Patoka makes latest step up in big night of action at Monmore
Having enjoyed a stunning rise through the graded ranks at Monmore, Patoka is now preparing to take on the best greyhound racing has to offer.
Two-year-old Patoka, trained by Brian Thompson and owned by Matt Booth, started his racing career in April running at A8.
Fast forward a mere few months later, tonight he competes in a top-class Open race with an eye on making it into the category one Ladbrokes Gold Cup which begins at the long-standing Wolverhampton circuit next weekend.
A glittering record of six victories and three second place finishes from 13 runs has put Patoka in the conversation, and a good outing this evening will have him right in contention for the 36-strong Gold Cup.
The Patrick Janssens-trained Droopys Trade and Richard Rees’ Avarua Zlatan are among those standing in his way, with owner Booth interested to see how he gets on in top company.
“He’s improved so much. He started in A8 and has improved massively in a short space of time,” said Booth.
“He won that A8 and an A7 after that, and then he’s also won at A4, A3 and A2 in recent weeks, so we’ve got the Gold Cup in mind and, fingers crossed, he can do well in this race.
“It’s a hard race with some quality greyhounds, but he’s come on so well and if you want to be a part of these big competitions, you’ve got to face top dogs.
“Hopefully, he goes well and can make it into the Gold Cup.
“Me and Vince Owen, who also has an interest in Patoka, have been delighted with how he’s done so far.
“We think he’s good enough to be involved in these big Opens. His splits have been very quick, so if he can trap well again tonight, you never know. We’re really excited to see how he goes.”
Tonight’s card at Monmore sees nine Open races take place – the majority acting as trial stakes for the 480m Gold Cup and 630m Summer Stayers Classic which also begins next weekend and culminates on August 23rd.
The first 480m affair at 6.48pm includes the Michael Burton-trained Droopys Aladdin who has shown frightening early pace at Monmore previously. New Pat Doocey recruit King Jackson and Richie Taberner’s consistent performer Aero Pattika are also involved.
Droopys Suprstar, also of Burton and impressive at Monmore before, runs from trap four in the 630m race at 7.22pm. Zebedee Cluasa looks to make it back-to-back triumphs for Nathan Hunt in race seven (8.13pm), just before Patoka’s test.
Craig Marston’s Dubai Kid and the in-form Thor Odinson, trained by Chris Fereday, are among those vying for Summer Stayers inclusion in race nine. Kim Billingham-Hine duo Beatties Razl and Sugar Candice line up in race 10 and 11 respectively.
The nightcap sees Premier Greyhound Racing Puppy Derby champion Headford Dane (Maxine Locke) race for the first time since winning the £20,000 event at Monmore in March.
A Category Three sprint final, the Ladbrokes.com 264 should also make for intriguing viewing, with Patricia Cowdrill’s wide-runner Elderberry Fire the experienced campaigner in the race.
