BAGS racing, which for so long has meant dull affairs with most races over the same distance and lacking any variety, is set for more improvements.

And that could be a welcome boost for Oxford Stadium’s coffers.

The meetings, which attract low numbers of punters, are staged for the main benefit of betting shops, not only in this country, but also Europe.

So far, form and selections have been shown on the betting shop screens.

And now more improvements could be on the way following a get-together between BAGS and racing managers.

BAGS are unpopular with owners, as they are either working when their charge runs, or are unable to get to a daytime meeting.

But against that, it is a lifeline for trainers for without the two meetings a week Oxford stage, they would be hard pushed to make things pay with just Thursday and Saturday meetings.

The big gamble of the week hit the deck as the Maurice Massey-trained Shelbourne Fifi was the subject of bets totalling £1,700.

Fifi won its previous race impressively, but encountered trouble on Saturday to finish fourth. Opening at even money, Fifi went off at 4-6 fav.

Oxford's trainer Michael Peterson plans to stage an Irish greyhound sale at the Stadium in June.

The last one was held some 15 years ago where an average of 65 per cent were sold.

Peterson wants only good to top quality lots in the sale and if it is a success, it could be repeated later this year.

There was no luck for Tony Magnasco or Paddy Curtin at the Nottingham open races on Monday with Swift Stirling and Farloe's Ferdinand and Hustler respectively.

However, Magnasco must have been pleased with the debut of Unique Venture who won readily, posting 27.54 on Saturday.

And as this column told you to watch out for the Richard Yeates litter prefixed Nightfire, as Nightfire Satin also won.

A record 29 greyhounds will have their first run at Oxford at Monday's trials.

The kennel strength has reached a total of 398 and with the addition of Nick Colton's runners it makes it much easier to grade the top flight races.

The Paddy Curtin-trained Soviet Maldini could be heading for the Derby.

Maldini, a winner over 480m (the Derby distance) at Shelbourne Park in Ireland, posted 27.84 over the 460m distance at a trial in Wimbledon last Thursday.