The excitement is building towards the final tomorrow night of the Million Dollar Chase (520m), the richest greyhound race in the world. What a week it has been for connections of the eight finalists with so much media attention around them whilst trying to remain focused in finalising the preparation of their star greyhounds. At 9:51 pm tomorrow night, the connection of the winning greyhound will be richer by $1,000,000. Amazing. Tomorrow will have a full preview of the race, a run down on each of the eight finalists, and our selections for the big event. The support program tomorrow night is something else, including the finals of the G3 Wentworth Park Gold Cup (720m), the G3 Bob Payne Sprint (520m), the Masters Meteor (520m), the Million Dollar Chase Maiden Series (520m), the Ladies Bracelet (520m), and the Million Dollar Chase Consolation (520m), all worthy of being the main races on any other program. We can hardly wait.
But first we must get through racing tonight, where we will see racing being held at Geelong, Traralgon, Gosford, Temora and Mandurah, with the highlight being the final of the Mandurah Oaks (490m) which has attracted an excellent field, as per usual. It is very pleasing to see a couple of the newer sires, such as West On Augie, My Redeemer and Hasten Slowly, being represented in this final. It is a very open race on paper with all eight greyhounds having a chance of taking home the first prize of $19,950. On Wednesday night gone, the final of the G2 Warrnambool Cup (450m) was taken out by the outstanding chaser Ferninand Boy, trained at Lara by David Geall, making it victory number 43 for the son of Fernando Bale. The win was his fourth cup win on the country circuit, having previously taken out the 2021 Bendigo, Shepparton and Healesville Cups. He certainly has been amazing greyhound for connections.
Gosford Race 3 No 2 Belmont Duchess $1.60 at PlayUp – A member of the Joe McFayden kennel that has been on fire in recent weeks. Very smart beginner who led everywhere but the last bound at The Gardens last week when narrowly defeated in nice time. Drawn to lead again and it is hard to find anything in this field that will trouble her. Looks an absolute stand out, so make her your banker in all your multi bets tonight.
Geelong Race 4 No 1 Come On Pickles $1.60 at PlayUp – Resumed from a two month break recently at Bendigo when finishing down the track after having no luck in the run. Prior to the break recorded back to back wins at Ballarat and Shepparton, both in smart times. Looks ideally suited by the rails draw in this, so should have very little trouble leading and winning.
Geelong Race 8 No 5 Unathi Bale $3.40 at PlayUp – Has tremendous speed which he displayed recently in winning a heat of the G2 Geelong Cup over the 520 metres. Had little luck from his wide draw in the final. Better suited here back to the 460 metre trip where he should be able to find the lead early and then hold out his opponents to win.
Traralgon Race 11 No 1 Mamallena $4.00 at PlayUp – After being off the scene for almost six months, she has been very impressive in winning two of her three runs since resuming, one at this venue and the other at Warragul. Does appear to like getting to the inside, so from this draw we are expecting her to find the lead early and then power away for victory. She is being offered at odds that look attractive on an each way basis.
Gosford Race 10 No 2 Bugatti Fax $5.00 at PlayUp – Looked a touch unlucky here last week when placed second in similar company, as she was unable to cross clearly from her wide draw. Will appreciate being drawn closer to the rails tonight, so should have very little trouble in leading. Happy to risk the favourite from the middle draw.
Mandurah Race 5 No 6 Nova Nuggett $4.20 at PlayUp – Began well in her heat last week from the same draw but got caught up from behind and dragged back through the field. If she can begin similar tonight, we can see her up chasing the red runner down the back and from there, should prove too strong. Can run serious time on the lure. Nice odds.
