The highlight of racing across the nation tonight will be the running of 8 heats of the Group 2 Ipswich Cup. Despite lacking interstate entries due to the Covid restrictions, it has been a great effort by the club to attract eight heats during these tough times. Our early selection for the final is former Victorian galloper Cyclone Fergus, a greyhound with an enormous motor who is drawn nicely tonight to box 2 in race 8 on the program. A reminder that this Saturday night at the Meadows, the running of the Top Gun for Sprinters and for Stayers take place, and we will have a full preview posted early on race day.
Sandown Race 2 No 8 Pirate Pete $2.10 at PlayUp – Very talented greyhound who can be quite clumsy in a field at times. We expect him to be well suited from the outside draw, providing he can begin in terms with the field. The field is not overly strong. Selections: 8-2-1-7.
Ipswich Race 3 No 3 Hara’s Clyde $2.50 at PlayUp – Excellent record at this track and distance including a flying 30.14 personal best. Ran on very well last start when placed at Albion Park in fast time. Should settle in the first 3 and from their will prove to strong. Selections: 3-4-1-8.
Dapto Race 6 No 7 Aston Onyx $3.70 at PlayUp – First start at this track but will appreciate the drop in class he is competing against tonight. Only 5 runs back he really pushed the Million Dollar Chase eventual winner, in Handsome Prince, at Wentworth Park. There is no Handsome Prince in this field. Has the speed to lead all the way. Selections: 7-3-4-1.
Dapto Race 7 No 2 Waging War $2.50 at PlayUp – Like Aston Onyx, also trained by John Finn, this dog recently finished 4th in the Million Dollar Chase final at Wentworth Park. Strong Richmond winner over the 618m trip two runs back, before being held up early when narrowly defeated last start, again at Richmond. This race looks ideal for him. Selections: 2-7-5-1.
Sandown Race 8 No 3 Waldorf $6.00 at PlayUp – Spent almost 9 months on the sidelines before returning to the track in September and has since taken all before him. A winner of 4 from his last 5 starts, he is thriving over the longer trips. Very comfortable winner last run at this track and distance and we can see no reason why he cannot repeat the dose tonight. Selections: 3-2-1-5.
