The Hobart Thousand is the oldest greyhound race in Australia and is the sole Group 1 race on the Tasmanian greyhound racing calendar, with the final of the 2020 edition taking place tonight.
Run over 461 metres and worth $75,000 to the winner, a top class field of sprinters from all over Australia will face the starter.
After his outstanding heat win in near record time, the West Australian star, Tommy Shelby, will start a very short priced favourite for Box 8. Last year the super Victorian Orson Allen was brought undone from the same wide draw, and it may cause similar issues for Tommy tonight. We expect the big improver to be the South Aussie speedster in Shadow Mist. Despite his awkward box 4 draw, we expect him to improve considerably on his heat win, and at the odds we are selecting him on an each way basis.
The Sandown Laurels is another long running race on the Australian greyhound calendar, annually bringing together the best young female chasers in the country chasing success in this Group 2 event. The field in tonight’s final is no exception, where we see the Jason Thompson trained Immunity installed as a short priced favourite. She was super impressive in her heat, winning by a large margin in fast time, and we expect her to repeat that effort again tonight and take home the $50,000 first prize.
Let us see if we can find a few winners to help boost your Christmas stocking.
Warrnambool Race 1 No 5 Nangkari $1.35 at PlayUp – A member of the very hot Barcia Bale-Nallak litter that have been taking all before the of late. This dog resumed from a ten month injury enforced spell at Ballarat last week, winning by a space in near record time. This field is no stronger and he will repeat the effort tonight. Don’t let the short price stop you from investing. Selections: 5-6-4-1.
Sandown Race 4 No 1 Desiree Devere $3.70 at PlayUp – Returned to her very best in recent runs, winning her last two at Bendigo in fast times. Her very best is exceptional and we think she is drawn to lead and win this race. Very good record from the inside draw and is a winner at track and distance in fast times. Trained by the maestro from Toolleen in Daniel Pell. Selections: 1-2-4-3.
Dapto Race 6 No 5 Nangar Lily $3.40 at PlayUp – Performs at her best when able to lead clearly, and the six dog field here will give her every chance of leading tonight. A touch unlucky here last week but her two previous runs at track and distance were excellent. Leads she wins. Selections: 5-4-2-1.
Hobart Race 7 No 1 Sacred Shadow $2.00 at PlayUp – Unplaced just once from 9 previous starts from this box, winning on 4 occasions, she looks very well placed in this event. Has the speed to lead all the way. Selections: 1-2-8-6.
Angle Park Race 10 No 8 Miss Bellawood $2.40 at PlayUp – Improved run last start when second here in fast time, after a couple of below par performances. Rated by many as the second best stayer in the state at her best, she should be able to take up a prominent position early before proving too strong in the run home for this field. Gods record track and distance. Selections: 8-1-6-4.
