OXFORD trainer Nick Colton is upbeat over the chances of TIc TIc Boom in the Springbok.

Colton’s charge produced a two-bend sectional of 16.09 secs, and four-bend 29.22 and is confident of making the latter stages of the competition.

Fellow trainer Johnny Mayo’s Special Image has also trialled twice and is hoping to make the cut, while Burwood Freddie is involved in the former Walthamstow showpiece, the Arc, at Swindon.

  • GILLY Hepden’s kennel has hit back from an unusually lean spell with home bred bitch Posh Chanel making it three in a row last week.

Hepden finished the week off in style with a treble.

  • DATES have been confirmed for Oxford Stadium’s biggest competition – the £8,000 Stan James Bookmakers Pall Mall.

Heats will take place on Thursday, June 10, semi-finals on June 17 and the final on June 22.

  • ANGIE Kibble’s top-rated Hillcross Orion is being rested until next month.

In the meantime, Angie has been busy as top brood bitch Fragrant Blossom has been mated with Irish Derby winner College Causeway and the pups are due next month.

Terry Atkins has taken in six new hounds from Ireland, while Paul Clarke is looking forward to his new addition from Henlow, Brycat Lola, formerly trained by John Coleman.

  • THE dreaded winter kennel sickness has affected around ten hounds at Oxford so far.