After a period of high-quality racing at Albion Park over the past month, the focus of attention will certainly move south to The Meadows, in Victoria, and to a lesser extent Bulli, in New South Wales, from this weekend. Saturday night at The Meadows, three Group 1’s will be contested, supported by five preludes of the Group 1 Australian Cup, overall providing a fantastic night of racing for greyhound followers. A full preview, including selections, of the Temlee (525m), Rookie Rebel (600m) and the Zoom Top (725m), plus the heats of the Australian Cup (525m) will be provided right here on Saturday to assist the punters. Then on Sunday, heats of the Group 2 Bulli Gold Cup will be run, with Wow and Mickey Doo likely to figure very prominently, will be run. Exciting times.
Last night at Ballarat, the final of the Western Districts Derby (450m) was run, and again the quality of the final field did not disappoint. This race has produced four of the last five winners of the Melbourne Cup and we have little doubt that any of the eight runners who contested the final last night, would not be out of place if they were to be a finalist in the 2022 Melbourne Cup, to be run at Sandown in November. The Kelly Bravo trained, Paddy Wants Pats, a son of the former super sprinter Striker Light, was stunning in his victory last night, proving too strong in the run home for the early leader Compliance in the fast time of 25.01. It will not be long before this race is elevated from listed to group status, and that will provide further stimulus to ensure this race continues to attract the best young dogs from across the country.
Racing tonight is at Albion Park (Qld), Angle Park (SA), Hobart (Tas), Mandurah (WA), Sandown, Bendigo (Vic), and Dapto (NSW). Plenty of chances for punters to win some money. We certainly were on fire last Thursday, tipping the winners of both group races at Albion Park, We The People and Jungle Deuce, both at very nice odds, plus Ninetymile King also got the job done for us at the same venue. A real fill up so let hope we can repeat the dose tonight.
Sandown Park Race 4 No 5 Barooga Smoke $3.30 at PlayUp
He is much better than his recent form reads and is very well graded in this event. Does race well at this venue and capable of running very fast times. Small field suits ideally here. We think he is the best bet of the night and the banker for your multi bets tonight.
Albion Park Race 5 No 2 I’m Explosive $2.10 at PlayUp
Very well performed bitch who loves an inside draw. Easy winner here last start in fast time, and despite this field appearing slightly harder, she should be able to repeat the effort. May not lead, as she did last time, but she is so strong that it will be no concern. Yes.
Dapto Race 5 No 8 Zipping Striker $2.40 at PlayUp
Showed enormous early pace last start at Wentworth Park when he led clearly before being run down in the closing stages, finishing a close second, that being his first start at headquarters. Should have the speed to cross this field early and establish a race winning break down the back. Nice type.
Angle Park Race 9 No 4 Carry On Liam $2.60 at PlayUp
Former Victorian, from the very strong Robert Britton kennel, who now finds himself with Ray Fewings in SA. A winner of 8 races in Victoria, against much stronger fields than he is meeting here. Does like to use a bit of the track early so will need to begin ok to ensure he has clear galloping room. Strong dog who will find the line well at the end of this race.
Sandown Park Race 10 No 8 Speak Up $4.00 at PlayUp
Promising youngster who has raced very well at this venue in the last, including a fast 29.45 victory at his last start here. Despite not being ideally suited by the wide draw, he did win well from this same box at The Meadows in January, again in good time. Look for the seven dog to give him a cart across early, and if this can occur Speak Up will prove far too strong in the run home. Look for him to be highly promising middle distance performer in the coming months.
