Sharper Command can avenge heat defeat at hands of Bear
ROMEO COMMAND very possibly needed the run when comprehensively outstayed by kennelmate Barntick Bear in the heats and there are reasons for expecting a form reversal in the opening semi-final of the Greyhound Racing UK Blue Riband over 500m at Towcester (2.26).
The duo are two of three Patrick Janssens' representatives in the contest, Slick Sentinel being the other, with Barntick Bear the current track record holder here and Romeo Command a former one.
Romeo Command is now officially a veteran but that defeat seven days ago when he surrendered a clear lead for the first time in a storied career was likely more a case of his ultra-strong kennelmate turning very close behind at a time he himself was not at absolute peak fitness.
Key today could be the presence of Gun Slinger on the selection's immediate inside in two as his first move will be to the rails which could see Barntick Bear squeezed for room early.
Conversely, it would smooth the path for Romeo Command who can make another of his regular smart starts from three and build what proves a winning lead this time.
Blue Riband semi-final preview
Janssens has brilliant first round winner Droopys Plunge as a likely hot favourite in the third semi at 3.03 but the Mark Wallis-trained Kilmore Dancer lost nothing in defeat when splitting Barntick Bear and Romeo Command last week having made a less-than-stellar start and looks the value option.
Wallis should also be on the scoresheet in the second semi at 2.44 where his Olympic champion Proper Heiress can regain the winning thread after a heat run behind Untold Ruble that should have blown any lingering cobwebs away.
There are Tuesday morning SIS meetings at Oxford and Tralee with Nick Deas' Daisy (12.12) and Noel O'Sullivan's Quivers Buzz (12.38) the picks, while Ken Everitt's Flew The Coop (7.31) makes most appeal at Doncaster's evening fixture.
Romeo Command (nap)
T3 Towcester 2.26
Nick Bryan