Heats of the National Championship over the sprint trip commenced last night at Albion Park (Queensland), Hobart (Tasmania) and Murray Bridge (South Australia), where results went pretty much to plan at Albion Park and Murray Bridge. However down at Launceston it was a different story, with outsiders winning two of the three heats conducted. Trying Again for Adam Whitford, and All About Monty for Blake Purcell, both started at double figure odds and both had comfortable victories from their wide draws. Trying Again recorded a very fast 29.44 and on the performance last night there will be no double figures odds in the final next week. At Albion Park Extra Malt proved too strong for Orchestrate in the closing stages, whilst Truthiness took full advantage of the rails draw in recording a very strong win in heat two. The Tony Rasmussen trained Rushes continued his good recent form at Murray Bridge in taking out the opening heat in South Australia, whilst Danyo Charlie never looked in trouble after a fast getaway in the second heat. Both these finals appear quite open and box draws will be crucial in both races.
Tomorrow night, heats will continue at Bulli (New South Wales), Meadows (Victoria) and Cannington in West Australia. But they will not be the only point of interest for punters as the Warragul St Leger, a Group Two event, should be a super contest. Koblenz, Aston Fastnet, Shima Classic and Qwara Bale are all potential super stars of the sport, and over the next six months we are sure all these dogs will feature prominently in the major Group One races on the calendar. Tomorrow night we are going for Koblenz, from his favourable box two draw, to get the major prize in what promises to be an exciting race. We had another successful evening yesterday, with two winners at very attractive odds, plus a couple of close up and unlucky placings, let’s see if we can keep the momentum going.
Geelong Race 4 No 2 King’s Riot $3.10 at PlayUp – Superbly bred dog and a member of a very strong kennel, who made ground late last start at Warrnambool after a slow beginning from a middle draw. This draw tonight is much more suitable, and with an even getaway he can find the lead before the first bend and then prove too strong for his opposition. We have rated him our best for the night.
Richmond Race 6 No 6 Zipping Ontario $2.70 at PlayUp – A winner of four races over the shorter trips, with nine placings, from his fifteen career starts, but has been crying out for the longer trip. Stepping up to the 618 metres tonight for the first time, this race looks ideal. Sticky draw will provide punters with decent odds. Only has to avoid early trouble to be very hard to beat in this.
Richmond Race 8 No 2 City Chick $2.50 at PlayUp – Placed her last three starts at this track and distance, and this field appears slightly inferior to what she has been meeting. Held up at the first corner last week, so a fast beginning tonight will be crucial to that not occurring again. Has a consistent record at track and distance.
Geelong Race 8 No 6 Sierra Foxtrot $2.30 at PlayUp – Been racing very consistently without winning but this will change tonight. Wide runner who will love the open spaces of this Geelong track. No speed outside him will allow him to push forward going to the first corner and put himself in a position where he can swoop over the top of them out wide in the closing stages.
Mandurah Race 5 No 1 Malawi Monelli $2.60 at PlayUp – Trained by the master in David Hobby, this fellow has enormous ability and just needs room in his races to show the public his true ability. If he begins, it will be a case of watch the clock. This is a very winnable race for him, he just needs to step.
