IT is often referred to as the greatest greyhound race in the world, and who could disagree.
The Melbourne Cup, 2021 edition, will be run at Sandown Park tonight. Build up to this final has been nothing short of amazing, no doubt given a significant boost by the dramas emulating from the heats last Friday when we witnessed a first ever dead heat in the long history of the race.
As the result of this dead heat, the slowest heat winner, Typhoon Sammy, missed a place in the final and was made first reserve. One must feel sorry for the connections of this dog. Then on Sunday when the box draw was conducted, renowned wide runner and fast beginner, Aussie Secret, came up with box one, sending shivers down the spines of the connections of all other runners. Once Aussie Secret drew box one, the race became even more open, and attempting to find the winner for our punting followers became even more difficult. But what we do have is a field of eight outstanding greyhounds so no doubt it will be a great race and the winning connections will walk away with the winners’ cheque of $500,000.
In addition to the Cup tonight, Sandown Park have a sensational support program in place, so punters have plenty to look forward to. The Group 1 Bold Trease for the stayers, the Group 3 Provincial Plate, the Group 3 Cup Night Sprint and the Group 3 Sir John Dillon Memorial brings the total of group races on the program to five, plus the listed Cup Night Stayers event. What a magnificent night of greyhound racing awaits patrons, who are allowed back to the track tonight.
But Sandown Park is not the only track racing tonight with punters having eleven other venue across the country where greyhound racing will be conducted this day. Let us see if we can steer the punter in the right direction.
Sandown Park Race 1 No 3 Hennessy $2.25 at PlayUp
Racing in career best form winning his last five starts at Geelong, Warrnambool and Bendigo. Raced here twice previously and finished down the track but he is beginning better now. We expect him to find the lead early which will put the other fancied runner, Paua Of Oscar (1) under pressure. Watch for Gracie Bale (8) to run a nice race. Hennessy is strong so once in front be confident. Selections: 3-8-4-6.
Sandown Park Race 5 No 3 Mepunga Ruby $2.40 at PlayUp
Outstanding last week when winning her heat in the fastest time. Look for Untapped (1) to lead comfortably with Kenny The Brute (2) and Mepunga Ruby chasing, with Ruby have the strength and the class to be to strong late. Line Of Quality will also be charging late. Selections: 3-2-7-1.
Sandown Park Race 6 No 3 Qwara Bale $4.00 at PlayUp
Her run in the Melbourne Cup heat was as good as any of the beaten dogs. She looks to be returning to her super best. Fast breaker when right, look for her leading out of the home straight. Carry On Angel (1) is very consistent and will be running home late. Do It is drawn well and cannot be left out of your exotics. Selections: 3-1-2-7.
Sandown Park Race 7 No 4 Aston Rupee $2.50 at PlayUp
Fastest dog in the race, but he will need some luck from this tough draw. We still think he has the class to win. We are expecting Kinson Bale (8) to find the lead in the run to the first corner. Jepara will be railing hard. Koblenz has the speed to be prominent. Aston Rupee has the strength to come from behind. Selections: 4-2-8-3.
Sandown Park Race 8 No 6 Bobby The Brute $10.00 at PlayUp
Outstanding win at The Meadows last week over the print course. Has the speed to be near the lead early, which we expect to come from Aston Ulysses and Gracelyn Bale. Jarick Bale is super when drawn in near the rails. Bobby has the strength to finish best. Selections: 6-2-3-7.
