As we suggested, Kooringa Lucy proved to be the fastest greyhound at Albion Park in the Group 3 Golden Ticket (520m) and therefore winning her way into the final of the Group 1 Gold Bullion, to be conducted on 3 February and worth $250,000 to winning connections. Despite not being able to hold the lead in her match race against Little Byrnes, Kooringa Lucy proved too strong in the closing stages to run away for a comfortable three length victory in 30.12, which turned out to be the fastest of the match races. Impact, who ran 30.19 in defeating Aston Ulysses in the final match race, finished the runner up.
Eight heats of the Group 2 Traralgon Cup (395m) were conducted last night, and country cup king Ferdinand Boy will be aiming for his fourth cup victory in the final, to be conducted on Wednesday night, following his 21.65 heat victory. However, it was Bendigo track record holder Typhoon Sammy, trained by ex-local boy Jason Thompson, who took time honours with a flying 21.53 heat win, and after drawing favourable in box seven he is likely to start favourite in the final.
Tonight, at Wentworth Park, we have an outstanding card of racing ahead of us, highlighted by the running of three Group 1’s (National Derby, National Futurity and Paws Of Thunder) and a Group 2 (Summer Distance Plate). Heats of these events were conducted last week, with all finals looking very even. But our job is to find winners for the punters, and after enjoying a super night on Thursday night, we are hoping the form will continue.
Wentworth Park Summer Distance Plate Race 3 No 4 Untapped $2.80 at PlayUp
Showed the benefit of a run on the track a week earlier when showing significant improvement here last week in winning her heat in strong fashion. She should be further improved by her second look, so we are expecting her to find the lead early and then prove too strong. Selections: 4-8-7-2.
Wentworth Park National Derby Race 4 No 1 Slingshot Jonesy $3.00 at PlayUp
Another Victorian, who was having his first race at the track last week, when he recorded a nice win from this box, despite looking a little new to the track at times. Expect him to benefit enormously from that look, and we think he also can lead throughout in what looks quite an even field. Selections: 1-2-3-8.
Wentworth Park National Futurity Race 5 No 3 Idolise $2.70 at PlayUp
You guessed it, another Victorian. Outstanding in her heat in running down Coco Model in very good time, and this was after being crossed early by that dog. Very strong chaser who was successful recently in the Group 2 Laurels at Sandown Park. Selections: 3-6-7-8.
Wentworth Park Paws Of Thunder Race 8 No 5 Wow $3.70 at PlayUp
First past the post in this race last year, only to lose the event as result of a positive swab to a banned substance, Wow gets his chance for redemption tonight. Loves a middle draw and has the speed to be in the leading couple of dogs at the winning post. Explodes down the back straight, despite coursing wide. Class runner and victory for him will be a very popular result. Selections: 5-2-4-1.
Meadows Race 6 No 2 Jarick Bale $1.65 at PlayUp
2021 Sale Cup winner (630m) who has been defeated in his two runs since. Loves an inside draw so he will find this more suitable tonight than what he has experienced at his last two runs. Has a huge motor and when he finds the lead in races, he can run some seriously fast time. This race looks perfect for him as he prepares for the upcoming Rookie Rebel (600m) to be held at this track next month. He appeals to us as the best bet of the night and your banker for multi bets tonight.
Meadows Race 8 No 3 Special Talent $2.70 at PlayUp
Had no luck in the run at his last few starts, so is due for a change up. Loves being drawn near the rails, so box three is perfect. Capable of running very fast times when he can secure that clear run. This race looks very winnable and we think the current odds on offer look extremely atrractive.
