Merry Christmas to our many followers, we do hope you all had a wonderful day yesterday with family and friends. Boxing Day each year is a special day on the greyhound racing calendar, as the last group race of the year is run, the Group 1 Sale Cup (650m). The quality of the field that will face the starter in 2022 is indeed exceptional, arguably the best final field ever assembled. With a field so strong, the task of finding the winner is far from being easy. Locally trained greyhound, Alpine Butterfly (1), is perfectly drawn in the red box, and she has the speed to hold the lead in the run to the first turn. Dookie Devil (2), Lady Lilly Hook (4) and Untapped (8) will all be challenging in that charge to the first bend. We believe the key to the race lies in how Yachi Bale (5), Great Guy (6) and Jarick Bale (7) can manoeuvre themselves into the race as they head into the back straight. Something will have to give, we have no doubt. We have narrowed it down to four main chances, Alpine Butterfly (1), Dookie Devil (2), Yachi Bale (5) and Great Guy (6), and with the benefit of the run last week, her first attempt at the 650 metre trip, we are selecting Alpine Butterfly to secure victory for local trainer Des Douch.
Sale Cup Race 8 No 1 Alpine Butterfly $5.50 at PlayUp – Selecting her to lead throughout. Selections: 1-5-2-8.
Sale Race 1 No 3 Slingshot Hogan $4.00 at PlayUp – Sparingly raced of late but did show promise at this track in a good quality maiden series back in October. Resumed at Geelong in early December with a nice third after a slow beginning. More suitable draw tonight and gets his chance to break through for his first victory.
Albion Park Race 1 No 8 Real Slippery $6.00 at PlayUp – Nice maiden winner here recently at his third race start, leading throughout from an inside draw to do so. The wide draw tonight should hold no fears as he does look to have genuine early speed. Small field should ensure he crosses and leads. Expect further improvement from his last start. Looks excellent each way value in this field.
Maitland Race 5 No 1 He’s Got Swagger $2.20 at PlayUp – Looks ideally suited in this field. Two wins from just six race starts to date including a fast win from this same box, and at this track, but over the 400 metre trip. His other win was over this trip (450m) and from the awkward four alley. Displayed excellent speed in his races to date and we are expecting him to lead throughout tonight. He does look the best bet of the night, so make him your banker in all your multi bets.
Sale Race 6 No 7 Ride The Thunder $2.50 at PlayUp – This greyhound has an absolute massive motor, capable of running fast times when he obtains a clear passage in his races, as evidenced by the fast times he has recorded at this track and distance at his last two runs. The draw will suit as he does take time to find his feet in his races, so should make it three on the trot.
Albion Park Race 8 No 3 Deemed A Liar $2.45 at PlayUp – Very lightly raced but is building an excellent record, winning four of her six race starts to date. Began well from her wide draw last start to lead throughout for a very easy win. Gives impression she will be suitable by this draw near the rails. In a strong kennel and expected to keep improving with experience.
Sale Race 11 No 8 Aston Marvel $4.40 at PlayUp – Very consistent performer being a winner of nine races, with nineteen placings from his forty eight race starts. His run two starts back at The Meadows was excellent, in strong company, and a repeat of that run here will see figure prominently in this field, which is not over strong. Looks suited by the wide draw.
