THE final of the Group Two Summer Distance Plate will be run and won this Saturday night at Wentworth Park, with some outstanding staying greyhounds engaged.
Robert Britton's Space Star has been made the $1.40 favourite, after a sensational performance last week in a best of the night time of 42.20.
The Richmond 618m-track record holder got plenty of room to move from the outside alley in his heat and blitzed his rivals by ten and a quarter lengths at the finish. He will start from an identical draw in Saturday's final.
Notable-finisher Zipping Rory will also be well-supported by punters, finishing third in his heat last week after suffering some early interference. Despite jumping from box five in this week's final, the Peter Dapiran trained chaser recorded a sizzling personal best of 41.75 from the middle alley in a heat of the Sydney Cup last October.
Andrea Dailly has two runners in the final with heat winner Starc, who impressed at his Wentworth Park debut in a smart time of 42.47, and Double Rinse which finished fourth in the same heat.
The final is scheduled to be conducted at 9.29pm EDST, with winning connections set to receive $40,000 in prize money.
Lets hear the inside word from connections and Australian Racing Greyhound‘s expert tipster Brad Bugeja before checking out his suggested bets.
Tom Dailly (kennel representitive): “The red will suit him perfectly. if he could lead Space Star that would be great as he's the dog to beat. I'd like him to lob onto bunny. i'm expecting him to go well.”
ARG's Brad Bugeja: “Scored an impressive 42.47 heat win last week in his debut here and he would have derived a lot of benefit from that run. He was fair to begin in his heat and after copping a couple of early knocks, he balanced up and really powered to the line. From the good draw he should be in a prominent position throughout and if the favourite finds trouble he should be able to capitalise.”
Allen Hansen (Trainer): “Very hard race against some really good dogs. I'm happy where he's drawn because he likes the fence so hopefully he can improve on last week. I would love to run a place.”
ARG's Brad Bugeja: “Soundly beaten in his heat and after settling second he got really tired in the run home. Can probably settle in the top three again tonight but I am expecting him to be going backwards with about 120m to go.”
ARG's Brad Bugeja: “Fair effort in her heat but she did turn in an impressive performance here two runs back when placed behind Kiltah Magic. Will continue to improve with more racing but I can't see her making an impact against this lot.”
Tom Dailly (Kennel Representative): – “[Her] run was very good last week, [s]he was up there early and second up at the track i think [s]he should go ok.”
ARG's Brad Bugeja: “Brilliant Meadows winner two runs back and she looked a little lost in her debut here last week. I would prefer her drawn a bit wider but if she happens to ping away and get into some open space she could run a cheeky race at nice odds.”
Bethany Dapiran (Kennel Representative): “He normally travels up to Sydney better the second week we've found. Not an ideal box for him, but hoping he can land in front.”
ARG's Brad Bugeja: “Easily beaten in his heat and was probably a little disappointing but he has proven in his career that he can turn around his form quickly. Earlier in the year he was soundly beaten by Sweet It Is here but the following week he found plenty and won the Summer Cup Final by eight lengths. The box draw doesn't help tonight but he has the ability to ping away and if he finds the bunny early he should be able to reel off some impressive sectionals.”
ARG's Brad Bugeja: “Soundly beaten by Space Star but was far from disgraced last week, she is suited by the wide draw and she is capable of settling in the first half of the field. I dont think she can win the event but with some luck in running she could sneak into some minor money.”
Neil Staines (Trainer): “I'm expecting him to improve on last week's run and I think he can go well from box seven. He's been such a good dog and after his fall at The Gardens he's starting to come back really good. He's over four years old now and loves Wentworth Park, so it would be great to see him win.”
ARG's Brad Bugeja: “Has a terrific record here and if he was at his best he would have to be considered a genuine chance, however last week I feel that he was a little ordinary. After beginning well and settling in the top two, he managed to assume control mid race but he was quickly reeled in by Starc, from the wide draw tonight I can't see him settling in the top three early and I can't see him making an impact when having to come from off the pace.”
Robert Britton (Trainer): “He went really good last week considering the conditions and i'm happy with the box draw for Saturday night. He will need to lead or be up the front to have a chance in this final.”
ARG's Brad Bugeja: “Potentially the best stayer in the land and he couldn't have drawn any better. He should be able to step on terms and after about 50m he should be able to swoop into the first bend and assume control. He has a blistering 41.84 PB over this journey but I think if he finds the lure early he is capable of going a lot quicker than that.”
