WE all know that this time of the year is huge in the gallops industry down south in Melbourne with races such as the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and the Melbourne Cup.
But it is also massive for greyhound racing in Victoria, and this year promises to be one right out of the box with some outstanding racing occurring. With Victoria finally reopening after a very lengthy lockdown due to the Covid virus, the prospect of getting crowds back on course to witness these upcoming events would be the icing on the cake.
On Tuesday, the final fields for the Group 1 Topgun Sprint and the Group 1 Topgun Stayers, to be held at The Meadows on Saturday November 6, were announced. In the sprint, four greyhounds from both New South Wales and Victoria were selected, whilst in the stayers, we will see five from Victoria and three New South Wales compete. This is believed to be the highest number of NSW representatives to be selected for these events. The all-important box draws for both events will take place at The Meadows during their meeting to be held on Monday November 1. Pre box draw market has the Victorian star Aston Rupee favourite for the Sprint, whilst in the Stayers division it is another Victoria, Five Star, which heads up the early markets. Of course, this could all change following the box draws.
Racing returns to the normal night timeslot at Sandown tonight following the end of the 9pm curfew that has been in place in Victoria for over two months. Four preludes of the upcoming Melbourne Cup will be the highlight of the racing there, whilst up at Albion Park in Queensland the final of the Rising Stars Classic, a listed event, will take place. Down in Tasmania, things are starting to warm up also, beginning this evening with the running of the running of the final of the Tasmanian Gold Cup. This race leads on to the Devonport Classic in mid-November and culminate with the running of the only Group 1 greyhound race in that state, the Hobart 1000, in the week prior to Christmas.
Our job is to help punters find a winner and therefore provide some real cheer in the lead up to the festive season. Here are our best for tonight.
Albion Park Race 3 No 4 Stanton Warrior $3.10 at PlayUp
Yes, we are tipping him again. So talented but yet continues to find ways to bring himself undone in races. This field does looks to lack real depth and for that reason we think he can position himself up closer than normal to the lead in the run to the first corner. We know he is strong at the end of the 520 metre trip. Given all this we think this is his race.
Sandown Race 4 No 8 War Drum Express $8.50 at PlayUp
Does not win out of turn but this race looks ideal for him. Drawn perfectly in the eight alley, he should get a nice cart into the race with the red, having its first distance start expected to lead a long way. We believe our boy can prove too strong in the run home, and at very attractive each way odds.
Albion Park Race 5 No 3 I’m Explosive $2.90 at PlayUp
Very consistent performer who had no luck here last start when a fast finishing third from an awkward alley. Drawn closer to the rails tonight is a plus and we think she can follow the likely leader, number one, early before proving too strong late. We think she is the best bet of the night, and your banker for your multi bets.
Dapto Race 3 No 6 Winlock Lynette $4.40 at PlayUp
She looks to scout wide at box rise so we think this wide draw should suit. Has been racing consistently but without a lot of luck. This field is not strong and gets her chance to record her first victory at start number 7.
Hobart Race 8 No 6 Aston Paisley $2.15 at PlayUp
Formerly trained in Victoria but now in the strong Blake Purcell kennels on the Apple Isle. Was very impressive winning last start at his third run at Hobart, and in nice time. Suited by the wide draw and despite this field having more depth than his last start, we still think he will prove too classy.
