Central Park Stadium kick starts the UK’s Category One greyhound racing schedule on Saturday when hosting heats for the 86th running of the Arena Racing Company Cesarewitch.
First held in 1928, the Cesarewitch has been won by a number of the sport’s household names including Scurlogue Champ in 1985, triple crown winner Mile Bush Pride in 1959 and Wembley 100 inductee Mick The Miller in 1930.
This year’s competition carries a winning prize fund of £12,500 with Saturday’s heats followed by the semi finals the following week before the final on January 18.
And hopes of a first locally trained winner since 2008 when recently retired Tony Collett celebrated Lenson Joker’s win are high with 13 of the 36 greyhounds on the card based in Kent.
That includes Tom Levers’ Bombay Zorba and Beach Babe, who run in Heats Two and Five respectively. The Marden-based handler only moved to his new training base last summer from Guildford and couldn’t resist a chance at scooping the Cesarewitch crown – one of four Category One competitions to be held at Central Park this year.
“The Cesarewitch is a great competition, so we’re pleased to have two runners on the card,” said Tom. “Beach Babe has been running really well at Hove, but this trip might be on the short side for her.
“She knows the track well but will need to win off the front really – her best running will be at the end of her heat.
“Bombay Zorba has been performing well on the graded scene and will appreciate the step-up in distance so fingers crossed she can qualify from her heat too.
“It’s been a big change moving to Kent from our previous base in Guildford but we’re settled now and definitely have more time to spend together as a family which is a big bonus.”
Elsewhere on Saturday’s card, defending Cesarewitch champion Garfiney Blaze begins his title defence in Heat Six. Last year’s finalists Ela Maestro for Chris Hamblin and Alright Gordy for David Lewis also run in a competitive Heat Five.
Kent St Leger winner Coonough Crow also features in the opening heat.
Tickets for the heats of the Arena Racing Company Cesarewitch on Saturday, January 4, start from £8 and can be purchased by clicking here. Doors open at 5.30pm with the first of 12 races on the night off at 6.37pm.
Arena Racing Company Cesarewitch, Heats:
Heat One: Head Count, Swift Giddy, Beatties Electra, Coonough Crow, Roanna Debt, Rockmount Mel.
Heat Two: Fabulous Heka, Belles Crown, Bombay Zorba, Swift Delta, Harlequin Ocean, Move Over Ogie.
Heat Three: Bothermore Swift, Droopys Flotilla, Unanimous Madam, Turbine Tilly, Glenwood Thelma, Alright Patricia.
Heat Four: Droopys Flare, HopieHopieHopie, Whitewood Libre, Marvellous Mabel, Bright Jewel, Deadly Disco.
Heat Five: Champys Girl, Ela Maestro, Droopys Vivacity, Harlequin Asmara, Beach Babe, Alright Gordy.
Heat Six: Breton Molly, Garfiney Blaze, Magical Luna, Bright Layla, Ballycowen Harry, Silky Dancer.
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