Homeland Security Newcastle Cup Final An Even Contest
The Group 3 Homeland Security Newcastle Cup is shaping up to be one of the most evenly contested on record after two very level heats on Wednesday night.
With some outstanding group performers along with some fine up and coming greyhounds the winner could come from anywhere.
Heat One saw a field of six face the starter and it also saw the return of Lilley Criminal to some of her former glory with an outstanding front running display. Part of the all conquering Williams and Azzopardi stable the black bitch returned to her former stamping ground and posted a sizzling 42.35 on a rain affected track. Lilley Criminal took her record to five wins from seven starts at The Gardens when she accounted for Calhoun Park by 2.5 lengths with Sydney Cup winner Others Quoted a further 7.75 lengths away in third. Lyn's Daisy was the other qualifier from the heat, which was the faster of the two.
In the second heat local hope Abbi Taylah was sent out favorite but it was the Sydney raiders who had all of the luck with Princess Bale putting in a great performance to score in 42.62.After a slow getaway the Chris Nutt trained performer was able to camp on the leaders and get the right run to power away to win by 4.25 lengths from Felicity Lane with Kibble Kruncha flying home to get third. Gold Slammer was a further Half Head away in third and also qualified for the final.
After the heats the final box draw was conducted with both heat winners drawing awkwardly.
Group 3 Newcastle Cup Box Draw
The Gardens , Wednesday October 29 2008
1. Felicity Lane
2. Lyn's Daisy
3. Princess Bale
4. Lilley Criminal
5. Kibble Kruncha
6. Gold Slammer
7. Others Quoted
8. Calhoun Park
9. Sassy Sprite
10. Winky Wong
The NSW National Coursing Association is excited that Homeland Security is on board once again to sponsor the prestigious Group 3 event.
The massive night of racing will also include the final of the Hotel Tudor Spring Stakes final which is sponsored by Brendan and Alison McCoy and sees some outstanding youngsters go around in the $1500 to the winner race which also carries a Blue Paws bonus.
So to be part of an exciting night of racing be trackside at the Gardens Greyhound and Sporting Complex.
The first of ten races on Wednesday night commences at 7.05pm with the gates open from 5.30pm.