Racing at Sandown Park last Saturday, certainly lived up to all expectations, delivering a sensational evening of greyhound racing highlighted by the rousing, come from behind, victory by Wow She’s Fast to defeat She’s A Pearl in the Sandown Shootout. What a race it turned out to be, but after slipping upon exiting the boxes to be a clear last at the winning post on the first occasion, Wow She’s Fast railed superbly throughout to reel in the early leader in She’s A Pearl, then racing away to a comfortable four length victory in a fast 29.278 over the NSW star, with McInerney finishing well for a close up third. The Sydneysider was far from disgraced in finishing second, given it was her first look at the track and her first trip outside her home state. With heats of the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (515m) to be contested this Saturday, She’s A Pearl will be back again and we have no doubt she will have taken great benefit from that outing and will feature prominently in her heat, as will the winner and the third greyhound in their heats. On Saturday we will have full selections for all eight heats of the Cup, which is worth $650,000 to the winner of the final.
Despite the majority of the attention focusing on racing in Victoria, we still have feature events continuing in other states. Tonight at Dapto, the final of the Group 3 Dapto Middle Distance Championship (600m) will be run, with the Jodie and Anthony Lord kennels qualifying six of the eight runners, a great training performance. The star of last weeks heats was Bandit Jane, who became the first greyhound in history to break the 34 second mark for the trip at Dapto, recording 33.99 in her heat win, on that run she is the dog to beat in the final from the favourable red box. At Angle Park, two semi-finals of the Group 3 Brian Johnstone Memorial (530m) will be contested, this event being a restricted age event for greyhounds bred in South Australia and always makes for keenly contested racing. Things are starting to heat up in Tasmania also, tonight seven heats, stacked with talent, of the Group 3 Devonport Chase (461m) will be run at Hobart, who are currently conducting all meetings allocated to Devonport whilst they awaiting for the construction of their new track. Now let us find our followers some winners for tonight.
Sandown Park Race 4 No 4 Osprey Athena $3.00 at PlayUp – Extremely talented young greyhound who has returned to the track from a short break for two very nice efforts, the last eat being a fast finishing second at The Meadows. She does do her best work late and we expect her to be too strong for this field.
Dapto Race 5 No 1 Zipping Digby $1.60 at PlayUp – Beautifully bred youngster who was impressive in winning at Wentworth Park at his only race track appearance when heavily supported in the markets, indicating that the win was expected. Perfect draw tonight as he did look like he wanted the rails in that only start. In a very good kennel who will have him well educated at this venue prior to tonight.
Hobart Race 3 No 8 Who Told Tuff $1.90 at PlayUp – West Australian visitor who trialled between races here last Thursday in very fast time. Has a great record from box 8 and we think he should have little trouble crossing and leading tonight. Once in front he is capable of running fast times. Looks the best bet of the night anywhere, so ensure he is your banker in all your multi bets tonight.
Sandown Park Race 8 No 4 Wheel And Go $2.20 at PlayUp – Will find this race much easier than what he has been competing against of late. Finished third just two starts back in the Group 1 Hume Cup final at The Meadows, then followed up with a nice third here last Saturday to the same greyhound that defeated him in the Hume Cup. This race does look ideal for him despite the awkward four alley.
Dapto Race 9 No 1 Super Overdrive $2.05 at PlayUp – Two starts back from a six month break from racing have been impressive, providing a win and a second at this track and distance. Has an excellent overall record winning eleven of his twenty three starts. Loves an inside draw. This race does look a very suitable race for him, we think he has the speed to lead all the way tonight.
Albion Park Race 9 No 5 He’s So Cool $3.30 at PlayUp – High quality dog who has performed well at the highest level in the past. Excellent overall record, with twenty seven career wins from under sixty starts. Always runs an honest race. This field looks easier than his recent races and despite the middle draw we think he can salute. Loves racing at this track.
