Greyhound Betting Tips For Sunday 19th May 2013

The tide appears to be turning with a few good winners. We managed to find a $5.00 winner Friday night at Wentworth Park. Then
backed it up last night with Got The Life getting the cash at a healthy $9.10.

Today appears a hard day with tough meetings all around the country but we are gonna do our best to find something for you guys to have your hard earned on.

Albion Park Greyhounds, Race 9 Box 2 Stratus. 8.09pm

This girl really looks a great chance here tonight in these 395m scampers. Box 1 runner Lo Siento holds the key and he’s generally a great beginner but is not very strong and is generally a sitting duck for a strong runner from behind; and today that runner is Stratus. She’s quite strong and all though here overall record here is poor, this looks the perfect race for here to salute in. She should jump and camp right behind early leader Lo Siento, and simply finish far to good for him here today.

Sale Greyhounds, Race 7 Box 1 Zipping Man, 7.09pm

This bloke flew this lids last start at Cranbourne, and it took two flying machines to beat him. Those two runners aren’t engaged today in this and from box 1 he should easily find the top. The speedy Brent Bale is the danger but I doubt he can come from behind to beat our selection. If you go through Zipping Man’s form one would suggest if he leads any race he just wins, as he has been successful over the staying trip previously; but even in running third last start he did run a fast 30.50 and a repeat performance of that will see him salute here. He likes to rail, and looks a great bet from a great box.

Strathalbyn Greyhounds, Race 3 Box 1 Spiral Bound 5.56pm

This bloke looks home and hosed here in this race. Box 1 is perfect and he has a pretty good record here. He has a PB of 23.93 but I reckon he can go a length or two quicker. He’s not going to lead but should possie up 2nd or 3rd early. On his Angle Park form alone he should win this. Good dog great box and should win here tonight.

Nowra Greyhounds, Race 6 Box 3 Spring Blueboy, 6.54pm

Tough race here but were going with the fast Spring Blueboy. He has enough speed to lead here and if he does it should be all over. He’s a little moody and only performs at his best with a clear run. The inside two dogs aren’t great beginners and do take a few strides to get going. If he can clear them early and hold out the outside division, then he should easily run away with this. If he fails to jump and gets buried, I’d say your tickets confetti. He has to jump and find the front to win.

Best of Luck.

$$ Another Day Another Dollar $$

Greyhound Tips For Saturday 18th May 2013

Wentworth Park Greyhounds. Race 9 Box 5 Got The Life 10.17pm

We are going to go with the speedy Got The life here in this. He’s had a couple of goes here and raced fairly well but this looks his best chance to win one. He takes a few strides to get going and this will determine his winning chances. If he can box well and gain clear running, and strike the lead he’s going to be mighty hard to stop. He’s stopped the clock in good time at Bulli, and lets hope he can stop the clock in front again here tonight.

The Meadows Greyhounds Race 7 Box 2 Dyna Dieter 9.20pm

Dyna Dieter may be able to pinch this race here tonight. He’s got plenty of talent and will have no trouble at all running out the trip. He relishes racing over this distance and handles himself well here at the Meadows. He should jump and lead, the only other two chances are Pop’s Max and Dyna Oats, the question is can he hold off both these dogs. He should be able to hold off Pop’s Max in the run to the line but Dyna Oats may be the main one he has to hold off. Dyna Oats is strong and will keep coming. With a great jump, and if his main two dangers find a little bit of trouble, Dyna Dieter may pinch this.

Cannington Greyhounds, Race 7 Box 8 Veyron Bale, 9.12pm

I remember watching this dog a while back when he put in a mammoth effort to run second here at Cannington. I backed him with supreme confidence last week and he easily got the job done. He seems to fly around here and although box 8 is going to make things very tough, I reckon he’s a great chance at good odds. $5.00 will be about the right price. With good dogs boxed in great boxes our selection will have his work cut out from the 8, but he loves the track and is going to be mighty hard to stop with a clear run.

Best Of Luck

$$ Another Day Another Dollar $$

Clone Your Own Is No Kiwi Copycat

The victory by former New Zealand greyhound Clone Your Own in the Harrison-Dawson Final at Sandown on Thursday night marked only the fourth occasion a Shaky Isles competitor has snared a major Australian race. It was also the biggest single purse ever snared by a Kiwi greyhound.

The $100,000 first prize money easily the outstrips the $25,000 Waiwera Marika picked up for taking out the 1998 New South Wales St Leger (now the Paws of Thunder). That was the first time a major Australian race had been annexed by a Kiwi invader.

Equally, Clone Your Own becomes only the second New Zealander to win a major sprint event, after the aforementioned Waiwera Marika.

The only other two races taken out by New Zealand greyhounds have been the victories by Know Peace in the 2012 Chairman’s Cup at Wentworth Park (720 metres) and the slashing 11 and three-quarter-length victory of Thrilling Brat in the 2012 Super Stayers at the Meadows.

That win saw the connections of Thrilling Brat take home $75,000, which, of course, made it the biggest single purse ever won by a Kiwi greyhound until Clone Your Own’s success in the Harrison-Dawson.

Clone Your Own’s victory shows just how far Greyhound Racing has advanced in terms of quality in New Zealand in recent years.

His victory brings to mind the efforts of two former terrific sprinters who came to Australian shores back in the mid-1970s.

