Choosing between Queen Joni and kennelmate King Memphis at Hove poses a dilemma. While Joni clinched her fourth Cat One in the Brighton Belle, Memphis raced 28 spots quicker. Ultimately, Joni edges out, perhaps by a slim margin.
Kilwest Ranger's triumph in the ARC Laurels earns commendation, but the standout performer at Perry Barr is Darley DIglake. Despite early elimination in the prestige event, DIglake outpaced the competition on the night, marking seven wins in his last nine races for the British bred hound.
Despite Jaytee Etienne's victory in the KAB Maiden Derby, their 29.19 run at Towcester on Sunday paled in comparison to Savana Jackpot’s remarkable 28.78 in a maiden. Only Droopys Clue, the track record holder at 28.58, has surpassed this in 2024. Innfield Charm also merits mention for their second quickest 712 of the year, clocking 42.95.
The Ladbrokes Kent St.Leger at Crayford promises excitement next weekend. Droopys Flotilla's stellar 45.12 run for the Leger 714m on Sunday positions her well, with Coonough Crow and Capel Rose in close pursuit.
Unanimous Leon bounced back from a KAB Maiden Derby semi-final elimination with an impressive 28.66 (-20) run at Newcastle on Thursday. Notably, Leon had previously secured a Towcester qualifier in 29.44, with a rapid 4.01 sectional time.
Geordie Tom celebrated a treble at Sheffield on Sunday, with Toddys Thunder notably clocking the week's fastest 500m race at 29.01.
Easy Eamon's victory over last week's Doncaster POW, Jaguar Jacob, in the premier A1 race in 30.23 (-60) at Sheffield is noteworthy. The close finish, with the first four over the line separated by three quarters of a length, highlights the competitive grading.
Despite no opens at Swindon, Snaffi Mojito's impressive 27.93 run stands as the fastest 470 of the year, edging out Baggios Intent in a competitive top heat.
Nottingham saw two competitive opens, with Noelles Milano clinching the 500m race in 30.03 and Droopys By Amile securing the 480 in 28.79, just shy of the FOY. Mallogs Calvin, last week's selection, finished as the runner-up.
Bucking Bucks impressed at Suffolk Downs, securing a hat-trick with an easy A1 win in 23.62, following in the footsteps of his dam.
Kinsley's A2 featured top hounds including Ballymac Frisby and defending POW Lynnway Touch. Deelish Lucy justified her 2/1f status with a 27.97 run for the 462m, while June puppy Stonepark Abba delivered a commendable performance in winning an A3 in 27.91 (+10).
Monmore witnessed swift runs on Thursday, with Bangon Jeremy leading the pack with a time of 28.28 (+20), showcasing impressive improvement despite a six-month hiatus.
Defending POW Teaboy Brownie retains his title with his fourth win in five races, maintaining his form for the Nathan Hunt trained runner at Romford.
At Oxford, Union Rebel's hat-trick victory, despite early crowding, is commendable, with Move Over Ogie delivering a notable performance as the best stayer with the 10th fastest 650 win of the year.
Wrighty's crowded start at Valley resulted in a slightly slower time of 28.17, but his performance, completing a four-timer in superior company, earns recognition.
Different Speed's eight-timer at Valley is overshadowed by Mystical Mango's debut sprint open performance, clocking -15.89 (TR 15.79), showcasing immense potential for the Limerick winner in sprint races.
Asbo Lenny's graded run at Central Park sees a rare defeat, with Atomic Crimes prevailing in a thrilling top heat with a 29.47 run, showcasing suitability to the circuit.
Acknowledging the oldest line of form, Barnfield Chief's win in A3 at Sunderland stands out, with the July pup triumphing in 27.35 against an A4 field.
In the North East, Roskie Beat's impressive 25.98 clocking for four bends at Pelaw Grange underscores her speed and agility, marking her as a standout performer.