Last night, Speed Star racing returned to The Meadows, highlighted by Aston Rupee making it back to back Group 3 Speed Star titles, with an outstanding performance in recording a flying 29.59 to defeat the youngster Weblec Blazer by three lengths. The Glenn Rounds trained sprinter had previously been successful in June in the Sandown Park edition of the event. Runner up was the Correy Grenfell trained Tiggerlong Tonk, who recorded 29.798 in defeating Lala Kiwi in their head to head clash. The 600 metre Speed Star event turned to be a very exciting affair. The short priced favourite, the recent Sandown Park track record breaker in Collinda Patty, didn’t have things all her own way against Zac’s Entity who was having just his third start in a race, with just over half a length separating them at the finish. Collinda Patty recorded 34.367, some three lengths slower than qualifying time, and leaving the door slightly ajar for the winner of the fourth match race. Mepunga Warrior led throughout to win, but in running 34.412 he was to fall short by just over half a length to defeat Collinda Patty, however it did secure him second place, narrowly in front of Zac’s Entity.
The relatively newcomer to the staying ranks, the Jeff Britton trained Mepunga Ruby, stamped herself as the next big thing amongst stayers, comfortably winning her match race in 42.595, a time that stood up on the night. Hank The Hustler, also for Jeff Britton, finished runner up in the time of 42.792, narrowly in front the winner of the last Sandown Speed Star in Five Star. Match racing continues to prove very popular with the trainers, but more importantly to the punting public, who have fallen in the love with the whole concept. Hopefully, it continues to grow and expand. The in-form greyhound in New South Wales at the moment is Wow, and wow wasn’t he outstanding last night in winning at Bulli in a flying 26.04, on a track that was far from being fast. How good would be to see Aston Rupee and Wow go head to head two match races, one at Bulli and a second at The Meadows? Who would you have your money on punters? Here are our five selections tonight for the punters, with Sandown Park still racing in the twilight time slot, and racing resumes tonight on the upgraded Angle Park track in South Australia.
Sandown Park Race 10 No 3 Bop Bop $3.30 at PlayUp – Looked very promising when leading all the way to win last week in a very hand 29.57, showing nice speed once he hit the ground. In the very strong Ennis kennel and he can be expected to continue to improve. Looks to be drawn nicely here, especially given the 4 dogs does want off.
Sandown Park Race 12 No 5 Shima Punga $4.20 at PlayUp – Used plenty of the track here last week when second from box one at very short price. Has to contend with a very short priced favourite here, but we are banking on our selection finding the early lead to set up a winning break. Will run top two for sure.
Albion Park Race 5 No 3 Stanton Warrior $3.70 at PlayUp – The night this dog jumps and leads, it will be all eyes on the clock. Enormous motor and the potential to be a real star of the sport, if he can just begin a bit safer. This race really suits. We think he is the best bet of the night, and the banker for your multi bets.
Dapto Race 5 No 2 Hudson Road $3.90 at PlayUp – Very nice win here four starts back after a slow start. Was again slow early last start here, from a wide draw, when finishing down the track. We expect him to begin much safer tonight from an inside draw. Promising dog.
Angle Park Race 8 No 3 Rushes $3.30 at PlayUp – Lisa Rasmussen has this fellow racing in fine form and he will be well suited to this track. Not a fast beginner when takes off if given room early. Can make it win number 22 tonight.
