Punters are in for another night of outstanding greyhound racing tonight especially at Albion Park in Queensland, where heats of the Group 1 Gold Bullion (520m) and the Group 3 Gold Cup (710m) will be run, whilst at Traralgon in Victoria, where the final of the Group 2 Traralgon Cup (450m) is sure to attract a lot of attention. Despite the number of entries being somewhat disappointing in Queensland, thirty nine for the Bullion and sixteen for the Cup, there is nothing lacking in the quality of runners ensuring some great racing occurs. The prize money on offer is outstanding for both finals, which will be held next Thursday, so no doubt officials will be seeking to determine why the events have not been supported by interstate trainers as well as they could have expected. It is our belief that the timing of the events in the middle of our summer months, is the major deterrent to trainers from southern states who are reluctant to travel at this time of the year. If these two events were placed mid year, we have no doubt the number of entries for both events would be significantly greater.
The Traralgon Cup field is an absolute beauty, with some very fast times recorded in the heats last Friday night including a track record run by Mr. Audacious at his first start for five months. A winner of fourteen of his seventeen starts, Mr. Audacious, also the holder of the Shepparton track record, is undefeated in nine starts at his home track and will start favourite in the final tonight, and deservedly so. But he will not have it all his own way by any means. Salad Dodger (1), previous holder of the record, and Mobile Legend (3), recent winner of the Group 2 Warragul Cup, will be other major players but we are sticking with the favourite to take out his first group race.
Aside from Traralgon and Albion Park, racing this Australia Day public holiday will be occurring at Sandown Park, Warrnambool, Dapto, Gunnedah, Hobart, Angle Park and Mandurah, so plenty of opportunities to find a winner. The Maidment Memorial (515m) and the Australian Sprint (515m) at Sandown Park, have both attracted strong fields, whilst down in Hobart, the final of the Hobart Maiden (461m) always attracts plenty of interest with the punters. Finding winners for our followers is the task we are set with, and we think we have identified some nice opportunities again tonight.
Albion Park Race 2 No 7 Stagger Out Lee $7.50 at PlayUp – Much travelled greyhound who has been racing with very little luck in her recent starts. Proven Group 1 performer so she has the talent. Gets back in her races, so dies need some luck getting through the field. Great each way odds tonight.
Albion Park Race 3 No 6 Days Of Thunder $6.50 at PlayUp – Track specialist winning eleven times at this track and distance. Disappointed here last week, when checked early, but we are prepared to forgive. Drops out early in her races but storms home. Looks outstanding value on an each way basis tonight.
Sandown Park Race 4 No 1 Andre Bale $2.50 at PlayUp – Racing in excellent form of late, with his last two runs being enormous when running second on both occasions. Perfectly drawn tonight on the inside and should settle in the leading division around the first corner. He is very strong.
Albion Park Race 4 No 1 Stolen Limelight $2.50 at PlayUp – New South Wales visitor, this dog simply loves the rails and tonight he finally draws the red again. Has the speed to hold the inside and once in front, and on the lure, he is capable of running very fast times. Looks the best bet of the night for us, so make him your banker in your multi bets.
Sandown Park Race 7 No 5 Jackpot Joan $2.90 at PlayUp – Did the right thing by our followers at The Meadows on Saturday, when she led all the way at nice odds. She is a reliable and fast beginner, and we expect her to jump to the front again tonight, despite her middle draw. Once in front she is difficult to run down.
Sandown Park Race 8 No 7 Zippy Tesla $4.40 at PlayUp – Best performed greyhound in the field, already a winner of sixteen races. Resuming from a short break after two railed middle distance attempts. Loves this track and distance. Has raced well previously when resuming from a short break. Looks to be excellent value.
Angle Park Race 11 No 6 Lochinvar Aloisi $2.44 at PlayUp – Former New South Wales sprinter now in the care of leading South Australia trained Tim Aloisi. Comes here with fair middle distance form in stronger class than this, so look for him to be strong late. This track should suit, as will the small field. Yes.
