A three-round Category 1 event over 575m, it’s a great way to kick off the big competitions in 2022.
Danny Can Add Another Romford Success
The Coronation Cup over the same 575m went to Night Time Danny back in October. He spent the second half of 2021 cementing his place as one of the top six bend competition dogs in the country.
Stephen Rayner looks to have him in great shape if a recent workout here is anything to go by and he can come home too strongly for his rivals at 19.56 to get his competition off to a winning start.
Tom Can Justify His Position as Ante-Post Favourite
Liz McNair has the ante-post favourite for this competition in the shape of Warzone Tom. He won three of his four starts here back in the autumn, producing a couple of flying times in the process.
He bulldozed his way through the Gold Collar at Crayford in November, showing himself well suited to a sharp six bends once more. Off since early December to freshen up, he looks hard to beat at 21.12
Harrison Can Make Long Journey Worthwhile
Coolavanny Aunty really began to make a name for herself in the second half of 2021 for Angela Harrison. It is a long way down to Romford from her Alnwick base but this hound can make the trip worthwhile.
Runner-up in the Angel Of The North in July, she improved on that to win the Category 1 Empress Stakes at Towcester in September. A draw in four is a touch wider than ideal but her class can see her through at 20.38.
Lexie Can Repeat Opening-Round Win
In the opening round of this competition last year, Aayamza Lexie was brutally impressive, absolutely bolting up for Mark Wallis. She is not the most consistent trapper but has done well in first rounds in her career.
This looks to be a perfect draw for her to attack from at 20.54, right on the rails as she was at this stage in 2021. She can add to her winning tally to kick off her competition.
Addition Can Make Up for Last Week
It was a huge surprise to see Droopys Addition get picked up last week having gone round in front. Gemma Evans’s hound is a very smart performer over this trip but despite a big lead, he found Lunar Prince too strong.
The chance for revenge is immediate, taking on that rival once more in the 21.28. Prince is 0/7 in his career when he is in trap 1 and that can make all the difference on this occasion.
*All odds correct at time of writing.