ASTON RUPEE confirmed his position as the number one sprinting greyhound in Australia on Thursday night at Sandown Park with another scintillating victory in the Sandown Shootout. From box 3, he began well and found the lead in the run to the first bend, before coming away to record a comfortable 5 length victory over Tiggerlong Tonk in a very fast 29.10, on a track that was rated slow. Speed Star, Top Gun and Shootout, he has now won all three events clearly. With the Melbourne Cup and The Phoenix to be contested in the next month, Aston Rupee could well be on the way to becoming the highest stake money earner in the world should he be successful in both these events. What a star he is and let us hope that the general public is soon back in tracks to witness this outstanding dog in action.
The Shootout was not the only highlight at Sandown Park on Thursday, as a further nine Preludes were run and they did not disappoint. Koblenz was outstanding in defeating Typhoon Sammy in a fast 29.32, whilst the runs of Substantial, True Collinda, Jungle Deuce and Fernando Bluey were also eye catching. With eight heats of the cup to be contested this coming Friday night, the box draw will be so important, as only the winners will progress to the rich final the week after.
The Ipswich Gold Cup was all over going out of the straight, after the Steve Kavanagh owned and trained Louis Rumble found the lead with ease and quickly opened up a race winning break on his rivals, before crossing the line a very comfortable four and half lengths winner in a fast 30.29, on a rain affected track. Having previously been the runner up in three group finals, the win by Louis Rumble was certainly very well deserved. The son of Fernando Bale has been very competitive at the highest level over the last twelve months and he may well figure prominently in the Million Dollar Chase and the Golden Easter Egg, both to be held at Wentworth Park, next year.
So many near misses with our selections on Thursday night, with four close seconds and narrowly beaten third, so hopeful that we can turn the corner tonight.
Wentworth Park Race 2 No 8 Lock Master $2.80 at PlayUp
Very fast and talented greyhound who has been finding trouble in his recent starts from awkward boxes. Will really appreciate having no dog on his outside at box rise. So much speed when he hits the ground, we think he can find the lead, before the first corner, to set up a victory.
Meadows Race 5 No 1 Black Avenger $2.05 at PlayUp
Capable of running freakish times when he gets his own way on the lure. Hasn’t been beginning with normal speed of late but really gets his chance in this field and from this box to find the lead. Looks leader and winner.
Meadows Race 7 No 6 Tyler Durden $6.50 at PlayUp
Has been very competitive at the highest level in the past. Form of late has been below par but his last run was much improved. He will have benefitted by that run, just his second 600 metre race in many months. We are banking on him finding the lead in the drive to the first corner. He is very nice each way odds tonight.
Meadows Race 9 No 1 Blazing Times $2.40 at PlayUp
Youngster with huge motor. Very strong winner at Sandown two starts back before having no luck in the early stages here last week. Ideally drawn on the red box, should have little trouble holding the lead in the run to first corner. Once in front he should prove too strong for his opponents.
Warragul Race 10 No 1 Photo Man $2.15 at PlayUp
Absolutely no luck from wide draw at Sandown last start, after having won impressively at his previous two starts, one of which was at this track and from this same box. Loves the rails so the draw is perfect. Very promising young dog. We have rated him the best bet of the night and your banker for all your multi bets.
