Romford is a great way to end the working week. Another decent card of open races, including a number of dogs who are on their way to potential cult status at the track, turning up most weeks to become crowd favourites.
Wallis has no need for socks in Antigua
Antigua Socks has been in sparkling form of late around Romford for trainer Mark Wallis. A run of four wins from six starts can be extended with another victory over 400m in the 20.17.
The sole runner to his inside tends to be slowly away when drawn in trap 1 so the selection should soon take control of the rails. With that move performed, he should have more than enough middle pace to put this to bed by the third bend.
The red jacket for Jennings is perfect
Patrick Janssens will be delighted to see Goldies Jennings back in trap 1 at 19.36 as well as Antigua Socks in a different race. He has been behind that old rival the last three times that he has raced at Romford.
Jennings has a record of 5/7 at this track when he has been drawn in the innermost box, a slot that sees him at his best. He can hold his position on the inside early and go on to make it 6/8.
Russian should have no issue with current Baltic weather
The 19.56 is the toughest of the three 400m heats but Russian Blake can get the job done for John Mullins. He is not always the most consistent from the boxes but he flew round Crayford the other week and has smart form here in the past.
He has plenty of pace outside him in the shape of Aero Madrid so getting up the inside of that rival at the opening turn will be crucial. Zoomey Saoirse in trap 1 is flying at present but lacks the selection’s brute pace.
Clarke to celebrate with maiden final winner
Waikiki Blake was an impressive scorer in his heat last week for Paul Clarke. He didn’t come away in the same fashion as he did in his trial here the week prior but impressed with his bend running to win comfortably.
He has a slightly wider draw to work from at 20.38 but as the sole wide seed in a contest with five railers, he should have all the room in the world to work with on the run to the opening turn.
Pear to prove the sweetest
Sweet Pear has been in all-conquering form over this 575m trip of late for Mark Wallis. She ripped her heat apart, coming almost seven lengths clear by the time that they hit the line.
The move into trap 4 from 6 is not an ideal move for her as being drawn on the outside has coincided with this run of form. Despite that, she still strikes as the one that they all have to beat in this contest.