The final of the Group 1 Hobart Thousand (461m), the oldest feature race in greyhound racing within Australia, will be run tonight with $100,000 awaiting the connections of the winning greyhound. First run in 1935 as the Hobart Cup, it became known as the Hobart Thousand in 1939 and apart from a two year break during the war years of 1944-45, it has been a fixture on the greyhound racing calendar since. Won by some outstanding chasers over years, names like Benjamin John, Black Aztec, Brother Fox, Hooked On Scotch and Tommy Shelby, the winner tonight will be no exception. The final field lacks nothing in quality, with recent Melbourne Cup runner up Fernando Mick likely to start favourite, marginally ahead of fellow Victorian Paua Of Buddy, whilst one of the most travelled greyhounds in the country, the West Australian trained Vice Grip, is also well fancied in the markets.
Hobart is not the only venue where group racing will occur tonight, as the final of the Group 2 Sandown Laurels (515m), an aged restricted classic for female greyhounds only, will also be run. This race is again heavily steeped in history with past winners including Cheltenham Lass, Blackliner, Winifred Bale, Carrington Jade, Sandi’s Me Mum, Paua To Burn, Up Hill Jill and Idolize. The final tonight is an extremely open affair, with any of the eight finalists capable of taking out the event. Sandown and Hobart both offer strong support programs this evening, enduring a wonderful night of greyhound racing at both venues. When you add racing at Dapto, Albion Park, Warrnambool, Angle Park and Mandurah, the punting public are in for a super night. Now let us find some winners for all our followers.
Sandown Park Race 3 No 3 Earthworm Jim $3.50 at PlayUp – Very talented greyhound as evidenced by his last win, that being at Ballarat when he recorded a flying time when winning over the 550 metre trip. Has raced well at this track and distance in the past. We expect him to be either leading or outside the leader early, before proving too powerful in the second half.
Sandown Park Race 5 No 6 Queen Lina $9.00 at PlayUp – Crying out for an inside draw but again tonight has to exit a wide draw. But in this field, we do think she has the speed to find the lead. No luck here last week in heat of the Laurels. Very attractive each way odds on offer and we think she is great value on an each way basis.
Dapto Race 6 No 4 Fantastic Trixie Bet Now at PlayUp – Appears a very likely stayer in the makings. Fast last start winner at Nowra after an unsuccessful trip to Victoria. She is in a leading kennel and no doubt well conditioned for this step back up in distance. We are expecting her to lead throughout. She does look the stand out bet tonight, so make her your banker in all your multi bets.
Sandown Park Laurels Final Race 8 No 3 Kelsey Bale $3.30 at PlayUp – Racing in outstanding form and capable of running scintillating times when she receives a clear run. Drawn to get the sit behind the two greyhound, who we expect to find the early lead. Kelsey Bale has a super turn of foot down the back straight, and is strong in the run home. Providing she can avoid early trouble she looks a real live chance.
Hobart Thousand Final Race 8 No 2 Fernando Mick $2.60 at PlayUp – Two starts back he had the Melbourne Cup won until the last few strides before being cut down by the winner Yachi Bale. Came to this track last week and reeled off the fastest heat time when winning by a big margin. Expected to lead easily again tonight and then hold off dogs his two main dangers, Vice Grip (7) and Paua Of Buddy (8).
Albion Park Race 9 No 1 He’s All Purpose $10.00 at PlayUp – Former South Australian chaser who has been mixing distances in his recent Queensland starts. However five runs back he was a fast winner of a heat of the Ipswich Cup, defeating a nice field. Gets his chance to find the lead here from the rails draw and once in front he is hard to beat. Very nice each way odds available.
