brought by his new owners for 70,000, and will start as the favourite for the race after winning at the Stow last week in 28.71secs.

That followed a useful looking trial of 28.50secs for Charlie Lister's charge.

Westmead Osprey in three will pose a real threat after winning the Ocean Trailers Puppy Derby in April in 28.60secs.

Nick Savva's Henlow star also produced a 28.56secs performance before that at the Chingford Road track, so expect a real battle to unfold between this pair.

HOT TIPS

Tipster Mark your Card was only denied a hat-trick last week after one of his selections was beaten into second place by a neck.

Fellow expert Guardian Angel drew a blank though, and will be looking for a better performance when the pair's latest tips go into action tonight.

Mark Your Card

20.11 Race Three Noirs Wild

20.23 Race Four Turar Abit

21.27 Race Nine Genesis Dream

Guardian Angel

21.01 Race Seven Hypatia Blue

21.40 Race Ten Fear Zafonic

22.05 Race 12 Aero Blackjack