Four chances for Locke in the Arena Racing Company Kent Silver Salver
Maxine Locke is the newest trainer in the Central Park ranks and she has four runners in the Arena Racing Company Kent Silver Salver which starts at the track on Saturday night.
Locke has Silver Salver team of four
Central Park’s newest trainer Maxine Locke is hoping to start her attachment to the Sittingbourne venue in style after entering four into this year’s premier sprint competition.
The Essex trainer runs Headford Wayne, Beaming Isla, Droopys Rarity and Headford Cian in the Arena Racing Company Kent Silver Salver, which carries a first prize of £12,500.
It’s the UK’s longest running Category One sprint competition and celebrates its 72nd renewal on finals night later this month, where organisers plan on pulling a bumper crowd after making admission free to all racegoers who book in advance.
Maxine last tasted Category One success in August when Headford Dane scooped the Gold Cup at Monmore.
But victory in the Silver Salver has evaded her CV since securing her training licence as a teenager. And it’s a trend she hopes to reverse after finishing third in last year’s final.
“We qualified for the final last year, but the Silver Salver has still evaded our trophy cabinet to date,” said Locke.
“We have a few chances this year.
“Headford Wayne isn’t the quickest starter, but he is quick enough to put in a decent sprint time and has a decent record at the track.
“(Beaming) Isla is our best sprinter. She has a good record in this competition and loves trap one so we’re hopeful of a good performance.
“Droopys Rarity enters the competition in good form after a win on Tuesday night and Headford Cian is the one we probably know the least about at this stage, although he won a maiden race over course and distance in April.”
The Bonville Racing Kennel’s attachment has already made a flyer after the kennel landed an impressive five-timer on Tuesday night’s card.
Droopys Rarity was among the winners when he bagged a 21st career success when landing a D1 contest. Maxine now hopes the kennel’s strong run of form can carry over to Saturday’s card.
“The move has gone really well,” said Locke.
“All the dogs have taken well to the track, and it’s great to see some of our pups getting wins on Tuesday night.
“The kennel’s in good form, so hopefully that run continues for Saturday night’s heats.”
Tickets for Saturday’s ARC Kent Silver Salver heats are available online from £10 via www.centralpark-greyhounds.co.uk. Doors open at 4.30pm, with the first of 13 races on the night off an hour later.
Free tickets for finals night on Saturday, June 27, are available online too.
