The Meadows, in Melbourne, is the place to be tonight, to witness the running of the 2023 Group 1 Australian Cup (525m), and the Group 1 Fanta Bale Super Stayers (730m), plus a magnificent support program. With winning connections to receive $300,000, the Cup field is one of the most open in recent history, with six of the eight greyhounds considered a genuine winning chance, and this is reflected in the betting market with six greyhounds all under double figures. And it is the same in the Super Stayers, very open and again, six runners under double figure odds. Both these races hold enormous interest but I think the race that holds the most interest for us is the Cup Consolation (525m), which will feature the flying Amron Boy from the red box. Desperately unlucky in his heat last week of the cup, when he found early trouble from box six before going down very narrowly, Amron Boy is capable of running record times with a clear run, so all eyes will be focused on the clock if he finds the lure early. A great night of racing is assured, so now let us find some winners for our followers.
The Meadows Race 1 No 6 Heffernan Bale $9.50 at PlayUp – Runs his best races when he leads and despite the awkward draw, we think he can find the front at box rise against this field. Very nice each way odds. Selections: 5-3-7-2.
The Meadows Race 2 No 4 Master The Art $2.45 at PlayUp – New to the staying game but does show real promise. Third last week in a better class field than this. Should be near the lead throughout and cannot see him running in the top two. Selections: 4-1-7-2.
The Meadows Race 3 No 3 Tan And Black $2.10 at PlayUp – Very impressive youngster , undefeated in his two starts to date. Should have little trouble finding the early lead here and that should be the race. A dog worth following. Selections: 3-7-6-1.
The Meadows Race 4 No 2 Whitley Bale $2.00 at PlayUp – Let us down last week when crowded up early before running home well for a nice fourth. Will make amends tonight. Selections: 2-5-1-8.
The Meadows Race 5 No 8 Osprey Warrior $19.00 at PlayUp – Drawn to run well, as we are expecting the six dog to find the lead and provide room for our selection to find a forward position early. Great each way odds on offer. Selections: 8-6-1-2.
The Meadows SUPER STAYERS Race 6 No 4 Stagger Out Lee $6.50 at PlayUp – Winner of two Group 1’s in recent months and was a dominant heat winner. Very strong late. Great value each way. Selections: 4-7-8-2.
The Meadows Race 7 No 1 Jarick Bale $1.85 at PlayUp – Three time Group 1 winner who loves an inside draw. Resumed here two weeks ago from a break, and ran super race from a wide draw. Looks the best bet of the night. Yes. Selections: 1-2-7-5.
The Meadows AUSTRALIAN CUP Race 8 No 7 Victa Damian $6.50 at PlayUp – Star youngster who was outstanding in his heat from an unfavourable inside draw. Capable of running flying times. Just has to avoid the eight dog at the start. Landyn Bale (4) looks likely leader. Selections: 7-4-1-3.
The Meadows Race 9 No 2 Trending Zari $3.80 at PlayUp – Front runner, who is very well drawn here. Racing in career best form, winning last two starts at Sandown. Looks leader and winner. Selections: 2-7-3-4.
The Meadows Race 10 No 1 Amron Boy $1.45 at PlayUp – Great draw for him and he should win with ease. Star sprinter. Watch the clock should he gain clear run. Selections: 1-2-4-5.
The Meadows Race 11 No 1 Joliet Bale $5.00 at PlayUp – Likes to lead and finds a leg from the rails draw. Drop in class also in her favour. Looks her race. Selections: 1-8-2-3.
The Meadows Race 12 No 4 Plan Ahead $4.80 at PlayUp – Very tough race with many chances. Consistent dog who is always in the money. Hard to see him missing a place. Selections: 4-7-3-8.
