Upsets galore occurred on Thursday at both Albion Park and Sandown Park in the heats of their group races, certainly made the task of finding winners somewhat difficult. If punters were lucky enough to find the $19, $18 @ $45 at Albion Park and the $14 and $11 winners at Sandown Park, they would be still smiling that is sure. Despite the night being difficult for punters, it still produced some fine performances and the three finals across the two tracks next week, will all be outstanding events. Maggie Moo Moo was sensational in winning her heat of the Queensland Cup, nosing out our best of the night, Micks Recall, in the last stride. In the Brisbane Cup the efforts of both Shima Shine and Equaliser were simply first class, and going on those efforts one would think the Brisbane Cup will be heading south after the final next week.
Meanwhile down at Sandown on Thursday, the pre post favourites for the McKenna Memorial, Zipping Rambo and Christo Bale, both experience defeat. In the case of Zipping Rambo, he was never out of trouble in finishing well down the track, whilst Christo Bale managed to finish 3rd in his heat and qualify for the final but still looked to be a disappointing effort. In his defence, he hadn’t raced at Sandown for some time over the 595 metres, so he should take benefit from the run. No doubt the most impressive heat winner was the kennel mate of the two pre post favourites, in Jarick Bale. Jumping straight to the front, he never looked in danger, recording a very fast 33.81 for his efforts. Again, this final will be a wonderful race on Thursday. Victorian greyhound trainers banded together and elected to not nominate their greyhounds at any of the three scheduled venues today, the result being no greyhound racing in Victoria today. Safer tracks, greater percentage of income to be distributed to the participants, and unfair treatment of participants, head up the list of demands participants are seeking to be addressed by the Board of Greyhound Racing Victoria, who to date appear to have maintained a “head in the sand” approach. A meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday so hopefully the powers that be do realise that participants are struggling under the current regime.
Ipswich Race 6 No 3 Ringbark Ragnar $2.25 at PlayUp – Continues to race very consistently without enjoying a lot of luck in his races. Finished close up last start at this track and distance, and a repeat effort can see him salute this evening.
Wentworth Park Race 3 No 7 Five Second Rule $4.00 at PlayUp – Never won in fourteen previous attempts at this track but this does look his race. Nicely drawn off the track and with his strength in the closing stages, he can finish over this field and get the cash.
Wentworth Park Race 6 No 4 Fun Day Friday $10.00 at PlayUp – Slow early but does really find the line. A winner of five races at track and distance, we can see him storming over the top of his opposition again tonight. Looks great each way value.
Wentworth Park Race 10 No 4 Zipping Kyrgios $2.05 at PlayUp – Never runs a bad race despite often being last away. Loves this track and the small field tonight will really suit him. He looks a standout and is our banker in your multi bets tonight.
Cannington Race 4 No 8 Manzu $2.30 at PlayUp – Track specialist at this track, where he has won seven from his nine race starts. Suffered defeats his last two starts, but both of these races were at Mandurah. The wide draw is no issue for this star. Yes.
