Central Park Cesarewitch Heats: Blaze Shines, Wallis Secures Double

Garfiney Blaze emerged as the standout performer of the night, claiming victory in the Arena Racing Company Cesarewitch heats at Central Park. The event unfolded over the newly introduced 731m distance at the venue, offering a thrilling spectacle for greyhound racing enthusiasts. Competing in heat three under the guidance of Mark Wallis, Garfiney Blaze, previously under Graham Holland’s kennel, showcased an impressive all-the-way style. Breaking smartly inside, the son of Ballymac Anton maintained a commanding lead, ultimately securing victory in 44.94 seconds. This time proved to be the night's best, even surpassing littermate Ballymac Taylor's subsequent heat.

Ballymac Taylor, under the skilful handling of Wallis, exhibited a different running style, initially led by kennelmate Jacktavern Magic before finishing strongly in trademark fashion. She claimed victory in 45.10 seconds, contributing to Wallis's double triumph for the evening.

The Cesarewitch heats featured a stellar performance from Gutsy Jet, a former Graham Holland runner, who concluded the previous year impressively with a close third-place finish in the Challenge Cup at Oxford. Guided by trainer Kevin Boon, Gutsy Jet executed a slick start, securing a trap-to-line victory in 45.57 seconds, triumphing over the staying-on favourite, Bubbly Scorcher.

In heat two, Chris Hamblin’s Ela Maestro demonstrated an impressive front-running display, leading from start to finish and securing victory over Mad For Sterling in 44.98 seconds. Notably, Jimmy Fenwick’s Bellmore Sally, a two-time winner of the Premier Greyhound Racing Golden Jacket at Crayford, clinched the third spot in this heat.

The trap draw for the upcoming Arena Racing Company Cesarewitch semi-finals at Central Park, featuring the 731m distance, is as follows:

First Semi-Final:

1. Capel Rose
2. Ballymac Taylor
3. Ela Maestro
4. Bellmore Sally (m)
5. Gutsy Jet (m)
6. Alright Gordy (w)

Second Semi-Final:

1. Bradys Bullet
2. Garfiney Blaze
3. Bubbly Scorcher
4. Bubbly Inferno (m)
5. Mad For Sterling (m)
6. Jacktavern Magic (w)