Season Dates – A Punters Point Of View
In greyhound racing, seasonal dates for female greyhounds, referred to as “bitches,’’ are critical from a punters point of view because their reproductive cycles, or “seasons,’’ significantly impact their racing performance, plus of course training schedules, and overall management.
Season Dates – A Punters Point Of View
In greyhound racing, seasonal dates for female greyhounds, referred to as “bitches,’’ are critical from a punters point of view because their reproductive cycles, or “seasons,’’ significantly impact their racing performance, plus of course training schedules, and overall management. Understanding and monitoring these cycles is essential for trainers and, of course, punters who will be looking at how a bitch is performing as she comes out of season.
A bitches performance is influenced by her reproductive cycle, which typically occurs twice a year, though some can have more irregular cycles. The cycle affects her physical condition, with peak fitness often occurring around the 14-to-16-week mark, though this can vary with peak fitness for some, anything between 12 and 20 weeks. During this period, bitches may “come into form’’ or “go out of form’’. One of the oldest sayings in the game is “follow a bitch in form!’’ when they start winning, they often rack up three or four on the bounce.
Post-season recovery: After a season, bitches often require a rest period before returning to the track. Under the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) rule 56, a bitch in season must be withdrawn from racing for at least 21 days or until a track vet sees her fit to return. The normal rest period is around the eight to ten-week mark. This rest is needed because of reduced ability to perform, weight fluctuations and any physical changes that may occur.
Some of the key physiological changes that happen during a bitches season are around a 14-day bleeding cycle, followed by changes like breast thickening or milk production, even without her becoming pregnant. These changes, especially around the eight weeks post-season, can soften her back leg muscles, so trainers wait until these physical changes subside before resuming racing. Optimal weight and peak fitness follow shortly after once they have a few runs under their belt.
Punter’s point of view:
Tracking seasonal dates: Race form lists the bitches seasonal date next to her whelping dates. For example, this evening Droopys Pamela runs in the 7.11 A1 graded race at Romford over the four-bend 400-metre trip. Under her name on the form it reads, bk b Dorotas Wildcat-Droopys Charms Jul22 (Ssn 22 Feb 25).
So Droopys Pamela is a July 22 daughter of Dorotas Wildcat and her season started on February 22nd. Pamela is 17 and a half weeks out of season. She’s run six times since returning and will be hitting peak fitness. Prior to her season, Pamela was running open class. This evening she runs in A1 grade, having won in A2 grade in mid-May.
A key angle for punters is what grade they return in. It's often the case when a bitch returns to action, she will be two or three grades lower than when she broke into season. It's worth noting the first couple of runs as they regain fitness with the prospect of backing them on the fourth or fifth run, especially if they have hinted that peak fitness is around the corner. The key for punters is to understand the bitches’ cycle. This can provide a huge angle when looking at a race. Yes, a bitch can win at eight or nine weeks, but that’s a lot less likely than when she hits the 14 or 16-week mark. Keep an eye on the grades, form and running style. Watch the replays and form an opinion. If she hinted that she’s back to her best but didn’t win last time out and is a couple of grades lower than her peak, it could be a good opportunity to get involved on her next visit to the track if she is well-drawn.
Ex-season bitches running this evening:
7.11 Romford – Droopys Pamela (T4)
As previously mentioned, Pamela is around 17 weeks out of season. The Maxine Locke-trained performer was open race class at the back end of 2024 and has a 23.99 victory on her card. Six recent runs would have blown away the cobwebs and she should go well this evening.
7.27 Romford – Drovers Violet (T4)
Violet is 14 weeks out of season and runs in the A9 graded race at 7.27 this evening at the London Road circuit Romford. She was an A6 winner before season and is running in A8 grade tonight. Recent runs don’t read well at first glance beaten a combined 45 lengths in her last four runs, she’s a capable sort on a going day but may be best watched for now.
8.54 Romford – Doubtful Emer (T2)
Emer is an interesting runner this evening when she lines up from T2 in the A3 graded race at 8.54. The Maxine Locke-trained railer is only 11 weeks out of season but hinted that she was approaching peak fitness last time out when she ran a cracker over course and distance. Prior to her layoff, Emer was running in six-bend opens. Tonight, in four-bend graded action, she will surely go close granted a clear run.
Over at Yarmouth, three have caught the eye. Alberts Lass (6.31, T5) is around ten weeks out of season and a couple of grades lower than her peak. At 7.56 keep an eye on Lily Sixtyeight from T5. She returns to action this evening, two grades lower than before her season, but this is her first run back. She's worth keeping an eye on in the coming weeks. At 8.13 in the A9 graded race over the standard four-bend 462-metre trip at the East Anglian venue, look out for Keefill Penny from T3. She's 14 weeks out of season, three recent runs over course and distance should have her spot on now and, on the 13th June, Penny was taken to Harlow for a two-bend trial, that often works the oracle and puts an extra spring in their step. The July 22 daughter of Droopys Addition was A1 and sprint open class at Central Park during 2024 and if she retains any of that ability she will surely bolt up this evening.
