Saturday night promised so much in the lead up, and it certainly delivered, an outstanding night of greyhound racing highlighted by the amazing wins of Yachi Bale, in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (515m), and Stagger Out Lee, in the Group 1 Bold Trease (715m). Witnessed by a large crowd on track, Yachi Bale provided husband and wife training team, Mark and Lisa Delbridge, with their first Melbourne Cup success and their biggest career win. The youngest and least experienced greyhound in the final field, Yachi Bale came from fourth down the back to overhaul the leading pair, Fernando Mick (2nd) and Plaintiff (3rd), in the shadows of the post to win running away by half a length, with winning connections receiving $650,000. The continual improvement in this greyhound, since commencing racing mid year, has been sensational and we doubt if his win in the Melbourne Cup will be his last group success. The win of Stagger Out Lee was even more amazing, reminding many of the racing style that gave Bold Tease, who the event is named in honour of, four successes in Australia’s biggest distance race, the Sandown Cup. Still last after travelling a full lap, Stagger Out Lee somehow managed to weave her way through the field, storming to the lead in the closing stages to record an outstanding two length victory, thus providing her young New South Wales trainer, Jack Strutt, with his first group success as a trainer.
Match racing often gets criticised, especially from within our great sport, and we heard plenty of rumblings again last week prior to the Sandown Showdown, a two dog match race, between Amron Boy and Wow She’s Fast, scheduled by the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club where the winning connections would pocket $30,000. But following the magnificent race, in which Wow She’s Fast prevailed by a head over the fast finishing Amron Boy, any rumblings were overshadowed by the mountains of positivity the event generated. An outstanding spectacle from the moment they jumped until the two greyhounds crossed the line locked together, this event will be remembered forever by those who were lucky enough to be on track to witness. Strategically placed, this type of racing will continue to promote the greyhound industry in a very positive manner. Greyhound racing tonight will be conducted at Albion Park, Dapto, Sandown Park, Ballarat, Angie Park, Hobart and Mandurah, and we believe we have identified a number of greyhounds that can provide our followers with a profitable outcome.
Albion Park Race 2 No 7 Oh Oh Range $3.30 at PlayUp – Resumes tonight, after a six week break, after an unsuccessful campaign in Melbourne. Quality greyhound who loves this venue, recording eight wins to date. Drawn wide is not a huge concern as he does like room to move in his races. This looks an ideal race for him.
Albion Park Race 3 No 2 Pocket Money $1.90 at PlayUp – Litter and kennel mate to Oh Oh Range, and we think he can provide the brothers with a race to race double. Was outstanding in his two starts at The Meadows recently in the Group 1 Hume Cup (600m), before enjoying no luck in a Melbourne Cup prelude. Returns to his home track tonight, where he has already won seven races. Very well drawn in near the rails. Should lead and win. He looks the standout bet tonight, the banker in all your multi bets.
Sandown Park Race 5 No 7 Zara’s Ivan $2.90 at PlayUp – Returned to something like his best form last start in a Melbourne Cup heat, finishing second to Yachi Bale in fast time. This race is much easier, so if he can repeat his last effort he should be winning. Normally begins well so he should be able to be in a position to find the lead before the catching pen. Yes.
Dapto Race 5 No 6 Zipping Kyrgios $2.50 at PlayUp – Approaching veteran status but still racing in fine form as evidenced by his fast finishing second in a heat of the Melbourne Cup to Fernando Mick at his most recent race track appearance. He will find this event much easier than what he has been meeting and he should be able to record career win number 33. He raced well at this track in the past, recording fast time.
Sandown Park Race 9 No 2 Weblec Star $4.00 at PlayUp – Much travelled greyhound who has returned to good form after going through a lean patch whilst racing in South Australia mid year. Prior to losing form, she had established herself as one of the states leading stayers. Her two runs back, over the sprint trip, have been encouraging. Stepping to the middle distance tonight looks ideal. Has the speed to lead all the way.
Albion Park Race 10 No 4 Keen $6.50 at PlayUp – Returns home after racing successfully in Victoria over recent months with his latest runs have been in group races. Drops in grade here but also drops in distance significantly. We are banking on him being fresh, so thinking he can sprint well. Has won at this distance range previously. He will be running home hard. Attractive odds on an each way basis.
