Greyhound racing enthusiasts have been waiting for this night for months, the night when Australia’s two fastest female sprinters do battle on the race track in the 4 dog field 2022 Sandown Park Shootout (515m). Both are superstars who can run freakish times wherever they race, both are millionaires having won in excess of one million dollars each, and both greyhounds are trained by legends of the sport.
It will be interstate rivalry at its best also, New South Wales versus Victoria. In the red corner (box) representing NSW, She’s A Pearl, trained by Jodie and Anthony Lord, the winner of the 2022 Golden Easter Egg and the April edition of the Million Dollar Chase, a winner of 25 races from 38 starts for almost $1.4m in prize money, but having her first start outside her home state. Her opponent, in the white corner (box) and representing Victoria, Wow She’s Fast, trained by Jackie and Kel Greenough, winner of the 2021 Phoenix, the 2022 Speed Star, Sapphire Crown, plus the Maturity Classic, a winner of 15 races from 22 starts for almost $1.2m, and the second fastest greyhound in history around the Sandown Park circuit. But let us not forget that this is not a match race, it is the 4 dog field, with the other two greyhounds drawn into the field, also being very fast and talented greyhounds, Photo Man (5) and the 2022 Million Dollar Chase winner McInerney (7). It is the first time in history that three millionaire greyhounds have raced on the one program let alone clashed in the one race. So whatever you are doing tonight, drop everything at 9:25pm and tune in, to watch or listen to this great race.
Let us not forget the wonderful support program also in place at Sandown Park, where there will be the running of eight Melbourne Cup Preludes (515m), with the first and second greyhounds in each prelude gaining automatic entry into next weeks Group 1 Melbourne Cup heats. These preludes have so much depth that any of them could well be mistaken for a Melbourne Cup final, simply outstanding. In addition, we also have greyhound racing at multiple venues across the country tonight including a very strong program at Wentworth Park, so plenty of opportunities for punters to back a winner.
Sandown Park Shootout Race 9 No 3 Wow She’s Fast $1.70 at PlayUp – Track specialist, winning ten races from twelve attempts here, we expect she can bounce back from her two most recent starts, at Angle Park and The Meadows, where she finished down the track after suffering significant interference in both races. The small field will really suit her, gives her some room to balance early, and we are expecting her to lead throughout. Remember, She’s A Pearl has never seen the Sandown Park circuit or experienced the Victorian starting boxes and lure system, so we are happy to risk her tonight. Selections: 3-1-8-5.
Sandown Park Race 2 No 8 Troy Intention $4.00 at PlayUp – This greyhound continues to improve with racing and does look a promising stayer in the making. A winner, in nice time, at his only previous attempt at the trip, he put in a strong finishing effort when placed third at his last start, at Geelong. This looks a suitable race for him, his strength late should see him storming over them late.
Sandown Park Race 5 No 6 Deadly Class $3.30 at PlayUp – Highly talented youngster who has only had 14 race starts, but has shown he can run scintillating times when given a clear passage in transit. Despite his middle draw, we think he has the speed to lead throughout tonight in this otherwise even field.
Sandown Park Race 7 No 1 Shipwreck $1.80 at PlayUp – Queensland star who has been extremely impressive in both runs in Victoria at The Meadows. Coming to Sandown Park for the first time but we think the track will suit him. Expect him to be pushing hard along the rails in the run to the first corner and hopefully he can come out in the leading three. Very strong late, so if he is within striking distance he can prove too strong.
Sandown Park Race 8 No 4 Yachi Bale $7.00 at PlayUp – Dropping back from a middle distance campaign, but we think that will help him in this. Smart field sense will also be a benefit. Very talented and very strong. He just needs clear galloping room early. Very attractive each way odds are on offer, so that is the way to invest on him tonight.
Sandown Park Race 12 No 3 Paddy Wants Pats $2.70 at PlayUp – Bred to be a star, and he is. Comes out running at this track, so he should lead with ease. Carves out exceptional times once on the lure so is always difficult to reel in. He is our early Melbourne Cup selection, and our best bet tonight, so make him the banker in your multi bets.
