Some wonderful racing took place at Albion Park in Queensland on Thursday, with all three Group 2 finals producing performances of some note. The Jemma Daley trained Hara’s Pandora proved far too strong for her opposition winning the Queensland Futurity (520m) by almost five lengths in a time of 30.09, leading throughout in doing so. Hara’s Pandora, had endured a terrible run of wide box draws in her six starts leading up to the final, but again she showed her clear likely for an inside draw in winning from box two on Thursday. Hara’s Herbie, a kennel mate of Hara’s Pandora, started favourite in the final of the Queensland Derby (520m) but he experienced little luck early before finishing third to the Selena Zammit trained Jay Is Jay. Beginning only fairly from his wide draw, Jay Is Jay made a fast move out wide to be up running second into the back straight behind early leader Starline Express (6), before assuming control off the back and then hold off the gallant Electrified (4) by three lengths in the run to the finishing line. In winning the Derby, Jay Is Jay emulated the feat of his sire Sennachie in doing so. Jedda Cutlack made it a clean sweep of the group races for lady trainers on the night when Shaye lead throughout for her in winning the Golden Sands (600m) final. A much travelled performer, Shaye performs best when he finds the lead early and from the inside alley he was able to do that comfortably, with victory never looking in doubt from that point on. The three winners, and a number of the beaten brigade, are expected to line up again this coming Thursday in the heats of the Group 1 Golden Ticket, a race where the final is worth $500,000 to winning connections.
Eight heats of the Group 2 Warragul Cup were run last night with the major surprise being the defeat of the two million dollar lady in Wow She’s Fast, who appeared to have her chance in the run before finishing second to Money Owes, trained by Greg Berry. A greyhound of enormous ability, Money Owes has at times incurred the wrath of the stewards for wayward behaviour but he was certainly on his very best behaviour last night. The fastest heat winner, in a flying 25.46, was the Daryl Brennan trained Mobile Legend, back in Victoria after finishing third in a heat of the Hobart Thousand last month. The heat win that caught our eye was the win of Landyn Bale, another member of the powerful Delbridge kennel, who recording a fast 25.56 in leading throughout. Next weeks final will make for great viewing. Now let us see if we can continue our fine recent form again tonight by providing some further winners for our followers.
Dubbo Race 5 No 1 Monique Keeping Bet Now at PlayUp – Quality greyhound at her best, and after three runs back from an injury enforced spell she should be approaching her top now. Loves an inside draw and is normally a fast beginner, so should find the early lead and allow her to record a comfortable victory.
Wentworth Park Race 5 No 4 Zipping Novak $3.20 at PlayUp – Recorded fastest time of the heats in the Group 2 Gosford Gold Cup recently before finishing a close up third to Punter’s Bandit in the final on Tuesday. Races well at this venue where he has won in flying times in the past. Looks a nice race for him.
The Meadows Race 4 No 1 Collinda Chips $2.05 at PlayUp – Sticking thick with this greyhound despite him letting us down on a couple of occasions. Renowned slow beginner but he does get his chance in this event from this draw. Blessed with great ability we think he will be far too good for his opposition tonight, and we have him as clearly the best bet of the night and the banker for your multi bets.
The Meadows Race 7 No 6 Rosie’s No Angel $3.60 at PlayUp – Very impressive win at Sandown Park recently at just her third start in Victoria after coming across from South Australia with reasonable form. Empty box inside her tonight will assist and give her time to balance up. Should see further improvement tonight and that can see her recording a victory.
Wentworth Park Race 10 No 6 Max Rocha $1.45 at PlayUp – Resuming from a short break but displayed enormous potential in his four runs to date. Now is the super strong Jodie Lord kennel so we expect him to be further improved. First up in the city but he will be well educated here and thus race is not over strong. Yes.
Cannington Race 4 No 7 Vice Grip Bet Now at PlayUp – Super star sprinter, already a winner of 37 races to date, who will not find an easier race in the West than this. Ideally drawn out wide, gives him a chance to balance up. He may not be as good as once was but he should account for this field easily tonight.
