How can we best describe what we witnessed last Saturday on The Phoenix night at The Meadows? Amazing, breathtaking, spectacular, phenomenal, these are just some of the words we heard mentioned regarding the second running of The Phoenix (525m), now the richest greyhound race in the world. Wow She’s Fast, trained by Kelvyn and Jackie Greenough, etched her name firmly in to greyhound immortality, becoming the first greyhound to earn more than $2 million in prize money when she made it back to back wins in the event. Exiting her six alley cleanly, Wow She’s Fast was able to cross into second place behind another millionaire in New South Wales star She’s A Pearl, whilst the favourite, Amron Boy, blew the start and found himself second last at the post the first time. She’s A Pearl maintained the lead until the home turn, where Wow She’s Fast railed underneath her and looked headed for a comfortable victory, but then she had to withstand the barnstorming finish of Amron Boy, which she did by a head, with She’s A Pearl holding on for third place, narrowly in front of McInerney. What a race, what a finish, what a magnificent crowd was on course to witness the event, what a great advertisement for greyhound racing. We have no doubt at all, that this race, The Phoenix, has become a permanent fixture on the greyhound racing landscape after just two years. Congratulations to all involved.
We may not have selected Wow She’s Fast to take out The Phoenix last week, but we did manage to snare the box first four with our selections, so a tidy profit for our followers that were on. With three of our selections landing the cash on the night, it made for a very successful week overall, a very profitable week should have been enjoyed by all. The task of finding winners is never an easy one, but we think that we have identified some really nice chances again tonight.
Sandown Park Race 3 No 1 My Catalina $2.60 at PlayUp – Fast all the way winner at Bendigo three starts back over 500 metres, and her second at this track and distance on Sunday was very good. Stepping up to the 595 metre trip tonight which does look ideal. Perfect draw as she dies rail hard in her races, and an empty box beside her further enhances her chances. We think she is the best bet of the night anywhere, so make her your banker in any multi bet.
Warrnambool Race 8 No 2 Jebediah $2.70 at PlayUp – From a Group 1 final at Hobart to a Mixed 4 & 5 grade at Warrnambool, this is a huge drop in class tonight for this greyhound. Appears to be only one danger, Boston Garden (5), but we feel he does his best racing from inside draws. Look for Jebediah to pounce on the early lead and give them something to really chase. Can run fast times when in front.
Albion Park Race 5 No 7 Milligan $3.80 at PlayUp – Clearly the class runner of the field but he does rely on luck in his races as he is generally a slow beginner. But he is a very hard chaser and he will appreciate this field, which is not as strong as what he has been racing against. He does have an excellent record at this track and distance. Looks nice value.
Sandown Park Race 8 No 4 Jackpot Joan $6.50 at PlayUp – Very consistent greyhound who loves this venue. Stepping up to the middle distance trip for just the second time, but she does give the impression that she will handle it. Reliable beginner who has the speed to be able to avoid any trouble at the first corner, enabling her to be in the leading division throughout. Looks extremely good value tonight, on an each way basis.
Albion Park Race 7 No 2 Shipwreck $1.90 at PlayUp – We regard him as the best dog in Queensland, and this race is not super strong, so we are surprised he is not much shorter in the market. Loves this track and distance, being a winner of six races to date. Not the fastest beginner going around but his strength at the end of his races is something else. Looks a real standout bet to us.
Sandown Park Race 11 No 8 Natteo Bale $5.00 at PlayUp – Another who relies on luck in his races as he lacks early pace, but he does have a big motor. Has been placed on three occasions at this track and distance. Box 8 is the perfect draw for him as he scouts outside of dogs in his races. Very strong late. This race lacks depth and it looks a winnable race for our selection. Very nice odds on offer.
