A third success in the Arena Racing Company Kent Plate for local trainers remains on the cards with a quarter of greyhounds remaining in the competition based in the county.
Ashford couple Elizabeth and Rab McNair have won both renewals of the £12,500 to the winner competition since it was inaugurated at Central Park Stadium in Sittingbourne.
FromPostToPillar took top honours in 2023 before Queen Joni scooped the top prize a year later.
They’re represented by puppy King Jackson in Semi Final One and the more experienced Queen Shakira in Semi Final Two on Saturday night where the first three home in each race will advance to the following week’s final.
Hopes Kitty is another who will represent Kent for St Leger winning trainer Paul Donovan. His January ’23 bitch is bidding to qualify for her first Category One final after arriving in the UK from Ireland at the beginning of the year.
Although she’s been drawn against competition favourite March On Freddie, Winter Derby finalist Droopys Pivotel plus Gun Slinger, Scooby The Boss and King Jackson, Paul hopes his kennel star can do the business when it matters most.
“She ran really well in the heats and we’re pleased to be in the semi finals – with a bit of luck we can qualify for the final,” said Paul.
“She’s in a seriously hot semi final, though. We haven’t had her in the kennel for too long but she’s progressing nicely and won a maiden competition at Hove in February.
“Hopefully she can just keep on improving.
“The draw for Saturday is okay, we’d like to be closer to the rail in truth but she ran from trap five in the heats and qualified so it shouldn’t be too much of an issue for her.”
Semi Final Two meanwhile comprises of Winter Derby champion Proper Heiress, last year’s Kent Plate finalist Queen Shakira, Blue Riband champion Table Toppers, Kent Derby winner Droopys Display plus Bluejig Baron and Brigadir Brindle.
Doors open on Saturday night at 5.30pm with the first of 12 races on the evening due off at 6.37pm. Tickets are available from £8 and can be purchased via www.centralpark-greyhounds.co.uk.
