Nottingham the target for Chelms Bear

Nottingham on Chelms Bear agenda

Chelms Bear could target the Arena Racing Company Select Stakes at Nottingham on Bank Holiday Monday (August 25) after finishing a creditable second to Proper Heiress in Saturday’s Coral Sussex Cup Final at Hove.

The Craig Morris-trained and now part-owned runner - Morris owns the dog formerly known as Barntick Bear along with John Wright, John Tarpley and James Edwards after purchasing him from Lee Harris - was a possible runner in the Ladbrokes Summer Stayers Classic at Monmore, starting this weekend.

However, Morris has opted to keep the popular tracker to four bends with the Select Stakes very much his intended target where he could clash with English Derby champion Droopys Plunge, who trialled last night.

“I thought about stepping him back up in trip at Monmore,” said Morris of the Time Greyhound Nutrition 3 Steps To Victory third, “but I just think Nottingham and the Select Stakes is the way to go. I plan to book him a trial next week.

“It’s a brilliant one-off race and he runs the track well. He’s not won a Category One but has gone very close in a few now - and people love to see him race. And given when it’s run, so close to Monmore and across the Irish Derby, we’ve got a chance to get in!

“We won it with Roxholme Girl back in 2005 with Mark and Hayley (Keightley). I’m not sure where the time’s gone to be honest, but she was special wasn’t she, winning a Select Stakes, a St Leger and a TV Trophy. Good days, so it will be nice to head back there with a dog who always give you a chance.”

*The Arena Racing Company Select Stakes takes place over 500m at Nottingham on Bank Holiday Monday, August 25, and will share the stage with the final of the Arena Racing Company Puppy Classic.

Both events are worth £12,500 to the winner.