English Greyhound Derby winning trainer Patrick Janssens is hoping to go back-to-back on Friday when Fabulous Azurra lines up in the BGBF British Bred Oaks final at Oxford Stadium.
The £3,000 to the winner Category Two competition has moved to Sandy Lane from sister venue Henlow this year – and Janssens’ kennel star is favourite to defend the title she won 12 months ago.
The three-year-old, who celebrates her fourth birthday next week, broke the 27-second barrier in her Round One and Semi Final runs where she defeated fellow finalists Flyhigh Artist and Singalong Stacey.
A repeat performance is likely to see Fabulous Azurra add to her honours list, which includes the RPGTV Champion Bitch Stakes, the BGBF British Bred Derby, the Empress Stakes and a Winter Racing Festival Open at Shelbourne Park in Dublin.
But Janssens is taking nothing for granted and expects a tough race when traps rise at 8.43pm.
“She’s been a fantastic bitch for us,” said Janssens. “She’s won in Ireland, the Empress Stakes at Towcester and on Derby final night.
“She turns four next week so this will be one of her final races before retirement, it would be fantastic for her to go back-to-back and defend her crown.
“We’ve been really encouraged by her performances at Oxford. She’s broke the 27-second barrier every time she has trialled or raced which is great and her draw for the final has worked out okay.
“As ever, you have to hope for a bit of luck in running as she’s going up against five other worthy finalists. But she has the ability so we’re hoping she can break well and lead around the first bend.”
Towcester-based Kim Gooding runs two greyhounds in the final with Shockwave Amber and Shockwave Wicca drawn in traps one and two respectively.
The midlands are represented by Flyhigh Artist – trap five – and No Rush – trap six – while local hopes are pinned on Burford-based Kevin Hutton’s Singalong Stacey who runs from trap four.
Friday’s card is supported by five other open contests and five graded races. Racing starts at 6.17pm with tickets available to purchase on the door.
BGBF British Bred Oaks Grand Final – 8.43pm, Friday, August 18.
Trap One – Shockwave Amber
Trap Two – Shockwave Wicca
Trap Three – Fabulous Azzura
Trap Four – Singalong Stacey
Trap Five – Flyhigh Artist
Trap Six – No Rush
