The Speed Star is now one of the most popular events annually on the Victorian greyhound racing calendar, where we get to witness the fastest greyhounds going head to head in two dog match races.
With Sandown currently in recession, tonight The Meadows will be hosting the event for the first time.
For those new to the racing concept, this is how it works:
- Races 7, 8 & 9 are each to be made up of 4 x 2-dog match races over 725m, 600m & 525m respectively.
- Matches will be scheduled 7-11 minutes apart.
- Matches are drawn as follows: 1v2; 3v4; 5v6; 7v8.
- Greyhounds to exit box 1 (odd numbers) or box 3 (even numbers).
- The overall result for each event is determined by the time recorded by each greyhound in the 4 matches.
- Punters also have the option to bet head-to-head in each match, or multi up a few greyhounds to win their head-to-head battles to increase your odds.
Meadows R7 #5 Sunset Bourbski $1.80 at PlayUp – The fastest qualifier for the Speed Star 725m event was the Andrea Dailly trained Sunset Bourbski and she is a short priced favourite in the market. A winner of 7 of her last 9 starts, Sunset Bourbski was a stunning winner last Saturday in a 600m final at the track, and she is even better suited over the longer distance of tonight. She should have little trouble holding the lead against her match race opponent, Rock On Jimmy, and once on the lure it will be all eyes on the clock. Overall Selections: 4-1-2-8. Match Selections: Blazing Cartier (1), He Shall Power (3), Sunset Bourbski (5), Look Fancy Nancy (8).
Meadows R8 #6 Houdini Boy $1.30 at PlayUp – All the talk leading up to this series has been centred on Houdini Boy. A renowned very slow beginner, is racing style has captured the eye of the public in recent months with some amazing last to first finishing bursts. The match race will suit him perfectly but despite drawing a very formidable opponent in Run Like Jess in his match race, Houdini Boy has a class edge on his side. Given the right track conditions, a track record is not beyond this star. Overall Selections: 6-4-5-7. Match Selections: Weblec Haze (1), Enter The Son (4), Houdini Boy (6), It’s My Party (7).
Meadows R9 #2 Christo Bale $2.90 at PlayUp – Another slow beginner, who often gets held up in traffic in full fields, match racing should be ideal for this Mark Delbridge trained sprinter. Despite clashing in his match race with the fastest qualifier and pre-race favourite in Catch The Thief, the strength of Christo Bale over the latter stages can see him salute. Overall Selections: 2-8-1-6. Match Selections: Christo Bale (2), Manila Knight (3), Aston Wizard (6), Weblec Ace (8).
Suggested Quaddie (Races 5-6-7-8):
1st Leg: 1-4-7-8
2nd Leg: 3-6-7-8
3rd Leg: 1-4
4th Leg: 6
Best Bets: Meadows Speed Star 525m Match Race 4 Weblec Ace $2.05 at PlayUp – Has the speed to lead, and once on the lure he can run some serious times. His opponent Arizona Eyes has a habit of missing the start, further enhances the chances of Weblec Ace.
Meadows R4 #4 Playlist $4.00 at PlayUp – Reserve for the Speed Star 525m who has found trouble his last three starts, but with an empty box inside him tonight he has the speed to lead and win.
