A much more normal night of greyhound racing across the country tonight with no group racing at all, a first for some time after a long period of high quality group racing on Thursdays. The biggest event this evening would be the SA Champion Pup (530m) final, a listed race for greyhounds under the age of two years. Victorian trainer, Emily Azzopardi, was the only interstate trainer to make the trip across the border last week to contest the heats, and she was able to qualify three greyhounds into the final, and all three dogs would appear to have a chance in the final. But it is a very open race and a win from any of the eight runners would not surprise.
Saturday night will see a return of group racing at The Meadows in Victoria, with the finals of the Group 1 Maturity Stakes (525m) and the Group 3 Fireball (730m) for the stayers =, to be run on what promises to be a great night of racing. And tomorrow at Goulburn and Wagga Wagga, further heats of the Southern Stars will be run, with the rich final to be held at Goulburn the next Friday. Unfortunately the Goulburn heats have been robbed of significant interest with scratching this afternoon of the Million Dollar Chase winner, She’s A Pearl, who was due to make her return to racing following a spell. Her scratching will really open the event up now, and we think Good Odds Cash is now the dog to beat in the series.
Sandown Park Race 2 No 6 Sweet Vibes $3.70 at PlayUp – Huge motor when she can find room to get out by herself. Strong as an ox and is a potential staying star. Will give them a start at the halfway mark but look for her steaming home in the final stages. Looks nice value.
Albion Park Race 4 No 3 Magical Hope $4.00 at PlayUp – Veteran performer racing against her own class in this event. A winner of 19 races at this track of which 13 have been over this distance. Loves the rails and she will find it tonight. Looks a great each way bet, she always gives you a nice run for your money.
Sandown Park Race 5 No 6 Street Of Dreams $3.50 at PlayUp – Another greyhound with a hug motor. Can we clumsy in a field at times but he has an empty box inside him tonight so that should help. Very strong dog and another who should make a stayer in due course. This race lacks depth and we think he is the best of good things. Nice value again.
Sandown Park Race 6 No 2 Zara’s Ivan $2.25 at PlayUp – Absolutely outstanding here last week when he jumped in front and put a space in the field. We are expecting the same again tonight. Very talented and runs such fast times when he finds the lead, he is impossible to run down. This fellow has a major group one race in him before the end of the year.
Dapto Race 8 No 1 What About That $2.15 at PlayUp – One of two runners from the Jodie Lord kennel and having her first attempt at the middle distance trip. Performs best when she can find the lead early and from this box should be able to achieve this. Can run good time when on the lure. A winner from only previous start from box one.
Sandown Park Race 10 No 3 Do It $3.30 at PlayUp – Winner of last year’s Group 1 Adelaide Cup and a finalist in many group races, and tonight he finds himself in a Grade 5 at his favourite track. His run her last week was excellent, he should have won. Has the speed to find the rails early, where he loves to race. Class act and he does look the best bet of the night anywhere in the country, as make him your banker in all multi bets.
Angle Park Race 11 No 1 John Dutton $1.85 at PlayUp – Racing very consistently without winning of late but from this box he should get the job done tonight. Well suited from the inside and has the speed to be in a forward position early. Yes.
