THE past week in greyhound racing has been absolutely outstanding, but this is only the beginning of what promises to be a wonderful three months for the sport.
Let us quickly take a look at the highlights of the last week before we attempt to find the punters some winners for tonight.
Last Friday night, three group finals were run across the country. At Angle Park in South Australia, the Victorian trained Do It, a son of Fernando Bale, finished to well in the straight to defeat litter and kennel mate Mr Fix It in the Group 1 Adelaide Cup.
In the Group 2 Black Top at The Gardens in New South Wales, the John Finn trained son of Aussie Infrared, Zipping Kyrgios, was stunning in his come from behind effort in running down the favourite More Sauce for a comfortable victory. Then, later on in the evening over in the West, the former Victorian chaser Destruction, now in the kennels of Krystal Shinners, was simply devastating in winning the final of Group 3 Mandurah Cup after flying the lids and setting up a huge break by mid race.
On Saturday night at Wentworth Park, again in New South Wales, four heats of the Peter Mosman Opal were run, along with five heats of the Vic Peters Classic. And didn’t they produce some great racing. The Michael Hardman trained Fernando’s Glory bounced back from an inglorious performance recently at Dapto, to jump brilliantly from her inside draw before going on to win by over eight lengths in 29.71, comfortably the fastest of the four heats, earning her favouritism for the Opal final. In the Classic heats, it was the Ray Borda owned, Jason Fletcher trained Aston Barak who took time honours with his all the way win in 29.60. Sounds of Silence was equally as impressive in running 29.65 but it was the wins of Zipping Kansas (29.89) and Bandit Ned (30.11), who both overcame difficulties in winning, that really caught the eye. Both finals promise to be great contests.
At Bendigo in Victoria, also on Saturday, eight heats of the Group 2 Bendigo Cup were run with the highlight being the track record performance of the Jason Thompson trained Typhoon Sammy. In defeating proven group 1 performer Tiggerlong Tonk by almost 4 lengths and recording an amazing 23.28, Typhoon Sammy took one length (0.07) off the previous record held by Shima Shine. The win took his record in Victoria to 4 wins from as many starts since moving south from the Northern NSW kennels of his owner John Dart. Other impressive heats winners were Paua Of Buddy, Lots Of Chatter, Ferdinand Boy and Dr Tucker, so the final promises to be a great race.
Yesterday at The Meadows in Victoria, six semi-finals of the Group 3 Great Chase Series were run, and with very little on times between the heat winners, the final next week appears to be a very open affair. Last year the Bill McMahon trained Dr Tucker was successful in the final, and yesterday it was Ridge, also trained by McMahon, who took time honours when successful in 29.99 in his heat, giving McMahon a chance of back to back victories in the $47,000 to the winner event.
Albion Park Race 1 No 4 Ando’s A Thief $2.60 at PlayUp
Only had the two career starts to date, this daughter of Dyna Ville was very impressive in winning them both at Ipswich by big margins in fast times. Some six weeks since her last start, so no doubt she has been well schooled at Albion Park. Looks the leader and winner for us.
Warrnambool Race 6 No 8 Daniel Avocado $2.25 at PlayUp
Very consistent performer who will find this race much easier than his recent contests. Excellent run last start when placed in a heat of the Bendigo Cup. He looks a special for us from this draw and in this field, banker for your multi bets.
Dapto Race 5 No 2 That’s My Guy $2.00 at PlayUp
Just the one start for an impressive all the way victory here last week. The step up to Grade 5 is always a worry but this field is not overly strong. Locally trained and has the speed to lead throughout again.
Albion Park Race 7 No 5 What A Debacle $5.00 at PlayUp
No luck recently when stepping back up to the 520 metre trip. Has the speed to lead this field, and empty box inside him is a further bonus. Will be looking for the line in the straight but at the odds looks a nice investment.
Angle Park Race 9 No 7 Weblec Whirl $1.95 at PlayUp
Done the majority of her racing in Victoria but has now returned to the kennels of her SA owner Neville Loechel. A winner of 14 races, many in fast time. Blessed with plenty of speed and the small field is a further bonus. This is huge drop in grade from her most recent start in a heat of the Adelaide Cup where she ran a mighty race. Yes.
