Another sensational seven days in greyhound racing in which we were able to witness the finals of the Country Classic at Dubbo, the G1 Perth Cup, the G1 Galaxy, the G2 Shepparton Cup, the G3 Murray Bridge Cup, the G3 Maitland Cup, plus heats of the G3 Magic Maiden series at Wentworth Park. But what lies ahead in the coming weeks, we believe, will be even more exciting than what has passed. Great times for punters. The win of the John Finn trained Zipping Kyrgios in the final of the Country Classic (605m) at Dubbo last Saturday night, in front of a crowd exceeding 1,800 people, certainly captured plenty of media attention, fantastic for the sport of greyhound racing. Zipping Kyrgios, who started favourite in the event, took full advantage of his rails draw, to win comfortably from the early leader Fantastic Raven in what was a wonderful spectacle. Huge congratulations to the Dubbo club for having the track in first class order and providing the public with a great night of entertainment. The locals took all the honours in Perth this year, something of a rarity in the past, when locally trained greyhounds won both the Perth Cup (525m) and the Galaxy (715m) at Cannington. The Adam Smithson trained Vice Grip won the battle of speed to the first corner before racing away for any easy win in the Perth Cup, whilst the newest staying star in town, Mambo Monelli, trained by Steve Withers, jumped straight on the arm to lead all the way in the Galaxy.
Not too many group races in Victoria get contested without an Anthony Azzopardi runner featuring, and it was his striking blue galloper Sunstantial that was able to avoid the mix up at the first corner to take out the major prize in the Shepparton Cup (450m) final in a fast 24.77. Club President Neville Lochael achieved a lifetime dream of winning a local club when his greyhound took out the Murray Bridge Cup (455m) on Sunday, with the Jeff Britton trained Weblec Ranger leading throughout for a comfortable win. In the Maitland Cup (450m), the flying Good Odds Cash for Tracey and Frank Hurst, proved far too good for opposition and she will take plenty of beating in the big races ahead for her. Tonight at Wentworth Park we have the running of ten heats of the 2022 Golden Easter Egg over the 520 metre distance. All ten heats, are stacked with class and depth, so a great night of racing awaits punters. Let us attempt to steer punters in the right direction.
Race 1 No 2 Where’s Rocky $5.00 at PlayUp – Races very well at this track and loves an inside draw. Very strong at the finish. Nice each way odds. Selections: 2-7-5-8.
Race 2 No 1 Analysing $2.15 at PlayUp – Very nice for her and she has the speed to take full advantage of it. Races well here. Selections: 1-3-6-8.
Race 3 No 6 Bandit Ned $2.05 at PlayUp – Great record at this track and does prefer an outside draw, so looks perfectly placed in this. Strong as an ox as proven by recent win over 600m. Selections: 6-8-2-1.
Race 4 No 5 Fantastic Raven $5.00 at PlayUp – Nailed the start in the Country Classic final at Dubbo last week to be just run down close to the line. Will appreciate the drop back in distance. Should lead again. Selections: 5-6-8-1.
Race 5 No 1 Coast Model $4.60 at PlayUp – Perfectly drawn inside Wow here so should get the gun run though and lead around the first bend. Can run very fast times on the arm and is strong enough to hold out all challengers. Selections: 1-2-7-8.
Race 6 No 1 Indy Matilda $2.45 at PlayUp – Very tough heat as all runners appear to have chances. We have finished up selecting the greyhound we think can lead, as have the early markets. Selections: 1-6-5-8.
Race 7 No 8 She’s A Pearl $1.35 at PlayUp – Pre post favourite for the final, and hard to see her being troubled in this. She is in stunning form, with heaps of early speed. Looks the bet of the program. Selections: 8-6-1-2.
Race 8 No 2 Zipping Kyrgios $1.55 at PlayUp – The only concern with this fellow is the drop back in distance from middle distance racing. It is a tough enough heat but we will stick with him. The X factor is Zippy Tesla in box 8, a huge watch. Selections: 2-8-4-5.
Race 9 No 4 Lala Kiwi $1.60 at PlayUp – Empty box on her outside and a fence crasher on her inside, makes her a special we think. Proven group performer who continues to excel. Yes. Selections: 4-73-2.
Race 10 No 8 Decimate $3.60 at PlayUp – Another tough heat. This Victorian has been racing in excellent form and has handled a wide draw in the past. Will need to begin however. Selections: 8-4-3-2.
