The racing last night promised so much and I don’t think anybody could be disappointed in what the end result was. So many highlights across the night of racing with some outstanding performances but also a number of upsets. The Group 2 Warragul Cup (460m) was won brilliantly by the Daryl Brennan trained Mobile Legend in a very fast 25.32. Jumping well from box three, Mobile Legend sat outside the favourite Landyn Bale (1) in the dash to the first corner, before dashing clear on the home turn and establishing a winning break to provide the greyhound with his first victory at group level. The final of the Group 2 Birthday Cup (405m) at Mandurah resulted in a stunning victory to the David Hobby youngster in Crumble Monelli. Just 22 months old, and despite jumping from the awkward box four, Crumble Monelli displayed scintillating speed in the dash to the first corner, where he took control and then race away to record a seven length win in flying time, chalking up win number nine from just eleven career starts. We have no doubt this will not be his last group win as he does look the real deal. The National Derby (520m) heats at Wentworth Park produced a couple of big upsets but the wins of Victa Damian and Rockstar Apollo were the clear standouts of the five heats. Owned and trained in South Australia, Victa Damian looks a real star of the future, leading throughout in winning by seven lengths in a very fast 29.44 at his first race start at Wentworth Park. Rockstar Apollo was also impressive in his heat win, again leading throughout in his 4 length victory, recording a time of 29.58, and he would appear to be the only greyhound standing between Victa Damian and becoming the 2023 National Derby winner. It was a different story in the National Futurity heats, with all four heat winners well found in the markets and with less than three lengths separating them on times. The box draw will hold the key to next weeks final.
The attention of greyhound followers will be firmly focused on Wentworth Park tonight for the running of the five heats of the Group 1 Paws Of Thunder (520m) and two heats of the Group 2 Summer Plate (720m). Star Victorian Amron Boy gets his chance to show what he is capable of away from his home state, and from his favourable box one draw he should be able to run a seriously fast time, maybe even down under 29.30 we are predicting. We managed to snare a couple of winners last night for our loyal band of followers, let us we can keep that form rolling tonight.
Wentworth Park Race 3 No 8 Cawbourne Magic $1.26 at PlayUp – Has established himself as the best stayer in New South Wales in recent months with some outstanding performances. Last week he showed his versatility by recording a stunning last to first win over the 520 metre trip. He will be too classy for this field tonight.
Wentworth Park Race 4 No 2 Stagger Out Lee $2.90 at PlayUp – Proven group performer who is much travelled in recent months. Loves racing at this venue. Gets back in her races so well suited by small field. Very strong late.
Wentworth Park Race 6 No 7 Simply Limelight $3.00 at PlayUp – Punters are getting value here purely due to his wide box draw. Loves the rails and he would be very short in the market had he drawn more favourably. But we think he has the talent to overcome the draw. Very fast greyhound.
Wentworth Park Race 8 No 6 Zipping Maserati $5.50 at PlayUp – Looks to be returning to his best in his recent starts, after losing form late last year. Winner of six races at this track and distance, recording fast times in a number of those wins. Looks well suited with empty box underneath him here. Gets his chance.
The Meadows Race 11 No 4 Zara’s Ivan $2.70 at PlayUp – Winner of thirteen races to date and huge chance to make it win number fourteen in this race. Can be a little hit and miss at box rise so is well suited by the empty box on his immediate outside tonight. Capable of running very fast time when allowed a clear run. Appeals to us as the stand out bet of the night.
Cannington Race 4 No 8 Electrified Bet Now at PlayUp – Huge effort last start when runner up in a group final at Albion Park. Returns tonight to his home track and from a favourable draw in a small field, he does look the winner. Loves this track and distance, winning twelve from sixteen. Yes.
