We witnessed a wonderful night of greyhound racing last night across the nation highlighted by the running of two Group 3 events at Albion Park in Queensland. The first of these was the Super Sprinters (520m) event and what a thrilling race eventuated, with the Jason Thompson trained sprinter Equalizer making it back to back victories in this race when he scored a last stride victory over the tearaway leader Orchestrate, trained locally by Tony Brett. Fast approaching four years of age, Equalizer spent over six months on the side lines after he tore his achilles tendon shortly after his victory in the race last year. Not many dogs come back to racing following surgery for this injury, so to come back and still be able to win at group level is an amazing training performance. No doubt Equalizer will remain in Brisbane now to contest the upcoming Brisbane Cup, and a win in that race is not beyond the star galloper. The second group race was the Super Stayers Invitational (710m) and again it was taken out by an interstate invader when the South Australian stayer, Bedrock Fred, jumped straight to the front and never looked in danger, defeating triple Group 1 winning Victorian greyhound Gypsy Wyong by almost five lengths in the very quick time of 41.42, the fastest time recorded for the distance in over two years. Fresh from his victory last week in the Group 3 Dashing Corsair, this greyhound has travelled the country competing in the big races, but he has really excelled over the last month under the training of caretaker trainer Tony Brett. He too, will remain in Queensland for the upcoming Group 1 races.
Over in South Australia at Angle Park, the final of the Bayroad Queen Stayers Cup (730m) was taken out in fine style by Victa Haydn, trained by Tony Rasmussen, who took control heading into the back and then was able to withhold the finish of Beck’s Monelli, winning by just over two lengths. A model of consistency since he began racing, the victory last night took his tally to 20 race wins, along with 29 placings for his 60 race starts. We suggest he has plenty more wins left in him too. Tonight the focus switches to Richmond in New South Wales, where the finals of two Group 2 events, the Richmond Oaks and the Richmond Derby, will both be run. Both fields are of the highest standard after some keenly contested heats last week. We will attempt to find the punters the winner of both races, but a couple of other selections that may help fill the pockets of our followers.
Richmond Race 6 No 1 Yuko Girl $2.90 at PlayUp – What a great race this is, and what a tough task it is trying to find the winner. In the end, we have decided to go for the dog that is drawn the bets. Yoko Girl races very well from an inside draw, and she should have enough speed to hold the lead and hopefully that will be enough to secure victory. Fantastic Raven (2) and Good Odds Cash (7) will both be applying pressure throughout. Selections: 1-2-7-3.
Richmond Race 8 No 4 Zipping Kyrgios $2.40 at PlayUp – Returned to his very best with his last two wins, the latest being his brace heat win last week in 29.51, narrowly defeating Chasing Fernando (2). We think he will have benefitted from that run and are expected him to prove too strong late again. Watch for Zipping Maserati (6) to be right in this, but he needs to begin better tonight than he did last week in his heat. Another great race. Selections: 4-6-3-1.
Wagga Race 10 No 1 Tiggerlong Blaze $4.60 at PlayUp – Not an overly strong field and this selection will appreciate the drop in grade from what she has been competing in. We think she has enough speed to hold the lead and rails in the drive to the first corner, and if she can do that, she should be able to get the money.
Bendigo Race 9 No 4 Aston Samba $2.30 at PlayUp – Been racing very well of late in strong fields at both city tracks, over the middle distance. Should be able to find the lead with ease tonight in this event and then it will just be a matter of if she can run the distance. We think she can. Watch for Trenzalore (2) to be running home hard. Certain quinella.
Bendigo Race 11 No 2 Snowy’s Sister $3.10 at PlayUp – Racing in career best form, winning her three in very good fashion. Her last win was in the final of the Pink Diamond event at Ballarat, and she was super impressive leading throughout. We think she can do the same again. Best bet of the night.
