Racing Post Greyhound TV: Hove, Henlow and Romford

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"Eden Rumble was miles quicker than the rest in the 515m qualifiers last week and after a big run behind red hot Droopys Xavier over this 695m trip the previous week holds obvious claims for Alma Keppie, but I just have an inkling that Swift Signal, only recently back on the card after a long absence, may prove too classy"

Racing Post Greyhound TV returns tonight - yes it is Thursday(!) - for three more nights of live action into your lounge with Hove's Dual Distance Trophy final taking pride of place. The Sussex track has plenty of Open race action, as does tonight's bedmate Henlow, while at Romford tomorrow it's Opens all the way. Darrell Williams spent a good chunk of Christmas Day searching out the winners (oh yes, he did!).

Narrowing the feature Dual Distance Trophy final at Hove (21:06) down to two is pretty easy. Deciding which of the pair to back far less so. Eden Rumble was miles quicker than the rest in the 515m qualifiers last week and after a big run behind red hot Droopys Xavier over this 695m trip the previous week holds obvious claims for Alma Keppie, but I just have an inkling that Swift Signal, only recently back on the card after a long absence, may prove too classy. Maria Collins local hope ran well in the Regency back in the summer and given that he is open to more improvement on just his third run back gets a narrow call.

Best bet at Hove however could come in the supporting 695m Open at 22:11 where Airforce Harlem looks well drawn for Dean Childs. Just touched off in aforementioned Droopys Xavier race a fortnight ago, his favourable draw should allow him to sit closer to the pace than usual before pouncing on the final circuit.
Guinness Smokie, who reserves his best form for trap six nights at Hove, can take the sprint (20:02), while despite what appears a wider drawer than might be ideal, Larrikin's early speed should help him to victory in the 20:34 over 515m.

Whatever you do, don't miss Stress Impact, who will prove very hard to beat as long as he gets the extended 692m trip in a Maiden Stayers contest (22:03). Carol Grasso's charge posted a rapid, albeit calculated, time over 550m last week and looks to have been found an easy opportunity for the stamina test.

Like Santa Claus, Westmead Shaw is an ever-present and can build up the betting bank by completing a four timer in the 'mini' over 428m at 19:39. Last week's Maiden Derby winner Nishas Guitar can make an instant breakthrough in 'full' Open company at 21:32. Darren Whitton's runner, who went unbeaten through that competition, looks to have plenty more to offer and might be one to follow in the near future.

At Romford on Friday, useful Millwards Matt, who just failed to clear his field on Essex Vase final night, can make amends back in trap six over 400m - his favourite combination - in the 22:11. Paul Young's runner was good enough to run third in the Yarmouth Derby and rates the best bet on the card.

Head Case will be popular in the Maiden at 20:50 after his unlucky defeat last week, but Borna Monty, for Jim Reynolds, sets a good standard and may prove too quick drawn on his outside.

Local handler Reynolds can enjoy further success in the Stayers race at 21:56 where Dorcas Lane is fancied to continue her good sequence and can make all.

Essex Vase winner Star Cash Simon's early speed can see him return to winning ways back over the same CD in the 22:26, while early birds are directed towards Strath For Cash - another for Jim Reynolds - in the opening sprint (19:31). A good winner last week, she remains open to more improvement after her seasonal break.

Recommended Bets
Airforce Harlem 22:11 Hove (Thu)
Stress Impact 22:03 Hen (Thu)
Westmead Shaw19:39 Henl (Thu)
Millwards Matt 22:11 Rom (Fri)