English Greyhound Derby semi finalist Droopys Bookem headlines a star Time Greyhound Nutrition Northern Flat opening night at Newcastle Stadium on Thursday.
Tom Heilbron’s headline hound returns to the Byker venue for the first time since heroically reaching the last 12 of Europe’s richest competition in hope of landing a second Northern Flat crown for the Trimdon kennel.
The November ’22 dog is reported to be in good condition and has been priced 4/1 favourite to scoop the £12,500 final on Thursday, July 24.
But, he’ll have to overcome several other top contenders including kennel mates Deliverooo and three-times Category One finalist Unanimous Leon.
Sunnyside Broxi, a finalist in last year’s English Greyhound Derby, has also been entered plus last year’s runner-up Slingshot Sam and Glenn Foot’s exciting puppy Jacktavern Chief.
“He (Droopys Bookem) has come out of the Derby really well,” said Tom. “We’re happy with where he’s at and he trialled well enough last week with Unanimous Leon.
“He’s got a great draw in trap one for his heat and is more than capable of progressing.
“At Towcester in the Derby he needed every yard of the 500m trip. Although this is a shorter distance, with the greatest respect the greyhounds he was racing against there were among the fastest in the world.
“If he holds his position at the first bend, it will take something sensational to pick him up.”
Elsewhere on the card, Tom is hoping Unanimous Leon can shine after a luckless start to the year.
The brindled dog joined the kennel in March 2024 and has since reached the finals of the M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup, Premier Greyhound Racing Classic and All England Cup – finishing third and runner-up in the two latter competitions respectively.
He was then withdrawn from the Laurels at Perry Barr in April mid-competition due to injury.
Thursday will mark his first competitive run in 96 days.
Tom added: “(Unanimous) Leon could be a dark horse, in my opinion.
“He loves Newcastle and has a fantastic draw for his heat with Killieford Goram on his outside.
“Deliverooo has his draw too and will benefit from last week’s trial. Romeo Jackson is in a competitive heat but is coming forwards and won his trial stakes last week well.
“Our other entry Optic Pharaoh we’ve kept fresh after a disappointing Derby.
“A big thank you to Time Greyhound Nutrition for sponsoring this year’s competition. Support on their level never goes unnoticed and we’ve used their products for years.”
Meanwhile Jimmy Fenwick is hoping to make it a hat-trick of Northern Flat triumphs after winning the competition in 2023 and 2024 with Brookside Richie and Wicky Ned respectively.
The Ashington handler has five chances of becoming the first trainer in the competition’s 98-year history to win it three times on the spin with Elusivenomore, Velvet Black, Ballymac Lineout, Maxi On Fire and Jeakers Man all entered.
He said: “We have some good chances, but Ballymac Lineout is the standout for me.
“He’ll be doing all of his best work at the end of his races but he has so much experience and knowledge of the Newcastle track which will work in his favour.”
Tickets for Thursday’s Time Greyhound Nutrition Northern Flat heats on Thursday are available from £9 and can be purchased online or on the door. Doors open at 5.45pm with the first race off at 6.37pm.
The night also includes six heats of the Category Two Arena Racing Company Angel of the North, worth £7,500 to the winner.
2025 Time Greyhound Nutrition Northern Flat Heats:
Heat One: Droopys Bookem, Elusivenomore, Sunnyside Broxi, Blackhouse Alan, Bramble Shelby, Salacres Slick.
Heat Two: Velvet Black, Slingshot Shaz, Lion Heart, Hollyhill Gonzo, Romeo Jackson, Jacktavern Lab.
Heat Three: Ballymac Lineout, Toolmaker Quick, Naochra, Fraser, Dunelm Dragon, Deliverooo.
Heat Four: Trooper McEvoy, Hardwick Mighty, Rugged Road, Maxi On Fire, Jacktavern Chief, Unanimous Ace.
Heat Five: Bramble Elvis, Untold Paanga, Optic Pharaoh, Moanteen Webby, Slingshot Sam, LastMinuteDotCom.
Heat Six: Unanimous Leon, Killieford Goram, Hollyhill Pad, Return Package, Jeakers Man, Jackos Bono.
Photo credit: Jim Tate Photography.
