Headford Cian to fly the flag for Central Park in Silver Salver final
There is a busy weekend ahead for the Maxine Locke team who have Headford Cian in the final of the Arc Silver Salver at Central Park on Saturday night.
Finalists make it another busy weekend for Locke
A minor miracle is required if Central Park is to celebrate its first locally trained winner of the Arena Racing Company Kent Silver Salver on Saturday night, according to Maxine Locke.
The Sittingbourne track will open its doors for free to racegoers who book online ahead of this weekend’s premier sprint competition, which celebrates its 72nd renewal this year and is worth £12,500 to the winner.
And hopes of local success are pinned on outsider Headford Cian, who finished second in both his heat and semi-final in the last fortnight.
The fawn dog only made his racing debut in April and has already won twice in open company from 11 runs.
Saturday’s final represents a major step up, though, with National Sprint and Scurry Gold Cup champion Shadow Storm headlining Central Park’s feature race which also includes Nightingale Crew, Hackney Toast, Pavilion Team and Ballinakill Liam.
“To qualify for the final is a great achievement,” said Locke.
“But he really does need a miracle to win from trap five. Trapping isn’t his strength, if he could break quickly away from the boxes then he might have a chance.
“But looking at the competition, it is great to be represented in the final.
“Magical Luka caught everyone’s attention when the entries were confirmed, but Shadow Storm has been the star of the show so far and no doubt he’ll be a lot of people’s favourite for the final.”
Saturday could cap a bumper weekend for Maxine and her team, with the kennel also represented in Friday’s £7,500 Arena Racing Company Puppy Trophy final at Sunderland Stadium.
Littermates Annadown Chip and Annadown Wendy will make the 570-mile round trip where Maxine is more hopeful of a triumphant outcome.
She added: “It is a long trip, but it’s worthwhile.
“(Annadown) Chip is well drawn and has taken to Sunderland well – on paper he’s the stronger of our two finalists.
“He’s improved every week, so fingers crossed we can start the weekend on a high note.”
Tickets for the Arena Racing Company Kent Silver Salver final on Saturday, June 27, at Central Park Stadium are free when booked online in advance.
Racegoers can claim up to six free tickets each, with each person receiving a free drink on arrival too. Doors open at 4.30pm, with the first of 13 races on the night off an hour later.
