Sensational night of racing last night at Wentworth Park where eight semi-finals of the Million Dollar Chase (520m) were run, with some results going as expected but also several outsiders being successful making it a tough night for punters. No doubt the highlight of the semi-finals was the outstanding run from the Jodie Lord trained She’s A Pearl. Beginning fast from her middle draw she ran sectional times that gave her opposition no chance at all, finally romping home an eight length winner in a time of 29.30. This time was clearly the fastest of the night, in fact by some 0.37 which equates to just over five lengths. There is little doubt she is the best greyhound in Australia now, she is just so consistent, and she will start a very short-priced favourite in the final next week despite again drawing box 4. The biggest shock of the night occurred in the final race, when the $81 outsider Zambidis, at just his sixth race start after gaining a run as a reserve, took the honours in a time of 30.02. Other semi-final winners were Irinka Riley (29.84), Coast Model (29.69), Good Odds Cash (29.67), Photo Man (29.96), Ritza Donna (30.29), and Doonan (29.97). Trainer Jodie Lord will have three chances at the million dollars as not only will she have the favourite in She’s A Pearl running, she is also the trainer of Coast Model and Doonan.
The two heats of the G3 Gold Cup (720) went as expected with Super Estrella, for David Smith, leading all the way in winning by six lengths in 42.31, whilst Zipping Kansas, trained by Jason Magri, recovered quickly from a poor beginning to take control a lap out and win comfortably in a fast 42.09. On paper it does appear that it will be a two dog race next week in the final. A huge crowd attended Angle Park in South Australia last night to help celebrate 50 years of racing at the venue, and it was leading local trainer Tony Rasmussen who was successful in the main event, the 50th Anniversary Cup (530m) worth $50,000 to the winner, when his star greyhound Mallee Magic proved to strong over the latter stages in defeating the Victorian visitor Auspicious Queen by three lengths. Popular veteran trainer Neville Loechel’s stayer Weblec Star, recorded win number sixteen when she scored a last stride victory in the final of the SA Distance Championship (730m) earlier in the evening.
Meadows Race 4 No 1 Belle Violin $3.40 at PlayUp – We on her two starts back at Sandown, at nice odds, when she was narrowly defeated. Enjoyed no luck her last week from a wide draw, Will love this inside box tonight, and she is the best bet of the night for us.
Meadows Race 7 No 6 Hushing Dusk $7.50 at PlayUp – Hasn’t won for some time but been racing without much luck. Not the best draw again tonight but we can see her finding her way into the middle of the field down the back straight. She is strong so she will be finishing hard late, and at the odds she is worth an investment each way.
Wentworth Park Race 8 No 1 Quinlan Bale $4.80 at PlayUp – Strong winner at The Meadows last start from this very draw. First up at the track but he will drive hard along the rails at the first turn so should avoid trouble. Very promising dog, from an outstanding litter, who continues to improve with every start.
Wentworth Park Race 10 No 8 Zipping Eve $3.20 at PlayUp – Huge drop in class from her most recent outings and she will appreciate that. Has the speed to burn across the field early and lead through the catching pen. Once she is clear, she is very hard to run down. Nice odds on offer, and we are happy to risk the short-priced favourite from box one.
Meadows Race 12 No 1 Indy Ghost $3.40 at PlayUp – Drawn to win. He should gain great cover from his kennelmate in Box 2 Dusty Bourbski, who does spear wide at box rise, and this in turn will make it difficult for the known leader Jefferson County (3) finding the lead. Once in front, Indy Ghost should be able to scout clear with a race winning break by mid race. Yes.
