GROUP racing is all around us during the month of January, an exciting time for participants but it also presents wonderful opportunities for punters.
Last night at Albion Park, the final of the Group 2 Golden Sands resulted in the star New South Wales speedster, Jungle Deuce, scoring his 21st career victory in leading from the first corner in a fast 34.61, to take his career earnings past $350,000. From five Queensland starts, Jungle Deuce remains undefeated in the sunshine state. Gallant in defeat was the runner up McCooly’s Lad, who chased the winner throughout and despite never looking like reeling in the flying winner, he stuck to the task at hand in grand style. Despite the drop in distance back to 520 metres, both greyhounds are likely to return next week for the heats of the Group 3 Golden Ticket.
Tonight, at Warragul in Victoria, the recent winner of the $750,000 Phoenix, Wow She’s Fast, races for the first time since that win, in a heat of the 2022 Warragul Cup. From all reports she has trialled brilliantly at the Warragul track in the lead up to the event, and despite the heat appearing to have plenty of depth, she still looks a standout. Six heats will be conducted in total, with all heats having plenty of chances. The final, worth $47,000 to winning connections, will be run next Friday, 14 January.
Next weekend in Sydney, group racing will take Wentworth Park by storm, as on Friday night we will see the running of four heats of both the Futurity and the National Derby, over the 520 metres, o the Friday. Then on Saturday night, a maximum of eight heats of the Group 1 Paws Of Thunder will be contested, plus 4 heats of the Summer Cup. The appearance of Aston Rupee in the Paws Of Thunder will be worth travelling a long way to see, especially on the back of his flying 29.44 trial last Wednesday at his first look at the track. Some good judges are even saying, the track record of 29.07 set in 2014 by Shakey Jakey, could be in danger, a record that many believe will never ever be broken.
Warragul Race 3 No 2 Hebridean Black $6.00 at PlayUp
Recorded some very fast winning times at both The Meadows and Sandown Park back in October and November, before having no luck at all during the Melbourne Cup series. This track should really suit the dog, and he is drawn to follow the fast beginner Gypsy Bun early but should have to much strength for her in the latter stages.
Warragul Race 4 No 2 Hennessey $4.00 at PlayUp
Put together a run of eight consecutive victories before tasting defeat at The Meadows last start when checked early. Loves this track where he has won five from seven, all in fast time. Drawn nicely in box two and can find the lead in the run to the first turn from the draw. Would be hard to run down if that happens.
Richmond Race 7 No 3 Ziggy Star $3.70 at PlayUp
Huge drop in class to the fields she has recently been competing against. Can fly the start at times and she is more than capable of leading throughout from this nice draw. She looks the best bet of the night for us, so make her your banker in all your multi bets tonight.
Warragul Race 11 No 6 Tiggerlong Gas $3.10 at PlayUp
Super consistent performer who is always there abouts. Nice draw tonight with an empty box on his immediate inside so should provide him with room to position in or near the lead as he does have good early speed. Not a lot of depth in this field and it does look his race.
Mandurah Race 1 No 2 Serong $1.70 at PlayUp
Very talented dog who has recorded some fast times in his ten wins. Resumes here after a break of three months but is in the kennel of Paul Stuart who we have no doubt would have targeted this race with the dog. Quality animal who has the speed to lead all the way from this box. Yes.
