AS THE excitement builds leading into the running of the inaugural Phoenix at The Meadows in Melbourne on Saturday December 18, let us take time to remember that we have other outstanding racing being held across the country between now and next Saturday.
The final of the Group 1 Megastar (520m) kicks off proceedings tonight at Dapto, and what a great race this promises to be, with the John Finn trained Zipping Kyrgios heading up the early markets after his stunning heat win last week in which he ran within one length of the existing Dapto track record. His main danger appears to be the perfectly drawn Sound of Silence, trained by Frank Hurst, who simply loves an inside draw.
Down at Hobart we will see the running of heats of Tasmania’s only Group 1 racing event, in any of the three codes, the Hobart 1000. The oldest group race in Australian greyhound racing history, the event has been robbed a little this year of quality with the Phoenix being scheduled to be contested at the time, making it impossible for the 8 dogs in the Phoenix to also compete at Hobart. But we still have six strong very heats being run tonight, with the winners of the heats plus the two fastest seconds, progressing to next Thursday night’s final. No doubt the greyhounds to watch tonight include the 2021 Adelaide Cup winner Do It, 2021 Melbourne Cup finalists Kinson Bale, Aussie Secret and Jepara, 2021 Devonport Classic winner Superior Wallis, star Victorian short course sprinter Ferdinand Boy and outstanding Tasmanian youngster Sacred Stance. Our early selection for the final, prior to the running of the heats, is the Correy Grenfell trained Kinson Bale, who did trial at the track between races last Thursday.
And let us not forget Albion Park, where two heats of the Group 2 Futurity and three heats of the Queensland Derby will be run, with both finals to be held next Thursday night in what promises to be another cracker night of greyhound racing. Now let us find a few winners tonight for all the punters.
Sandown Park Race 1 No 6 Calix Bale $8.50 at PlayUp
Gets back in his races but is very strong in the latter stages. This field is not strong and he does looks super each value tonight. Just needs an ounce of luck around the first corner to be right in this.
Sandown Park Race 4 No 2 Keep It Blue $2.70 at PlayUp
Races very well at this track and has been very consistent in stronger grades of late, without winning. Gets his chance here, as should be able to hold the early lead. Well placed in this event.
Dapto Race 3 No 4 Tarawi Ted $3.10 at PlayUp
Very fast dog who has won seven of his sixteen career starts. No luck at all here last week in a heat of the Megastar behind Tachycardic, when well supported. This field is a huge drop in class from that event and he looks very well placed. Our best bet of the night, so the banker for all your multi bets.
Angle Park Race 6 No 5 Weblec Storm $3.80 at PlayUp
Racing well of late but without much luck. Copped a couple of checks early last week before making up ground late. This is the weakest field he has met for some time and it just looks his race. Will storm over the top of the late to get the cash.
Albion Park Race 7 No 3 Just A Sort $2.45 at PlayUp
In the very strong Tony Brett kennels, and a winner of four of his last five starts. He just continues to improve and is now running times that only seriously good dogs can run. Good beginner and his drawn well here so should find the lead before the first turn. Very nice dog.
