SLICK SENTINEL continued to build upon trainer-owner Keith Allsop's success at Towcester by clinching the Genco Group Juvenile Classic for Patrick Janssens' team. Allsop, who co-owned the 2021-Star Sports/TRC English Derby winner Thorn Falcon, witnessed another triumph as SLICK SENTINEL secured the £5,000 prize in the Category Two event, now sponsored by the Genco Group.
The Genco Group, led by owner Jack Russell and partnered with Maxine Locke, previously had a finalist at Towcester with Droopys Pivotel. This year's competition, known for producing top-tier greyhounds like the previous winner Droopys Clue, posed a significant challenge for competitors.
SLICK SENTINEL had shown promise, finishing second to Wicky Ned in the Genco Group Puppy Invitation on the Derby Final night. This performance was further validated when Wicky Ned won the Northern Flat Final at Newcastle, setting the stage for SLICK SENTINEL's own major victory.
Starting at 11-2 odds, SLICK SENTINEL took full advantage of his favourable draw, quickly seizing the lead and maintaining it as rivals struggled for position. Despite a strong finish from the Irish contender Syd Zafiro, SLICK SENTINEL won by two and three-quarter lengths, with Droopys Extragud finishing third. The race concluded in a swift 28.77 seconds (+20).
The day also saw success for the Patrick Janssens-trained Barntick Bear, who set a new track record in the subsequent race, winning by a staggering 13 and a half lengths in 28.52 seconds (+20), a record for the 500m distance at Towcester.
SLICK SENTINEL's victory was especially meaningful for Allsop, who expressed his pride in the greyhound's consistent performance and the team's efforts. The 36-kilo greyhound, born in August 2022 to Droopys Sydney and Droopys Alice, has become a favourite in the kennel. Allsop mentioned plans for SLICK SENTINEL to rest before competing in upcoming events like the Premier Greyhound Racing Kent Derby at Central Park and the Eclipse at Nottingham.