TONIGHT’S the night for Sandy Lane specialist Jolly Poacher and the big question is, can he pull off the unprecedented ‘golden’ treble?

The Nick Colton-trained brindle lines up in what appears an unfavourable trap four draw in the final of the Blanchford Oxfordshire Gold Cup as he bids to be the first ever greyhound to win a major Oxford final for the third time running.

Local punters will be aware that Poacher pulled off one of those victories from trap five, and if he is at concert pitch, which I am assured he will be, and he triumphs tonight, he will bring the house down.

It will be far from easy however, with impressive winner and favourite for tonight’s clash Zodiac Zeus (7-4), a big danger.

The Wimbledon runner skated home by over four lengths in the heats and has to be collared by the second bend.

A big bonus for the locals is that Angie Kibble’s Spencers Lad and Colton’s other runner Rebel Ace carry the flag in what promises to be a cracking final with £1,000 to the winner up for grabs.

Latest prices are Zodiac Zeus 7-4, Spencers Lad 9-4, Jolly Poacher 7-2, Rebel Ace 4-1, Farloe Denny 5-1 and Romeo Mercury 10-1.

The all-trophy card features four supporting opens and is sure to attract a bumper crowd.

TONIGHT’S RUNNERS

7.35: Swift Throb, Greencroft Molly, Bombadier, Greencroft Joe 3, EMLY TARGET, Boozed Scrappy.

7.50: Bright Mac, Pigalle Star, Guinness Pirate, Golden Nugget 3, Farloe Sinbad, TICTAC GOLD.

8.05: Nice One Orca 3, Landene Rocket, Amazing Lulu, Conors Shadow, SCARLETT OTARA, Undisguised.

8.20: FARLOE KRAVEN, Eden Vixen, Petite Falbrav, Springdale Hawk 3, Silverton Blaze, Westmead Palace.

8.35: Primo Moth, Seeking Fire, Queen Anne, White Nose Girl, BRISKILL QUEEN, All Haka 3.

8.50: Amys Prince, HELLO DINO, Aherlow Shaw, Kilmalady Biffo, Philanimo Bill, Jewel Magic 3.

9.05: WISE TOTTY, Jell On Ben 3, Scala Cosey, Ardmayle Zorro, Penskey Rain, Sudden Decision.

9.20: Katies Love, Silkmore Sunset 3, Craufurd Boy, Coolykereen Van, CEANN ALAINN, Ballymac Queen.

9.35: Ardmayle Diamond, Tiermana Ace, Ballymac Gold, Westway Star, Ballydine Butch 3, ROLLER GIRL.

9.50 – Blanchford Gold Cup Final: Farley Denny, Rebel Ace, Zodiac Zeus, JOLLY POACHER, Spencers Lad 3, Romeo Mercury.

10.05: Swift Moses, KEEPERHILL KATIE,Heatherhil Louie, Crows Cant Dance, Selecta Mask 3, Milton Campbell.

10.20: Larkhill Boy, Conduit, WINETAVERN TADGH, Morning Glory, Ballyhill Visa 3, Ballymac Kitty.

Nap: Jolly Poacher.