THE focus for greyhound racing shifts to Queensland tonight with the running of the Group 3 Golden Ticket (520m) at Albion Park.
This series began last Thursday when four heats, consisting of four dogs in each, was conducted with the first and second placegetters progressing through to tonight’s final. And the final is no ordinary eight dog race. Yes, it comprises eight dogs, but they are split into four by two-dog match races, graded by their finishing times in the heats last week. The overall winner will be the greyhound that wins his match race in the fastest of the four. That greyhound will then automatically progress to the final of the Group 1 Gold Bullion, to be conducted on 3 February and worth $250,000 to winning connections.
The four match races appear very evenly matched and selectin the winner of each is almost a lottery, but we will try our best. The event is race 9 on this evening’s program.
Match Race 1 – No 1 Extra Malt
Quality performer who is as strong as an ox, and very well suited to match racing as she will not have to safely negotiate herself through a full field as per normal.
Match Race 2 – No 3 Kooringa Lucy
Absolute star who can run seriously quick when given a clear passage, and with only one dog to contend with, it makes her tasks much easier. We are selecting her to run the fastest time overall and take out the Golden Ticket, and at very nice odds.
Match Race 3 – No 6 Louis Rumble
Disappointing last week when he led and was run down by Aston Ulysses. Should lead again here and we think he can do enough.
Match Race 4 – No 7 Impact
Outstanding last week in winning and recording the fastest time of the four heats. Should have little trouble finding the lead here and he is strong, so should be able to hold he opponent off.
The supporting races at Albion Park tonight are scattered with interstate greyhounds, seeking to familiarise themselves with the track before the heats of the Gold Bullion (520m) and Gold Cup (710m) next Thursday. So, punters need to closely watch the performances of Xavien Bale, Kinson Bale, Knicks Bale and Gypsy Wong in particular tonight, as they are sure to figure prominently over the next few weeks.
Sandown Park Race 1 No 1 Knowing $3.20 at PlayUp
Broke through last start for her first career win, leading all the way at this track and distance in nice time. Drawn to repeat the effort here, as has the speed to find the early lead.
Albion Park Race 2 No 3 Release The Rage $3.40 at PlayUp
A member of the very strong Tony Brett kennel who has been racing consistently of late over the shorter trips mainly at Ipswich. Can find the lead in this field and hopefully can establish a winning break down the back, as we know he will be paddling late.
Dapto Race 5 No 7 Trouble At Mill $3.20 at PlayUp
Outstanding run last start at Wentworth Park when finishing a close up third in a heat of the Paws Of Thunder, after previously winning at FFA there with a powerful finish. Does race well at this track and distance, he appears the best bet of the night to us, so make him your banker in all your multi bets tonight.
Angle Park Race 11 No 5 Teddy The Bear $5.50 at PlayUp
Former New South Wales galloper who finished down the track at his first SA start last week, when experiencing no luck early. Small field tonight is to his benefit as he does need room early to show his true ability. Very talented when he finds the lure early. Very nice odds available.
Sandown Park Race 12 No 8 Keenando $2.80 at PlayUp
Approaching the veterans’ category but has been racing with renewed vigour lately. Very smart placing last start at Warrnambool behind the flying Typhoon Sammy. Will appreciate the drop ion class tonight. Should position in the fist three to the first corner and then prove too strong from there.
