FINALLY we are getting back to some normality, not only in regards to life in both New South Wales and Victoria, but also in regard to greyhound racing with both Wentworth Park and The Meadows returning to racing on a Saturday night.
In recent times, due to the curfew in Victoria, The Meadows had been racing in the afternoon twilight zone, clashing with the main gallops meetings, whilst Wentworth Park was out of action completely, for almost three months, with the recent Sydney lockdown. We have no doubt that turnover will grow as a result the both meetings now being back in the night time slot and this can provide some real opportunities for punters.
Last night at Cranbourne in Victoria, six heats of the 2021 Cranbourne Cup were run on a track that was conducive to fast times, with all of the heat winners breaking the 30 seconds. The David Geall trained Fernando Mick was outstanding in leading from the first turn to win his heat in the fastest of the night, a flying 29.617 which is just on one length outside of the track record held by It’s A Blaze. His win was the first leg of a winning double to Geall who also was successful with Koblenz in heat 5 in the time of 29.863. Andrea Dailly will be represented by three runners in the final, heat winners Daph’s Ascend (29.884) and Lala Kiwi (29.783), plus Jax Bale as one of the fastest two second placegetters. To make it a real night for doubles, Graeme Jose also prepared two heat winners, these being the ever consistent Lots Of Chatter (29.769) and the Ray Borda owned Aston Shine (29.889). The final worth $50,000 to the winner, will be held next Saturday and it looks like it will be a very open race following the box draw. We have a week to determine who we think will get the cash.
Tonight at The Meadows, six heats of the Group 1 Hume Cup will be run, and this series always produces some stunning performances. The heats do look quite open but we think we have identified a couple of winners there for punters plus three more at Wentworth Park.
Wentworth Park Race 1 No 2 Cruiser Model $2.50 at PlayUp
Won two of her last three starts at this track and distance. Improved her time here last week when leading throughout from the four alley in nice time. From this draw she should be able to hold the lead again and if she does that, she should be winning again.
Wentworth Park Race 3 No 8 Outlaw Ethics $5.50 at PlayUp
Drawn perfectly and has heaps of speed. Yes the favourite has the red and that suits him, but he is short. At the odds, we think the 8 is much better value. We have no doubt he will look the winner turning for him, just needs to hold on the last 50 metres. Well worth an investment.
Wentworth Park Race 4 No 7 Stanley Road $1.95 at PlayUp
Super stayer who enjoyed absolutely zero luck here last week in the final of the Group 2 Sydney Cup. The smaller field here tonight suits him perfectly as he does get back early in his races and has to make his way through the field. Very strong at the end of his races. We think he is the best bet of the night across the country and the banker for your multi bets tonight.
The Meadows Race 9 No 4 Enter The Son $3.40 at PlayUp
Looked like being the next big thing in middle distance ranks this time last year but was struck down by injury. Had four runs back now and looks to be nearing his peak as his last two efforts, over the 525 metre trip, have been simply outstanding in making up many lengths in the run. Drawn here to be in the leading couple with a lap to go, and that will allow him to show his real ability down the back straight and open a race winning break.
The Meadows Race 8 No 4 Highly Explosive $3.80 at PlayUp
So talented but another that has had limited racing in recent months due to injury and/or illness. But her four runs back have been super and she is crying out for this 600 metre trip. Very smart in a field so the box draw is not a concern. With a clear run she is capable of running slashing times. She is our selection for the final prior to the heats, we think she will stamp herself as a rear star in this series.
