Those lucky enough to attend The Gardens last Saturday night to witness the inaugural running of the “715”, the richest staying event in the world for greyhound, would have walked away extremely satisfied. The Jack Smith trained stayer, Miss Ezmae, led from go to whoa to defeat Sounds Of Silence, trained by Frank Hurst by just over a length, and winning for connections the first prize of $500,000. The evening was not only filled with quality greyhound racing, but the crowd were entertained by outstanding Australian vocalist, Shannon Noll. Congratulations to GRNSW on coming up with the idea of running a half million dollar event away from the major city track, it seems to have been an enormous success. Group racing continues tonight at Albion Park in Queensland, with the running of the Group 2 Flying Amy Classic (520m) final, worth $100,000 to the winner, along with the Group 3 Dashing Corsair (710m) final for the stayers. The Flying Amy, in particular, will see an outstanding field face the starter despite a couple of the more fancied runners failing to qualify via the heats last Thursday night. And the box draw has certainly made finding the winner a tough ask. The Dashing Corsair does look more predictable but we will just have to wait and see.
Remember tomorrow night in Victoria at Ballarat, a massive night of racing will occur, with the running of twelve finals of the Pink Diamond Series, a series for greyhounds of various abilities and over a variety of distances, after the heats were conducted last week at regional tracks. We will have a full preview of each event, together with selections, on what promises to be a great night of racing. We have been in excellent form of late, and again last Saturday night we managed to selection a number of very nice priced winners, as we finished the week with our pockets full. Let us see if we can do the same tonight for our followers.
Albion Park Dashing Corsair Final Race 6 No 1 Rohan Bale $1.95 at PlayUp – Trained in Victoria by Daniel Gibbons, this fellow is a highly promising son of Feral Frank, who has taken to the staying caper with ease. Should be able to position in the leading couple early and then prove too strong. Bedrock Fred is the obvious danger but he does find trouble in his races. Selections: 1-6-5-7.
Albion Park Flying Amy Final Race 8 No 7 Panama Pepper $4.40 at PlayUp – This WA trained sprinter was extremely impressive in winning his heat last week, albeit from an inside draw. Will need to nail the start as the race is packed with greyhounds with an abundance of early speed. The Victorian Photo Man is drawn for a forward showing. Selections: 7-1-5-6.
Sandown Park Race 1 No 1 Korda $5.50 at PlayUp – Very well bred youngster who has taken a few runs to find his feet. Promising effort last week when hit the line hard for a close up second in similar company. If he had drawn a wide box, he would be half the odds but we think he is still a great each way bet.
Albion Park Race 4 No 2 Sound Of Silence $2.40 at PlayUp – Racing in career best form in NSW of late, and this looks an ideal race for him for his Albion Park debut. Drawn to lead throughout in this field. Looks the best of the night for us, so make him your banker in all your multi bets.
Sandown Park Race 8 No 6 Mepunga Warrior $8.50 at PlayUp – Resumed recently from a short break with two excellent runs at The Meadows resulting in a win and a close up second. Very consistent and versatile greyhound who races well all at this track and distance. Will need some luck to get through the field as he is not a fast beginner, but he is well worth an investment at the each way odds.
Angle Park Race 6 No 3 Weblec Star $2.40 at PlayUp – Has been a real start since leaving Victoria as a low class greyhound some six months back, winning some 14 races in SA. Loves this track and has been very good in all her runs over the longer distance. This looks her race.
Dapto Race 12 No 1 Cop Magnet $3.20 at PlayUp – Outstanding record from box one, winning five races from nine starts. Very consistent performer who is never far away. This looks a perfect race for him. Drawn to lead and win.
