Rob Abrey Delighted with Coral Sussex Cup and PGR Regency Entry Quality Despite Lower Numbers

Competition Entry Numbers Fall Short

The competitions, worth £10,000 and £20,000 to the winners respectively, attracted 35 runners in the Coral Sussex Cup and 33 in the PGR Regency - just short of the required 36 entries for each event.

"We only received the 35 runners in the Coral Sussex Cup and 33 in the PGR Regency, but I'm delighted in the quality with the level of entry we received," said Abrey.

PGR Regency Star Quality Maintained

Despite the lower numbers, the PGR Regency has attracted the sport's leading performers, creating significant interest in what promises to be championship-level competition.

"All the big guns have been entered in the Regency, the only exception being Droopys Clue. Although he went well enough in a trial over the 695m last week, I don't think the Cahill's were happy with him after and didn't want to take a chance with him, but there's still the likes of Mongys Wild, Vhagar and Garfiney Blaze from the Mark Wallis kennel, while Romeo Empire has won all three starts over the 695m distance here at the track for Patrick Janssens."

Notable PGR Regency Entries:

• Mongys Wild (Mark Wallis kennel)
• Vhagar (Mark Wallis kennel)
• Garfiney Blaze (Mark Wallis kennel)
• Romeo Empire (Patrick Janssens - perfect 695m record at Hove)

Coral Sussex Cup Quality Depth

The Sussex Cup has similarly attracted top-class performers, with several standout contenders already catching the eye of racing experts.

"It's the same with the Sussex Cup, all the big guns that have been recently have been entered. Proper Heiress looks to be the standout but you've got the likes of Patrick's runners Romeo Tomcat and Slick Sentinel, King Memphis of the McNair's has got plenty of good form here as has Chelms Bear for Craig Morris, while Maxine Locke's Ballymac Axel and Ballymac Kobe have impressed in recent visits."

Key Coral Sussex Cup Contenders:

• Proper Heiress (early standout)
• Romeo Tomcat (Patrick Janssens)
• Slick Sentinel (Patrick Janssens)
• King Memphis (McNair kennel - strong Hove form)
• Chelms Bear (Craig Morris - proven track performer)
• Ballymac Axel (Maxine Locke - recent impressive form)
• Ballymac Kobe (Maxine Locke - recent impressive form)

Local Runner Advantages Highlighted

Abrey emphasized the potential advantages that local knowledge could provide, particularly given the draw composition for both competitions.

"Some of the local runners look to be up against it on the betting, but there are 26 railers out of the 35 runners that have been entered, and even if they may have it to do on paper, their track knowledge could stand them in good order."

The draw statistics present interesting tactical considerations:

• 26 railers entered in the Sussex Cup (out of 35 total)
• Only 3 wide runners entered across both competitions
• Track knowledge could prove decisive factor

Historical Success for Hove Runners

The Racing Manager highlighted the strong historical performance of local representatives in these prestigious events.

"Equally, there are only 3 wides entered so last year's winner Newinn Benni has the potential of having decent draws throughout the competition, and the local runners have a good record in this competition over the years."

Last year's Sussex Cup winner Newinn Benni returns with potentially favorable draw prospects throughout the competition, given the limited wide-running opposition entered.

Manager's Competition Outlook

Despite the slight shortfall in entry numbers, Abrey expressed genuine enthusiasm for the upcoming action at Hove.

"I'm really looking forward to it, they are both excellent competitions and hopefully we will be able to see a couple weeks of exciting action!"

Competition Schedule:

• Start Date: Saturday evening
• Prize Money: £20,000 (PGR Regency), £10,000 (Coral Sussex Cup)
• Duration: Two weeks of competition
• Venue: Hove Stadium