Three semi-finals of the £6,500 ARC Northern Flat headline the action from Newcastle on Wednesday night, the top-class card featuring nine open races kicks off at 18:19.
The Return of the King
Jimmy Fenwick’s Ice On Fire made a sensational return to racing after being retired last year and will no doubt come on a bundle for his first outing for 15 months.
Last week he battled hard to see off King Bruno but this week he can get off the front and make all the running at 19:09.
Superstar Jaguar Macie will take a chunk out of the market as the likely favourite from trap three, but surrenders the inside racing line to Ice On Fire at the first bend and that could prove crucial.
Fenwick’s speedster was crowned 2019 Greyhound of the Year and it is great to see him back in action. He can book his place in next week’s final in winning style.
Pinpoint Villa Value to Be on Point
Stuart Tighe’s Pinpoint Villa had no answer to Jaguar Macie in his heat last week, but can strike gold with a bright exit from the traps in the first of the open races at Newcastle and the first of the three Northern Flat semi-finals at 18:36.
He has only staying-type Look Like Power on his inside in a race lacking for early speed.
His first task is to hold Scottish raider Save Me Paddy to the bend on his outside in trap three before he can assert down the back straight.
There is plenty of stamina on offer in this contest and the son of Skywalker Farloe will need to build a big lead, but he is a value shot.
Laurel Champ Set for Another Final
Liz McNair’s Havana Class can do no wrong at present and is chasing his fifth-straight win in the third semi-final at 19:41.
The striking fawn dog is in rude health. He continues to fly from the boxes and dominate the opposition.
He is well drawn on the inside in trap one and can pop out again to make all the running.
Jimmy Fenwick’s Nice As Ice has been over six bends recently and is the forecast link from trap four staying on well.
Golden Opportunity in Sprint Heat
The supporting card features heats of the ARC Sprint 500, with the final qualifier at 20:12 and featuring the best bet on the card.
Sean Davy’s Geelo Gold Dust is a National Sprint and Golden Sprint finalist and can bag the gold medal from trap five.
She produced a smart trial over the 290m last week clocking 16.85sec and can improve on that tonight.