Coral Romford Puppy Cup ante post betting preview

Coral Romford Puppy Cup ante post betting preview

The Category One Coral Romford Puppy Cup starts on Friday, September 5 with six heats taking place at the London Road venue.  

Inaugurated in 1975, the competition is one of the leading events in the calendar for greyhounds under the age of two. Bookmakers Coral have sponsored the event since 2008. 

Previous notable winners include Lenson Bolt in 2009, Eden Star in 2011, Roxholme Nidge in 2017 and Brookside Richie in 2021 at 1/3 for trainer Dave Mullins. Last year Fire And Ice was sent off as the even money favourite and the Matt Dartnell-trained Oxford raider bolted up by just over three lengths in 23.84 following a 3.72 sectional. 

Coral Romford Puppy Cup - key information and dates

· Final date: September 19, 2025

· Venue: Romford Greyhound Stadium

· Distance: 400 meters

· Prize: £10,000 to the winner

· Sponsor: Coral

All eyes will be on the Kevin Hutton-trained Magical Luka when the October 2023 son of King Sheeran lines up from T4 in heat four at 8.01 on Friday, September 5. On Romford debut, Magical Luka recorded 23.68 following a 3.77 and looked special. Last time out he went even quicker, clocking 23.51 off a blistering 3.60 sectional. What a run!

Magical Luka on the winners podium. Image - Romford Dogs X

Before moving over to the UK, Magical Luka went unbeaten in seven starts in Ireland, landing the Carrick Aldi @ Stud ON1/ON2 40 at Dundalk and the Moorstown Kennels Stakes at Tralee.

The bookmakers are taking no chances and have Magical Luka as the best-priced 8/15 favourite for outright honours with Crafty Santino next in at 8s. Vermithor from the Mark Wallis kennel ran well in the Peter Billingham Memorial Trophy final at Monmore recently over the four-bend 480-metre trip at the Midlands venue. This slightly shorter trip should suit, and he could attract support at 8s for those looking for an alternative to the odds-on favourite. 

Of those at bigger prices, Droopys Alldeway could appeal. He ran in the Arena Racing Company Puppy Classic at Nottingham and moved well in a course and distance trial, recently clocking 24.09. He has something to find on the clock against the favourite, but he’s open to improvement and at 20s he could be a solid each way play. 

Let’s take a look at how sponsors Coral have priced up the outright market:

Magical Luka 1/2, Crafty Santino 8, Vermithor 8, Jacktavern Don 14, Droopys Alldeway 16, Tasty Turkish 20, Noellie 25 and 33s bar.

Speaking to Romford racing manager Mark Arkell, he had this to say about the competition: "We are pleased to have a full complement of entries for the 2025 Coral Romford Puppy Cup. Internally we must admit we were a little worried Magical Luka might scare a few off entering. Fair play to the trainers that entered and are taking him on.

“He’s a worthy favourite and, from what I hear, odds on for the whole competition, which I don't remember seeing too often. Being puppies, they are still learning their trade, so anything can happen. Let’s enjoy the competition this Friday, and see who makes the final on Friday, September 19."

Ticket and restaurant information can be viewed on the official Romford Greyhound Stadium website