BAGS contracts, the lifeblood of many a greyhound track these days, are being re-appraised this week and Oxford are hoping for a chunk of the new deal.

Promoters who win the new contracts know they can rely on a steady flow of cash from the British Afternoon Greyhound Service once a deal is signed and sealed and it gives them stability and the abilty to plan ahead.

I understand the new contracts will be for two years instead of one and with Oxford being one of the best performing tracks on the circuit, they are hopeful of being at the front of the queue.

Oxford have run a record number of BAGS meetings this year, stepping in when another track had problems, and with the onset of the foot and mouth crisis, were often racing three times a week.

It has put the racing office, plus owners, trainers and the dogs at full stretch.

However, there are signs that the Oxford management, who have been appreciative of all the hard work put in by trainers at Cowley, are considering options that may ease the situation.

Under the current contract, Oxford will have staged 102 meetings plus 20 extra Wednesdays.