What a night of racing we have in front of us tonight, highlighted by the running of the Shootout at Sandown Park. This event is for just 4 greyhounds with a winner take all prize of $25,000, and the field assembled is simply outstanding. All 4 are racing in top form, all have excellent form on the track, and a win by any of them would be no real surprise. We are selecting Hard Style Rico, drawn in Box 3, to snare the money as he looks to be drawn to hold the lead. His win last start at The Meadows in the Silver Bullet was stunning and once in front he is unbeatable. The support races on the program are also of extreme interest as we see 10 Preludes of the Melbourne Cup being run. This is the last chance for runners to qualify for next Friday nights heats of the greatest greyhound race in Australia, with the first two placegetters guaranteed a place in the heats.
But not all the focus will be on Melbourne, as we also have the running of the Group 2 Ipswich Cup final where Churchable trainer Wayne Scott will supply half the field, a wonderful training display. And we are selecting one from his kennel to take out the event, this being Farmor Beach. Loves the rails and he will find the rails early no doubt from box 2. A winner of 13 races from just 21 starts, tonight he can bring up his first group win but we doubt if it will be his last.
Sandown Race 1 No 3 Jepara $4.20 at PlayUp – Promising young galloper, stepping up to top grade here for the first time, but his reliable beginning and excellent mid race pace will see him cope. Can find the lead in this field prior to the catching pen. Once in front he is unlikely to be picked up as he does also have good strength. Selections: 3-1-8-5.
Dapto Race 6 No 4 Stanley Road $3.00 at PlayUp – Exciting staying prospect. His win at Wentworth Park over 520m was outstanding after finding early trouble. Narrowly beaten at only start at this track and distance but will have gained great benefit from that outing. Yes. Selections: 4-2-1-3.
Dapto Race 7 No 2 Zipping Truvy $2.50 at PlayUp – Looked a shade disappointing last week when beaten at this track and distance from box one but an early check saw her pushed back much further than expected. Has chance tonight to be in the first 3 we believe, and if that is the case, she has the strength to power home over the last 100 metres to claim victory. Selections: 2-1-5-6.
Ipswich Race 6 No 1 Security Code $10.00 at PlayUp – No run in his heat last week when he missed start badly from box 5 but ran on nicely along the rails from half way. Does need to begin better but he can from the red. Has a good record from the draw recording fast times in Melbourne. Each way value. Selections: 1-7-2-8.
Sandown Race 9 No 8 Zipping Bram $2.15 at PlayUp – Has excellent middle distance form since arriving in Melbourne 6 weeks ago, and it may surprise some that connections have chosen a Melbourne Cup path and not a Sandown Cup path. But he is in the kennels of the most astute trainer in the state, so that is good enough for us. From reports he has trialled in near track record time recently and should be well suited from the box draw. Class animal when on the lure. Selections: 8-7-6-5.
