Hot racing action continues tonight at The Meadows in Victoria when eight star studded heats of the Group 1 Australian Cup (525m) will be run, along with three heats of the Group 1 Fanta Bale Super Stayers (730m). With only the eight winners progressing to next weeks cup final, it certainly becomes cut throat racing, with box draws playing a significant part in these heats that appear so open on paper. Here is our thoughts and selections for all eleven heats of the group races.
The Meadows Race 1 No 7 Moraine Suzie $1.90 at PlayUp – Still trying to fathom how she managed to finish so close to the winner in last weeks Zoom Top, storming home for second after being knocked out the race at the first turn. She looks a special tonight. Tsar Bell (5) also had zero luck last week, so expect him to also improve, he looks the logical danger. Selections: 7-5-3-8.
The Meadows Race 2 No 7 Mepunga Ruby $3.40 at PlayUp – No luck last week in Zoom Top, when pushed wide early. We think she can find the lead tonight with less pace drawn around her, and once in front she is hard to beat. Stagger Out Lee (1) is a genuine group performer and the obvious danger. Look for Ritza Piper (2) to improve on latest effort. Selections: 7-1-2-3.
The Meadows Race 3 No 6 Cawbourne Magic $1.80 at PlayUp – Looked to have Zoom Top won on home turn last week but faded slightly in run home. Expect him to benefit from the run. Very consistent greyhound. Korda (3) was disappointing last week but he is better than that. First Picked (7) races very well this track. Selections: 6-7-3-1.
The Meadows Race 4 No 1 Victa Damian $1.55 at PlayUp – Very inexperienced galloper with only eleven career starts to date, but for eight slashing wins including Group 1 National Derby. Looks an absolute start and hard to see him being defeated from this gun draw. Storm Stroller (7) has good speed and could be a nuisance to the favourite early. Selections: 1-5-7-3.
The Meadows Race 5 No 1 Whitley Bale $5.50 at PlayUp – Huge effort here last week when narrowly defeated in fast time. A repeat of that effort will see her take a power of beating. Baby Jaycee (4) is the obvious danger but she is drawn awkwardly. Kai Bale (3) is always in the finish at this venue. Selections: 1-4-3-8.
The Meadows Race 6 No 7 Wow She’s Fast $1.85 at PlayUp – Very tough draw but it in impossible to tip against her. Absolute star and huge chance to qualify for yet another Group 1. She is likely to get cart across by Elite Alex (5) which should help her. Captain Larry (4) is a much improved greyhound and a forward showing would not surprise. Selections: 7-4-5-3.
The Meadows Race 7 No 3 Piscopo Bale $13.00 at PlayUp – Very even heat. We are expecting Action Girl (2) to lead in a race that does have a lot of early speed greyhounds engaged. We are thinking our selection can get the sit on the leader and prove to strong late. Rockstar Apollo (4) is very talented but poorly drawn but with clear run is a danger. Selections: 3-4-2-6.
The Meadows Race 8 No 6 Amron Boy $1.80 at PlayUp – Huge effort here last week when finishing a close up second in the Temlee. Loves this track and capable of running near track record times. Despite the port draw, we think he wins. Fernando Mick (8) loves wide draws and he should lead for a long way and is the clear danger to the favourite. Selections: 6-8-1-3.
The Meadows Race 9 No 5 Ailee Bale $9.00 at PlayUp – So talented but can be tardy early at times. But she is so strong we think she can give them a start and a beating. Look for Blue Tungsten (8) to set the early pace but he is suspect at the trip. McInerney (1) can improve tonight from the rails draw. Selections: 5-1-2-3.
The Meadows Race 10 No 2 Kelsey Bale $2.15 at PlayUp – She was outstanding last week in the Temlee when finishing a close third behind two super stars. Only has to run close to that effort and she wins. Very well drawn as she loves to rail hard. Landyn Bale (8) is very well performed greyhound and does like a wide draw, obvious danger. Selections: 2-8-5-1.
The Meadows Race 11 No 3 Yachi Bale $3.60 at PlayUp – Winner of the 2022 Melbourne Cup who has been freshened up for this race after some middle distance racing. Very strong late in his races. Looks a huge chance. Hill Top Jack (2) is always in the finish, whilst Xenium Bale (6) will super last start. Selections: 3-6-2-1.
