Burford-based English Greyhound Derby winning trainer Kevin Hutton has two chances of landing his first Category One prize at Oxford Stadium since it reopened in the autumn.
The Cowley venue hosts the BGBF British Bred Puppy Cup worth £10,000 to the winner on Friday evening, and Hutton has qualified two greyhounds for the major final which takes place at 8.43pm.
Romeo Atomic has been priced as short as 1/3 to win Friday’s race after he won both his Round One and Semi-Final contests with relative ease. Kennelmate Shooter McGavin meanwhile has ground to find having placed second and third in his respective qualifiers.
Hutton grew up attending race meetings at Oxford Stadium and said it would mean a great deal for him and his team to win a major race at their local track.
“We’re all systems go for Friday’s final,” said Hutton. “We were very impressed by Romeo Atomic’s Round One performance, that was an excellent run.
“He was a little more workmanlike in the semi-final, but ultimately got the job done. We’re not sure if the colder weather or ground affected him, he just didn’t sparkle like the week before.
“He’s a very happy, friendly and laid back dog at home. Some can take time to settle into their new environment when joining the kennel, but he’s fitted in great and we’re really pleased.”
Also confirmed for Friday’s final is Bathams Dennis, Jaffa, Dens Benji and Watchhall Sid who makes the long journey down from Newcastle having ran impressively in his qualifying heats.
John Mullins trained Jaffa arguably poses the biggest threat to Hutton’s odds-on favourite Romeo Atomic. The April ’21 dog clocked 27.40 on -40 going in the semi-finals – three tenths of a second quicker than Romeo Atomic.
Tom Levers meanwhile will be hoping for a case of fourth time lucky with Dens Benji. The Crayford-based trainer has qualified greyhounds for each of Oxford Stadium’s three previous Category One finals – the Puppy Collar, Challenge Cup and Diamond Stakes.
“Jaffa is the obvious danger,” said Hutton. “He’s a big threat and like ourselves enters the race unbeaten – he looks to be a very progressive type.
“Watchhall Sid has a good run in him as well, but this is a Category One final so every greyhound is there on merit. There are certainly no guarantees.
“We place a lot of focus on the Open Race calendar and having Oxford back hosting these types of competitions is a huge boost. There is a massive ownership base in the county, and we’re pleased to be part of the stadium’s regeneration.”
Tickets for Friday’s BGBF British Bred Puppy Cup Final are on sale now from £9 via www.oxford-stadium.co.uk. The final is supported by an 11-race card featuring five Open races with the first race off at 6.17pm.
