Greyhound punters are in for a massive treat tonight with three Group 1 events on the program at The Meadows tonight plus five Preludes of the 2021 Australian Cup. The Zoom Top for the stayers over the 725 metre trip, then the Rookie Rebel for the middle distance performers over 600 metres, and the Temlee, over 525 metres, for the sprinters. All three fields are hand selected by a panel of experts and each year the final fields assembled do not disappoint. We cannot wait.
Zoom Top: Meadows Race 6 No 1 Zack Monelli $5.00 at PlayUp – West Australian Star who suffered a serious injury mid 2020 resulting in him spending considerable time on the sidelines. Since resuming, and stepping up to the longer distance, his form has been impeccable. Clocked 29.73 winning over the 525 metres here at his last visit to Victoria so we know he loves this track. Drawn to sit right on the pace and we look forward to seeing his mid race pace allowing him to open a winning break down the back. Has the strength to hold them all off.
Rookie Rebel: Meadows Race 7 No 8 Weblec Ace $7.00 at PlayUp – Certainly the most open of the three Group races and we feel the race were the most trouble is likely to occur the way the dogs have drawn. We are banking Weblec Ace beginning very well and cutting down to the rail, causing issues for the inside dogs, and allowing him to establish a winning lead early. This dog is a very hard and tenacious chaser, exactly what will be required in that short run to the first corner. Selections: 8-3-7-1.
Temlee: Meadows Race 8 No 8 Shima Shine $2.40 at PlayUp – Drawn to perfection in box 8, with a noted slow beginner beside him and Tommy Shelby in the 6 who likes to head to the rails, this should allow Shima Shine to find the lead in the run to the first bend, and once clear and on the lure, he is near unbeatable. The inclusion of the two reserves has introduced some additional speed down near the rails but we still think Shima has the necessary speed to lead. Selections: 8-3-6-5.
Meadows Race 2 No 1 Suntory Rose $3.20 at PlayUp – Excellent effort last start when third here from a less favourable box. Looks ideally drawn from the red in this and has the speed to take full advantage of the draw. Loves the rails.
Wentworth Park Race 1 No 4 Weblec Pearl $1.60 at PlayUp – Been unlucky not to record a win in her most recent starts finding bother in the run to the first turn. Smaller field here gives her a real chance of leading. Looks the best of the whole night across the nation for us.
Wentworth Park 5 No 5 Temper Tears $4.20 at PlayUp – Promising young stayer who continues to race with great consistency. Was excellent last week when a strong second to Cawborne Footrot who tonight is contesting the Rookie Rebel at The Meadows. Likes to find the rails in his runs.
Meadows Race 11 No 8 Wild Card $6.50 at PlayUp – Almost found the lead his last start here and from this draw, only to have Short Pork push underneath him and hold the lead. Battled on well to finish second. Since gone to Sandown and recorded a strong win. We think he can get the job done from this draw tonight.
