Watch out for Maurice Massey's newcomer Positive Step, who really set the track alight posting a superb 27.07secs at Monday's trial session.

This was some run for the November 2005 pup by Droopys Vieri, having his first look at the track.

Also impressing was Paddy Curtin's Countess Dora and Max Zorro, clocking 27.02 and 27.03 respectively.

All three should be in the notebook.

Meanwhile, there looks like another classy handful on the way from trainer Angie Kibble after her latest pups by Droopys Woods and Fragrant Blossom chased well from handslips.

Trainer Gilly Hepden reports that the litter from Samsara Girl and Droopys Scholes is looking very good.

A new sponsor, yet to be named, has been found for the one of the oldest and most prestigious events, the Trafalgar Cup.

Usually run at the beginning of the year at Oxford, it is a good guide for the future. The puppy competition is in its 79th year.

A day in the life of a greyhound trainer is not always so rosy.

Just ask Paddy Curtin, who was stuck in a traffic jam on Tuesday attempting to take Farloe Ferdinand for a trial in preparation for the Romford Puppy Cup.

After travelling five miles in two hours, the Romford management told him not to bother coming, so instead had to settle for a trial spin at Oxford in the evening.

There will be no chance of missing the Rugby World Cup final tonight as the England v South Africa game will be shown on screens throughout the Stadium.

There are no trials on Monday due to 20 tons of sand being applied, and the installation of a new running rail will also get under way this weekend.

The Oxford Owners Association host their next all trophy meeting on Tuesday November 8.

Oxford Stadium are holding a special two-for-one night next Thursday in the restaurant. It must be pre-booked though.

Intrepid members of the racing office will be off to tackle the heights of Ben Nevis this weekend.

Gary Baiden, Simon Pearson, Paul Tanner plus freelance Andy Lisemore will set off despite being told the best months are May to September!

Head groundsmen will get the benefit of the development of new racing surfaces when the Track Maintenance and Preparation seminar takes place at Oxford Stadium on November 5.

With just two and a half months to go, Ian Wills is 30 winners clear of reigning champion Paddy Curtin.

September stats: Curtin 33 winners, Wills 29, Angie Kibble 28, Terry Kibble 25, Tony Magnasco 24, Michael Peterson & Robert Hannon 20, Gilly Hepden 19, Maurice Massey 15, Johnny Mayo 14, Gloria Stringer 12, Terry Atkins 11, Paul Clarke 10, Ron BIcknell 8.

Overall: Wills 260, Curtin 230, Angie Kibble 213, Bicknell 194, Terry Kibble 183, Magnasco 170, Peterson 167, Massey/Hepden 154, Stringer/Mayo 141, Hannan 131, Atkins 96, Clarke 70, Dean Childs 55.