The biggest night ever, awaits us this evening, in the history of greyhound racing in Queensland, with the headline act being the running of the final of the Group 1 Gold Bullion (520m), race eight on a super twelve race program at Albion Park. This is likely to be the second last edition of the Gold Bullion to be held at Albion Park, with construction of a new state-of-the-art greyhound racing centre at Purga, near Ipswich, expected to be completed in 2024, freeing up the existing Albion Park site to allow for the building of sporting facilities in time for Brisbane’s hosting if the 2032 Summer Olympics. As mentioned last week, the timing of the Gold Bullion is not ideal to attract interstate greyhounds due to concern in regard to Queenslands heat and humidity during January, but the field that will face the starter tonight is still very worthy of the Group 1 status the event holds. But the Gold Bullion is not the only feature event on the program tonight, with four other finals to be run, the Group 3 Gold Cup (710m), the Queensland Shortcourse (331m), the Country Cup (520m), and the listed Golden Oldies (520m). What a wonderful night of greyhound racing can be expected.
Selecting winners for our followers is the task we are assigned with weekly, but we also like to provide an insight into the current happenings within the greyhound industry. As mentioned above, exciting times lie ahead in Queensland with the new greyhound racing centre at Purga under construction, an announcement made in New South Wales last week in regard to a new racing and rehoming complex to be constructed at Dapto was indeed sensational news for the industry in that state. The announcement comes as Greyhound Racing New South Wales successfully completed the first trial of rehoming greyhounds into the USA, where the demand for greyhounds as premium pets is at an all time high. The sport is certainly enjoying good times across the nation and there has been no better time to be involved in greyhound ownership. Do yourself a favour, get involved.
Sandown Park Race 2 No 4 Mepunga Tess $2.20 at PlayUp – Superbly bred youngster who is stepping back up to the 595 metre trip tonight, having won impressively at her only previous attempt at the trip. Has the makings of a very good stayer. This field lacks depth and we think she is the best bet anywhere tonight so make her your banker in all multi bets.
Albion Park Race 2 No 8 Zipping Whiskey $1.70 at PlayUp – Excellent second here two starts back, coming from well back in the field early. Then last week in a heat of the Gold Cup, he never really recovered from early interference and finished well down the track. This race is a much easier assignment and the small field suits ideally. He really does look a class above his rivals.
Sandown Park Race 6 No 1 Zoha Bale $2.15 at PlayUp – Three runs back, since a four week break from racing, should have this greyhound at close to peak fitness again. His last two starts have resulted in nice placings at this track and distance. Not the fastest beginner but he is extremely talented when afforded a clear run. From this ideal inside draw, he should be able to account for this field.
Albion Park Race 6 No 1 Days Of Thunder $5.50 at PlayUp – We selected this greyhound last week, and on face value she appeared disappointing but we are willing to forgive. Mepunga Ruby (3) should lead clearly but we think she is vulnerable second up at the distance from a break. Days Of Thunder dies her best work late and from this inside draw we are hoping she is close enough in the run, to get the job done. Nice each way odds.
Dapto Race 8 No 8 Father Rick $1.85 at PlayUp – Another extremely gifted chaser who has been in group company of late, so will appreciate the drop back in grade tonight. Loves a wide box so is drawn perfectly tonight. Should get a cart across early from the seven greyhound. Very strong and raced well at this distance range at this track previously. Yes.
Albion Park Race 8 No 7 Jay Is Jay $5.00 at PlayUp – Qualified for this event via his victory in the match race series, the Golden Ticket (520m), when he recorded fastest time of the series in winning. That followed up his win in the final of the Group 2 Queensland Derby (520m) here. Loves this track and distance, winning seven with five placings from his fourteen race starts to date. Drawn nicely and is all class.
