Greyhound racing last Saturday night at The Meadows delivered everything that it promised to, highlighted by the magnificent win of Lala Kiwi in the Group 1 Australian Cup (525m), providing her trainer Andrea Dailly with her sixth win in the event having previously scored with Dyna Lachlan (2010), Spud Regis (2013), Dyna Double One (2015), Hecton Bale (2018) and Dyna Patty (2019). Owned by Andrea’s husband Tom and his twin brother George, Lala Kiwi, runner up to Koblenz in the 2021 G1 Melbourne Cup (515m) in November, was one of four runners the kennel was represented by the final, with Gypsy Bun (3rd), Daph’s Ascend (4th) and Zippy Tesla (5th) almost providing the Dailly’s with the first 4 on the Cup. All four finalists were all owned and bred by Team Dailly, further evidence that they are clearly the number one kennel, not only in Victoria but in Australia.
Mepunga Ruby was the dominant winner of the G1 Fanta Bale Super Stayers (725m) earlier on in the program, finally providing her with a much-deserved Group One victory in her sixth G1 final. Owned by Barry Smith and trained at Anakie by Jeffrey Britton, Mepunga Ruby looked the winner from shortly after box rise after she landed a close second behind Fernando Quest, eventually racing away to a very comfortable nine length win. The victory took her stake money earnings to in excess of $322,000. For all the breeding buffs out there, Mepunga Ruby’s sixth dam was a litter sister to Hall of Famer Highly Blessed, arguably the greatest female sprinter in Australian greyhound racing history. Would be very interesting to know how many winners this line has produced in the last 30 years.
The wet weather, currently being experienced down the east coast of Australia, has resulted in a late change to a heat of the NSW Country Classic following the abandonment of tonight’s Dapto meeting and therefore the heat scheduled to be run at that venue tonight. This heat has now been transferred to Nowra on Monday night, with fresh entries to be received until 9am tomorrow morning. The heat scheduled for Grafton on Saturday night did appear to be in some danger earlier in the week, but it now appears that this meeting is likely to proceed. Bathurst, Gosford and Nowra heats have been successfully completed, Dubbo will be held tomorrow night, The Gardens and Grafton on Saturday, Temora on Sunday and finally, Dapto heat at Nowra on Monday. The first four from each of the regional heats will qualify for the semi-finals at Dubbo (605m) on March 12, with the first two from each of the semi-final’s progress to the rich final on March 19, with the winner receiving $125,000.
Sandown Park Race 1 No 5 Collinda Lady $3.20 at PlayUp – Litter sister to the very talented due Collinda Patty and True Collinda, also members of the Jason Thompson kennel, who will be having just her fourth race start tonight. Dazzling winner at Sale in a flying 24.65 confirms she has plenty of talent herself. Showed good speed in recent stewards’ trial, so expecting her to lead here which will give her a great chance of victory.
Sandown Park Race 4 No 7 Well Grounded $11.00 at PlayUp – Drawn to follow Yozo Bale (6) in the run to the first corner, and Yozo has the speed to lead, this giving Well Grounded the sit. Despite only two place dividends he is excellent each way value, and well worth an investment.
Angle Park Race 6 No 5 Weblec Star $9.50 at PlayUp – Has been racing in great for of late, very consistently. More suited to this 595m trip than the 530m trip where she ran 4th at her latest outing. Again, we are saying each way, as she does look attractive odds.
Sandown Park Race 8 No 8 Collinda Patty $2.40 at PlayUp – If she had drawn an inside box in this field, Collinda Paddy would be $1.30. Yes, she is a risk from this wide draw, but this field is a significant drop in class from her most recent outings. Her run at The Meadows on Saturday was stunning. We think she is the best bet of the night across the country, and your banker for your multi bets tonight.
Sandown Park Race 10 No 2 Madam Maximus $4.40 at PlayUp – Unlucky here last start when she met trouble coming off the back when making a forward move. Nicely drawn here as she does like the rails. Looks a very winnable race with her main danger El Dorado (5) drawn poorly. However they do look a stand out quinella.
