The build up to this Saturday night’s Group 1 Melbourne Cup (515m) and Group 1 Bold Trease (715m), plus the outstanding support program, is continuing, with the excitement and anticipation rising by the day. What a night it does promise to be and on Saturday we will have a full preview of the two big races, plus selections for all the other races for our followers.
Racing around Australia tonight is highlighted by the final of the Group 3 Devonport Chase which will be held at Hobart, this is due to the recent closure of the Devonport track. The final field certainly has some talented greyhounds who all qualified last Thursday night, with local star Nail ‘Em Fencer the fastest heat winner and installed as favourite in the market. The card of racing at Albion Park tonight is excellent, with the final of the Dave Brett Memorial Maiden (520m), a 5th Grade Final (520m), and two heats of the Queensland Flame (520m), with the winner of the Flame earning a place in The Phoenix which is to be run at The Meadows in late December in which the winner will collect one million dollars for connections. And let us not forget Angle Park, where the final of the Group 3 Brian Johnston Memorial (530m), for South Australian bred greyhounds, will be run. When you add racing at Geelong, Dapto, Warrnambool and Shepparton, it certainly ensures that the punter has many opportunities to find themselves a few winners.
Dapto Race 4 No 8 Punter’s Bandit $2.50 at PlayUp – She has been racing in outstanding form at Wentworth Park but she has been slightly disappointing in her recent Dapto runs. But tonight, in a four dog field, she really gets her chance. We think she can cross and lead, and we have no doubt she can run a strong 600m. Bandit Jane (7) is the track record holder but we just think the small gives Punter’s Bandit the chance to lead and win.
Hobart Race 3 No 8 Assassinate $2.45 at PlayUp – Huge drop in class from his last start, when he was placed third in a heat of the Group 3 Chase, only beaten by just over a length. Does not have a great record from this box, but tonight he only has five other dogs to cross, we think he can do that. Looks the leader and the winner.
Angle Park Race 6 No 1 Jezzali $4.40 at PlayUp – Poor winning strike rate to date, winning just three from her 35 race starts. She will think she find a bit from the rails draw, as she gives the impression in all her starts that she likes to get down to the rails. She has been racing consistently since coming across from Victoria and this does look a very winnable race. She may even get out to each way odds.
Albion Park Race 5 No 1 De Ferran $1.90 at PlayUp – Outstanding young sprinter who has only been unplaced once in 18 race starts and winning 13 of them. Excels at this track. Amazingly his only unplaced run was from box 1, but we are prepared to forgive him for that run in which he was severely checked. A consistent good beginner, we believe he lead all the way tonight. This fellow has a big future.
Albion Park Race 6 No 6 Shipwreck $2.90 at PlayUp – Only last week we were selecting Shipwreck to win a heat of the Melbourne Cup, so we have to stick with him in this race tonight which despite being a high quality field, it is a touch easier than his Melbourne Cup heat. Iron dog who gives his all each start. Recent form in Melbourne has been first class prior to his run last start. This race looks ideal for him and he should prove to strong for his opposition.
Geelong Race 8 No 2 Trapped $2.25 at PlayUp – Former Queensland galloper who has not enjoyed much luck in his two Victorian starts for leading trainer Anthony Azzopardi. Those two runs were from wide draws, we are expecting a massive improvement tonight from his inside draw tonight, especially now the red is scratched. Should be able to hold his ground early and the prove too strong. We think he is the best bet of the night, and therefore make him your banker for all your multi bets tonight.
Albion Park Race 8 No 8 Hello Mike $2.50 at PlayUp – Very nice winner here last week against a similar field, in smart time, leading all the way. This box should suit ideally as it gives him time to balance up after box rise and then show has great speed. Should be able to cross the field and lead all the way. Improving with each run.
