GREYHOUND racing continues tonight across the country as we build towards a huge few weeks in the sport. What lies ahead is simply an amazing time for participants but as punters it will also present many opportunities as we get to witness the very best greyhounds in the country do battle with each other.
Thursday at Albion Park we will see the commencement of the Group 3 Golden Ticket series with four heats consisting of four greyhounds over 520 metres being run, with first and second in each heat progressing to the following Thursday, where four match races over the same distance will be run, with the greyhound that records the fastest time being declared the winner and providing them with automatic entry in the Group 1 Gold Bullion final two weeks later. This is the third running of the Golden Ticket and it certainly is a unique concept, but it is proving to be a real success amongst participants.
The final of the Group 2 Warragul Cup (460m), worth $47,000 to winning connections, will be run on Friday night, and the race appears very open after the failure of several favourite runners in the heats held last night. Amongst those dogs eliminated included Wow She’s Fast, Lala Kiwi, Typhoon Sammy and Aussie Secret. We are still left with a quality field but finding the winner of the final could prove a difficult task.
Also on Friday night, but at Wentworth Park, we will see four heats run of both the National Futurity and the National Derby, age restricted events of Group 2 level to be conducted over the 520-metre distance. Several super stars of the sport have kick started their careers in these events including Spanish Dancer (1972), Promises Free (1982), Winifred Bale (1983) and Striker Light (2017) from the Futurity, and Roman Earl (1966), Second Stage (1968), Worth Doing (1989) and Fernando Bale (2015). Who will it be this year? We will have selections and a preview on Friday for both Warragul and Wentworth Park.
Wentworth Park Race 1 No 6 Improbable $3.30 at PlayUp
Racing very consistently at this venue of late, including winning here two starts back by leading throughout from a middle draw. Has the speed to lead this field tonight. Has the benefit of having track experience over his main rivals here are new to Wentworth Park. Looks nice value.
Meadows Race 2 No 6 Kung Pow Kevin $2.10 at PlayUp
At just his second race start at Geelong recently, he was smashed in the betting and proceeded to win like a good thing should. Showed enormous early speed as evidenced by his fast splits, but still looked strong to the line. Should have little trouble leading this field, with an empty box on his immediate inside being a bonus. Could be a real star of the future. Keep following this greyhound.
Meadows Race 7 No 5 Aston Velvet $2.90 at PlayUp
His run last week in winning was simply outstanding, and it was his first start at the middle distance. With that run under his belt, expect further improvement tonight. Looks capable of leading this field despite the awkward draw. Looks a very strong type. Yes.
Wentworth Park Race 7 No 1 Weblec Raider $4.40 at PlayUp
Victorian visitor obviously preparing for the upcoming National Derby. Loves an inside draw and should really be suited by this venue. Has nice speed so is expected to hold the lead in the run to the first turn and that should be the race. We think he is the best bet of the night across the country, so the banker for your multi bets tonight.
Meadows Race 8 No 6 Carry On Angel $3.20 at PlayUp
Very underrated greyhound who has won 21 races but keeps going around at attractive odds. Super here again last week winning off the inside draw in fast night. Don’t let the box draw put you off, he performs well from all draws. No reason why he cannot win again.
