Ashford couple Elizabeth and Rab McNair have two chances of going back-to-back in the Arena Racing Company Kent Plate, which begins at Central Park Stadium on Saturday night.
But they’ll be without kennel star and English Greyhound Derby finalist King Memphis who has been ruled out of the £12,500 to the winner competition after he picked up a niggle during his preparation.
They’ve instead entered last year’s finalist Queen Shakira and rising star King Jackson, who finished second in the BGBF sponsored Puppy Cup at Oxford in January.
The competition has attracted a high-quality line-up, with Irish Greyhound Derby semi finalist March On Freddie and Premier Greyhound Racing Kent Derby champion Droopys Display both drawn in Heat Four.
Rab appreciates this year represents a stiffer assignment, but nonetheless he’s optimistic ahead of Saturday’s heats.
“Part of me wishes we could enter the competition with the greyhounds we had last year,” said Rab. “But as Oasis said, Don’t Look Back in Anger – we have to move forwards.
“It’s unfortunate (King) Memphis isn’t quite right to run, but that’s racing.
“(Queen) Shakira ran a blinder on Saturday night in her final prep run. She can be as good as any greyhound she’s up against but just needs to come forward in herself – getting the sun on her back last week really helped.
“It helps us all. I certainly felt better, and if we’re feeling good that reflects on the greyhounds as well.”
King Jackson meanwhile has entered three Category One competitions in his five-month career to date and qualified for two finals.
Rab believes his latest homebred has every potential to be a star, but the next month or two will be telling of his ability.
“Not many greyhounds will keep up with him to the first bend if he keeps delivering the sectionals he has,” said Rab. “He has everything in front of him.
“At this stage of his career, I’m looking for him to step up – if he does, we know we’ve got a good greyhound on our hands.
“It’s exactly the same as horse racing where a trainer will be looking for their young stars to really prove themselves, and in our case it’s from puppy class to open class.”
Tickets for the heats of the Arena Racing Company Kent Plate are available from £8 and can be purchased either online via www.centralpark-greyhounds.co.uk or on the door. Doors open at 5.30pm on Saturday with the first race off at 6.37pm.
Arena Racing Company Kent Plate draw:
Heat One: Izzys Tenpin, Pin Position, Table Toppers, Blarney Roy, Hopes Kitty, Brigadir Brindle.
Heat Two: Proper Heiress, Stouke Henry, Droopys Pivotel, Bluejig Baron, Atomic Crimes, Deadly Disco.
Heat Three: Gun Slinger, Scooby The Boss, Queen Shakira, Tintreach Trueno, Uncle Freddie, Newinn Benni.
Heat Four: Tiermana Ziggy, Fastlane Pam, Droopys Display, King Jackson, March On Freddie, King Iggy.
