he spotlight remains in Victoria again tonight, where eight heats of the Group 1 Silver Chief (525m) will be contested at The Meadows, this being an event restricted to male greyhounds under 30 months of age. The depth of the fields is quite stunning, with last weeks Melbourne Cup winner, Yachi Bale, amongst the dogs who will need to win their heat tonight to qualify for the final next week. It certainly promises to be an outstanding night of racing.
On Thursday night at Dapto, four heats of the Group 1 Dapto Megastar were run, with less than one length separating the heats winners on times, On The Bus (29.72), Yuko Girl (29.73), Coast Model (29.74), and Father Rick (29.78). With the runners up in each of the four heats also qualifying for the final next Thursday, we can be assured of a great contest and attempting to find the winner, likely to be a difficult task. At Albion Park on Thursday, Tyanna Belle caused a major boil over in taking out the final of the Queensland Flame (520m) for veteran trainer Doug Gladman, to become the Queensland representative in The Phoenix which is to be run at The Meadows on 17 December. Jumping straight to the front, Tyanna Belle took full advantage of a major first turn scrimmage, settings up a huge break by mid race to record a comfortable four length victory. Her task in Melbourne will not be an easy one, but you can be guaranteed she will give her all in her quest to take out the $1 million dollar first prize for The Phoenix winner. Finally, last night at The Gardens, two heats of the Group 2 Newcastle Cup (715m) took place, with leading trainer Jodie Lord supplying the winner of both heats, Cawbourne Magic (41.60) and Silver Luck (41.84). Despite being beaten into second place behind Cawbourne Magic last night, the run of Stagger Out Lee, winner of the Group 1 Bold Trease at Sandown last week, was exceptional and she is our early selection for the final.
Finding winners for our followers proved a little difficult on Thursday, so hopefully tonight we can return to the form we have become accustomed to. Aside from racing at The Meadows, we also have racing at Wentworth Park, The Gardens, Dubbo, Ipswich, Ballarat and Cannington.
The Meadows Race 3 No 2 Sher Zany $6.50 at PlayUp – Outstanding winner at this track recently over the 600 metre trip, recording an exceptional closing split, before putting in a disappointing run at his most recent start when he was stepped up to the longer distance. We are prepared to forgive him on his last run, and are expecting him to bounce back tonight at attractive odds. This greyhound, on his night, is more than capable of mixing it with the very best.
The Meadows Race 4 No 4 Mepunga Raider $10.00 at PlayUp – Burst on the scene mid year and looked like being the next big thing in greyhound racing. But lost confidence soon after, before being tried over the distance without much success. Back to sprinting now and his most recent run at Geelong was super when finishing fourth. He does love this track and distance, winning four from eight, with a personal best of 29.88. On an each way basis, the odds on offer are exceptional. Genuine chance.
The Meadows Race 6 No 1 Blue Demon $7.50 at PlayUp – This is a very hard race on paper and luck will play a big part in who salutes. From the draw, Blue Demon does he his chance. Gives indications he will appreciate the red box and he does have good speed once he hits the ground. Hopefully he can hold his ground in the run to the first corner, where we expect there to be significant interference as dogs from the outside come pushing over. A real each way Chance at the odds on offer.
Dubbo Race 8 No 3 Lightning Blazer $3.40 at PlayUp – Winner of sixteen races, with a further sixteen placings, from his forty nine career starts, including nine wins at this track and distance. Experienced no luck last start but that was from a wide draw. Will appreciate being drawn closer to the rails tonight, and we expect him to prove too strong for his opposition.
Wentworth Park Race 8 No 7 Zipping Orlando $2.20 at PlayUp – Very talented greyhound who burst on the racing scene mid year with some outstanding wins in fast times. Went to Victoria in search of the riches on offer, but just had no luck in any of his races. Returned to this track last week, finishing a nice second, doing his best work late. We think he can go one better tonight, and despite taking on a short priced favourite, we believe he can get the job done.
Cannington Race 2 No 1 Oddball Keeping $1.60 at PlayUp – Former Victorian having his first start in the West. Ideally drawn off the inside here on the bend start as he can ping the lids as evidenced in his recent fast win at Traralgon. Once on the lure he will prove very hard to beat. Looks the best bet of the night for us, so make him your banker in all your multi bets.
