THE attention in greyhound racing moves away from Victoria for a few weeks after what has been a massive month of racing highlighted by the brilliant win of the David Geall trained Koblenz in the 2021 Melbourne Cup last Friday night at Sandown Park.
Group one racing continues however in New South Wales, with four heats tonight of the Dapto Megastar, with the first and second greyhounds from each heat making their way into the final. Unfortunately this event was robbed of much interest this morning, when three runners from the strong Anthony Lord kennel were all scratched, due to illness, including the series favourite Bandit Ned. Despite the loss of these greyhounds, the four heats still have good depth and this will ensure the final, scheduled for next Thursday and worth $75,000 to the winning connections, should be a great contest.
In Queensland tonight at Albion Park, the final of the Queensland Flame will be run, with the winning greyhound securing a place in the inaugural $1.45m Phoenix which is to be run at The Meadows on December 18. Heats for this event were conducted last Thursday and the field drawn together is of the highest quality, and no doubt the winning greyhound will be very competitive come the final of the Phoenix.
Meanwhile racing is also hotting up down south as we move towards the time honoured Hobart 1000, and only group one greyhound race held in Tasmania. Heats for this event will be conducted next Thursday, with the $75,000 to the winner final to be run seven days later. Tonight we see the Barry Heawood Hobart Thousand Prelude being run which will feature two runners from the David Geall kennels, Fernando Mick and Ferdinand Boy, both proven top class sprinters on the mainland.
Now let us see if we can continue our fine recent form, and find some winners for our followers.
Sandown Park Race 3 No 2 Arizona Eyes $2.45 at PlayUp
Renowned slow beginner but he rattles home in his races. He drops in class tonight, which he will appreciate. He will also enjoy being drawn down near the rails, as his overall record from inside draws is good. This looks a very winnable race for him. Despite the short odds, he still likes value.
Dapto Race 5 No 2 Zipping Kyrgios $1.80 at PlayUp
Absolute start sprinter who has enjoyed absolutely zero luck at his last three starts. This draw really suits him as the 3 dog does like to use plenty of the track. So strong at the end, he does look to have the overall edge on his rivals. We rate him our best of the night, and your banker for all multi bets.
Dapto Race 7 No 3 Neangar Boy $5.50 at PlayUp
Only a five dog field but they are all capable of winning on their day. We think this fellow looks really nice value. Has shown excellent speed at last two starts at Wentworth where he led up on both occasions. We think he can do the same tonight, and at the tighter Dapto venue, he would be able to establish a winning break by half way and then hold on for victory.
Albion Park Race 8 No 8 Extra Malt $4.00 at PlayUp
Even race, but this girl has never raced in better form than she is at the moment. Looking for Farmour Beach (7) to run cover for her in the dash to the first corner, as he loves to get the rails. She is so strong, so if she can land in the first three early, we know she will be rattling home. She looks nice odds also.
Albion Park Race 10 No 1 Hopeful Lana $3.30 at PlayUp
Super record from the rails box, winning five races from ten attempts. Jumped a little awkwardly here last week from the draw when placed second in good time. With a clean getaway tonight we think she can hold the lead in the drive to the first corner, and once on the lure that should be the race. Very strong to the line.
