Huge night of greyhound racing last evening with the running of group finals in three different states, resulting in some outstanding racing. Over in Adelaide at Angle Park, the Group 1 Adelaide Cup produced a massive upset result when the rank outsider of the field Buzz Junkie, took full advantage of significant interference in the run to the first turn to break away with a huge lead heading into the back straight, to then go on to record an easy win. Starting at $51, Buzz Junkie provided veteran trainer Peter Jovanovic, with his first win in the Adelaide Cup after many years of trying, thus providing the local crowd with much to cheer about. Despite the fact that many in the crowd had ventured along to watch the super star Wow She’s Fast run, the win still proved very popular with the locals. After beginning well from box five, Wow She’s Fast, was knocked from pillar to post when the red runner, Mallee Magic, veered to the outside shortly after box rise, disrupting the majority of the field in doing so and with Wow She’s Fast being the worst effected.
The results in the other two group finals did not produce results of any great surprise, when both were won by the second favourite in the market. The Group 2 Black Top at The Gardens in New South Wales, was won by the Peter Lagogione trained French Martini, who took advantage of a mishap to the early leader Zipping Maserati entering the back straight, to race away and record an easy victory. Still only a youngster, French Martini has proven again she can mix it with the very best, having earlier won the Ladies Bracelet at Wentworth Park plus making the final of the Million Dollar Chase last month, No doubt she will now head to Melbourne to take on compete in the Melbourne Cup, Top Gun and The Phoenix, races she can be extremely competitive in. Over in the West, the Group 2 Mandurah Cup was taken out in easy fashion by Vice Grip, a greyhound who is approaching the veteran status but still racing in outstanding fashion. Beginning well from box two, Vice Grip always looked the winner in the run after he trialled the early leader Bones McCoy who flew out of box one. It was win number 35 for the much travelled greyhound, with his career earnings now approaching $500,000, and we doubt it will be his last. It is likely he will head to Victoria for one last crack at a big eastern states group success, and he is very capable of winning one of the big ones.
Let us turn our attention to tonight and see if we can find our followers a few winners, after a night of a number of near misses on Thursday night. Unfortunately, we missed providing our selections for racing last night, but we think we have nailed a few winners tonight to make up for it.
Wentworth Park Race 1 No 5 Zipping Wilbur $3.70 at PlayUp – Five of his six career wins have been recorded at this track and distance, proving his love of the venue. Experienced no luck in the run last start in a heat of the Group 2 Black Top at The Gardens, he will find this race much easier. Yes the draw is a concern, but he had the ability to overcome any difficulties he may encounter. He looks attractive odds to us.
The Meadows Race 4 No 2 Soda Success $1.75 at PlayUp – Outstanding winner here to two starts back in very fast time before having zero luck last week. Loves being drawn close to the rails so he should be able to position himself near the lead early tonight. Strong dog who should take a power of beating.
The Meadows Race 6 No 7 Aston Ulysses $5.00 at PlayUp – Resumed from a short break with an unlucky third in a heat of the Group 1 Adelaide Cup recently. Better known as a middle distance performer but will be suited by the small field here. Dies appreciate room in his races so will enjoy the wide draw. Very nice each way odds tonight despite there being only two dividends.
Wentworth Park Race 6 No 1 That’ll Do Neo $1.80 at PlayUp – Former Victorian who recently joined the Michael Hardman kennels, who recorded an excellent second here first up last week, before having no luck on Wednesday night from a middle box. This breed love the rails and he will excel from his inside draw, proven down south that he improves significantly from box one. He is clearly the best bet of the night, and a must in all your multi bets.
The Meadows Race 7 No 7 Zoha Bale $5.50 at PlayUp – His win here last week was stunning, running a last section that only the very best can do. Yes he lacks some early zip but he is improving all the time. Extremely hard chaser who has good field sense. Only has to get a clear run to be right in the finish. Attractive odds are on offer, we think they are overs.
