The return to racing of star Victorian sprinter Aston Rupee will be the highlight of greyhound racing tonight, when he resumes after a short break, in the Free For All at Sandown Park, this being race four on the program. The only greyhound to break the magical 29 second barrier on an unbelievable four occasions, Aston Rupee, the current Sandown Park track record holder, went within 0.009 of the existing Meadows track record at his most recent start in the consolation for the Australian Cup. Win number 24 awaits him tonight as he should have little trouble crossing and leading from his wide draw in 7, with the main interest being, what time can he run. Can je go under 28.790 to eclipse his existing track record? We think it is possible at some time in the future. His main mission after tonight will be the G1 Golden Easter Egg (520m) at Wentworth Park, with the heats scheduled to be conducted on Saturday 26 March.
Monday night we witnessed heats of the G2 Shepparton Cup (450m), the G2 Maitland Gold Cup (450m), and the G3 Murray Bridge Cup (455m), and for us the highlight was the stunning performance of Mr. Audacious, who at just his fifth race start, managed to break the 450 metre Shepparton track record in a heat of the cup. The superbly bred son of up-and-coming stud sensation Beast Unleashed, ran the amazing time of 24.655, more than a length and half faster than the previous record, set by Ferdinand Boy in winning last years Shepparton Cup final. Full credit must go to trainer Rachael Busuttil, who was prepared to take on group dogs with a youngster having just his fifth racetrack appearance. Not only did she take them on, but she also beat them fair and square. Mr. Audacious will enter the final on Saturday night as one of the more fancied runners, in what promises to be a super race with the likes of Ferdinand Boy, Idolise, Robbie Rotten and Substantial all proven group performers. Both the Maitland and Murray Bridge Cup finals appear to be very open events after the running of the heats, with no greyhound at either venue winning their heat in such a dominant fashion that they appear to have a mortgage on their cup.
Tonight, we have racing at Ipswich, Dapto, Sandown Park, Warrnambool, Hobart, Angle Park and Mandurah, and we believe we have identified several winners for our loyal band of followers. On Saturday we will have a full preview and selections for the Country Classic Final at Dubbo, the Shepparton Cup final, and the Perth Cup and Galaxy finals at Cannington, plus we will provide a selection for Sunday’s Murray Bridge Cup final and Monday’s Maitland Gold Cup final.
Sandown Park Race 1 No 1 Fearless Max $2.00 at PlayUp
Looked very new to racing his last two starts when placed on both occasions at this track and distance. Does really get his chance tonight with this ideal drawn as he has looked for the rails in his previous starts. Only a youngster so no doubt would have gained enormous benefit from the experience. Looks his race.
Dapto Race 7 No 6 Tiger Jack $2.00 at PlayUp
Huge motor who can find trouble in his races at times, so is ideally suited by the five-dog field in this event. There was no better run on the night than his run on Saturday night in a semi-final of the Country Classic at Dubbo, when he was beaten less than a length in fourth placings. He looks the standout of the night for us tonight, and therefore your banker for all your multi bets.
Ipswich Race 8 No 1 Extra Malt $2.15 at PlayUp
Returned to her brilliant best here last week, after a short let up following an unsuccessful trip south to Victoria, winning comfortably in a flying 30.11. Dogs rarely go much faster than that. From this ideal draw tonight, she should again be able to hold the lead and win. Star performer.
Sandown Park Race 10 No 3 Well Grounded $12.00 at PlayUp
Super consistent veteran galloper who took his career earnings past $100,000 when placed here last week. Begins well and has the speed to hold out the dogs on his outside, so therefore he should be sitting second or third down the back and then prove too strong in the run home. Great value so ensure you do go each way.
Angle Park Race 11 No 2 Weblec Pearl $3.70 at PlayUp
Races very well at this circuit and loves an inside draw. Her strength in the closing stages will win her this race. Yes.
