DOG RACING

WALTHAMSTOW trainer Mark Wallis landed another final in his own backyard after Aero Blackjack secured a thrilling victory in the NGRC Stewards Cup on Saturday.

With all the big hitters making it through from their heats on the Tuesday, a thrilling 640m contest looked on the cards, and so it proved.

Sam Poots' Barnfield Slippy was sent off as the hot-money favourite after producing a blistering 39.43secs in the heats.

But with four wide runners and one middle in the final, the start of this six-bend contest was always going to be important.

Big Brett Coal and Aero Blackjack had brought their trapping boots with them and were first to show out of one and four respectively.

Barnfield Slippy was in hot pursuit and began to pose a threat by the fourth turn, but Wallis' charge never gave up his thirst for the bunny and kept a strong lead.

And in the end Aero Blackjack scored a length victory over his two closest rivals Big Brett Coal and Barnfield Slippy in a highly impressive 39.38secs.

Wallis' delighted assistant Patrick Janssens said: "That is what dog racing is all about. Six quality dogs all performing well in a clean run race.

"I knew this fellow would be tough to peg back if he led and he showed plenty of guts.

"He's just turned two and I feel there's more improvement there as he does thrive on his racing."

Runner up Big Brett Coal will have a quick chance to try and return to winning ways, when Seamus Cahill's charge goes in the race nine April stayers tomorrow night(Thursday).

There is plenty in the way of competition, including Wallis' recent Spring Festival Stayers winner Genesis Dream in trap two.

Having landed the spoils in that £5,000 final at Monmore, the Imperial Kennels team will now be looking for success on home soil.

And a good draw in two could swing it in their favour as railer Coal wont be over happy about having the black jacket of four placed on his back.

There is also an excellent looking top division race 12 standard, where Cobra Striking and Mystical Haka look set for a fantastic dual.

Striking is well housed in five and returned to winning ways on Saturday with a fine 28.71secs, and that was just three spots quicker than Paul Garland's charge in two, who also tasted victory at the Stow at the weekend.

HOT TIP
Mark Your Card returned to form with three correct selections last week and will be hoping to repeat the trick along with Guardian Angel with their latest tips from tonight's card. Mark Your Card
20.11 Race Three - Genesis Jose
20.36 Race Five - Shes Chicken
20.48 Race Six - Gilbeyhall Rodge Guardian Angel
21.01 Race Seven - Lethal Freddie
22.05 Race 12 - Cobra Striking
22.17 Race 13 - Marwills Silver