THREE semi finals of the Vince Curry Memorial (520m) will be conducted at Ipswich in the twilight zone today, with the first and second placegetters, plus the two fastest thirds, in each semi earning a place in the final which will be held next Saturday. This event is for maiden greyhounds with the winning connections to receive $40,000 making it the richest maiden race in Australia. This glamour event was first run in 1984 and since then many of the winners have gone on to become household names of greyhound racing, including Captain Standby (1992), Token Prince (1997), Just The Best (1999) and High Earner (2009).
Surprisingly, the Ipswich club only received sufficient nominations to hold six heats last Saturday, a disappointing response. Given no interstate entries were received we can assume that Covid restrictions had a significant bearing on the low nomination numbers. The heat winners were She’s Sweet (30.47), Litigate (30.32), Shipwreck (30.71), Silver Sticks (30.99), Tiki Bar (31.30) and Black Comanche (30.54). Our selections for the semi-finals are as follows:
Ipswich Race 5 No 1 Litigate $1.14 at PlayUp
Sensational heat performance when recorded fastest first split and fastest overall time, despite copping a bump shortly after box rise as he moved up the track from his inside draw. Has drawn the same alley and he appears to just have to much on his rivals to be concerned by the inside draw. Short odds but should win.
Ipswich Race 6 No 5 Black Comanche $1.50 at PlayUp
Huge wraps on this Greg Stella trained youngster leading into this series based on some outstanding trial times at the track. Looked the goods in his heat despite being a touch tardy early and using plenty of the track around the first bend. Just must avoid serious trouble to win again. Looks a star and he may just become our next household name in the sport.
Ipswich Race 7 No 5 Shipwreck $2.15 at PlayUp
Super run in his heat when he missed the start from this same alley, before driving to the lead at the first corner and then careering away to record a comfortable victory in nice time. He has an empty box on his outside tonight, so expect a better start from him. Very nice type.
Racing will also be conducted at Wentworth Park, Gunnedah, The Gardens, The Meadows, Traralgon and Cannington, so plenty of options available to place an investment with PlayUp. Here are our best for the night.
Traralgon Race 4 No 6 Mr. Audacious $1.95 at PlayUp
Absolutely sizzled here at a recent picnic meeting winning trial by a huge space in very fast time. Obviously been saved for this rich series and he looks the winner. We have made him our best bet of the night and therefore the banker in all your multi bets.
Wentworth Park Race 6 No 2 Irinka Molly $5.50 at PlayUp
Star stayer who is resuming here after 68 days away from the track. In the Jack Smith kennel, which is on fire of late. Can record fast times, when she finds the lead, over all distances. Loves an inside draw. Yes.
The Meadows Race 6 No 4 Special Talent $2.20 at PlayUp
Let us down last week but he was not disgraced. He needs to find the inside early and with an empty box beside him tonight, he can do that. Races well at this venue.
The Meadows Race 11 No 8 Weblec Flare $2.90 at PlayUp
His two runs back from a long break have been excellent, with further improvement to be expected. Raced well at this track and distance at only start here. He won at Sandown in nice time earlier in his career. Has the speed to push forward early.
Wentworth Park Race 10 No 1 Fantastic Raven $1.65 at PlayUp
Recent addition to the Jason Mackay kennel who was outstanding winning at Gosford in very fast time during the week. Blessed with nice early speed so should have little trouble leading throughout. Looks a real special.