The two were Brother Bee and Call Me Hobbs. Both were fine racers in New Zealand and both came over to contest the NSW St Leger series as representatives of their country.

In those days, probably in the hope of boosting racing in New Zealand, the National Coursing Association (NCA) would permit one Kiwi entry into the St Leger series.

In most cases the New Zealander was so far out of his or her depth that he or she would rarely make any headlines, but the 1974 contender, Brother Bee, became a short-lived and somewhat tragic sensation.

A strong 30-kilo brindle and white dog, Brother Bee had his first start in Australia in mid-November over 486 metres at Gosford. Drawn perfectly in box one he jumped straight onto the bunny and cleared out to win by 10 lengths in 29.0, the best time of the night.

On 30 November he exited box eight over 457 metres at Harold Park and led from the first turn to win by an ever-widening eight lengths in 26.43, again the best time of the night.

Brother Bee then trialled a sensational 30.78 for the 530 metres at Wentworth Park in preparation for the St Leger. The track record was 30.64 at the time. Seeded straight into the St Leger semi-finals, Brother Bee overcame box four and led all the way to win by six lengths in 30.95, the fastest time of the night and the second-fastest St Leger semi-final time ever run.

Sadly, he badly injured a toe when winning the race and had to be scratched from the final. He was purchased for the-then huge sum of $25,000 by veteran trainer Stan Cleverley who tried everything to get Brother Bee back to the track, but the brilliant Kiwi never raced again.

Just two years later, Call Me Hobbs, a wide-running speedster from New Zealand made it into the St Leger final and ran a gallant second to Palaver. Trained by Gary Young, Call Me Hobbs went on to be very successful in the top ranks of Australian sprinters, even making the NSW State final of the National Sprint Championship.

Right now, Clone Your Own could easily be the rightful successor to the wonderful Brother Bee and be acclaimed as the best New Zealand sprinter to grace Australian shores.

Greyhound Tips For Friday 17th May 2013

Last night was a great night of racing. The Mighty Miata just got there, but she looked out on her feet. She’s no doubt going to benefit from last nights run, but can she improve enough to take out the Sandown Cup – only time will tell.

The Kiwi raider Clone You Own was superb and collected the $100,000 winners cheque in the Harrison Dawson; and the freakish Xylia Allen was simply breathtaking running down dual track record holder Punch One Out. I know both dogs are extremely fast but to run down Punch One Out was simply amazing. It had to be seen to be believed – run of the year so far.

We managed only the one winner last night but with a little luck things could of went the other way. Bens House was a certainty beat. He was knocked down on all fours early, and lost all hope but chased on and was only beaten 5 lengths on the line – a remarkable effort. He will certainly win again next start.

Wentworth Park Greyhounds, Race 5 Box 2, One Inch Punch, 8.40pm

The former Jason McKay trained One Inch Punch is my selection here tonight. I’m not overly confident but he should be at each way odds. He has a motor and can go when switched on. In his last couple he’s looked very disinterested, but those runs where at Richmond and the Gardens. His Wentworth Park record is great with 7 starts for 2 wins and 3 seconds and a PB of 29.97. I think the key to this fellow may be a clear run and a look at the bunny. From box 2 he’s going to get a great sit early on behind the box 1 runner. He’s strong and is bigger enough to handle himself if the going gets tough around the first turn. This is no easy race and you can make a case for every runner but the change of Kennel and new scenery may do the trick here tonight. Each Way only.

Geelong Greyhounds, Race 9 Box 3 Stylish Lizbeth, 9.47pm

There’s a lot to like about this girl. She hails from a pretty handy litter, and is by the speed sire Elite State. If she had that little bit more early toe we would see her competing with the best in the city but she lacks a little early pace and needs room to move. Box 3 doesn’t suit but she has a fair class advantage on most of these. All she needs is clear room early and she should trounce them. She’s going to start favourite but, I suggest $2.50, anything less isn’t worth the bet.

Mandurah Greyhounds, Race 7 Box 8 Din’s Chappi 8.40pm WA time

We are going with this bloke here in a tough race. Any other box bar the 8 is nearly declare him but the box makes it very tough. He’s racing in fine form and out in a huge run over this journey last time out. I remember saying next start this bloke just wins. Well box 8 makes it very hard but he’s racing well and is a huge chance.

Best of luck.

$$ Another Day Another Dollar $$

Jackson Tyne Targets Akubra Kempsey Cup Final

The May carnival at the Kempsey Macleay Greyhound Club will come to a close this Saturday after a fantastic series held over the past four weeks.

On a bumper day of racing the main highlight is no doubt the 2013 Akubra Cup final to be held over the 508 metre distance with Kempsey trainer Debbie Spurgin looking to have a great chance of taking out the event with her charge Jackson Tyne.

The three year old campaigner is by Hunter Valley champ Cool Mat who claimed both the Richmond Derby and Gosford Gold Cup in 2006 for the late Wayne Cox and is out of Santee Larricki- a daughter of Pearl Larricki- one of the greats from the late 1990’s. Jackson Tyne has been a handy dog on the racetrack winning seven of his 45 appearances including slick times at Unibet Gardens (29.73 seconds) and Wentworth Park (30.01 seconds) whilst he has claimed three of his seventeen starts since joining Spurgin’s kennels late last year with a further four placings in that time.

Jackson Tyne burst into calculations for the feature last week when claiming his heat in a nippy 30.04 seconds at what was his first racetrack appearance. This week the black speedster will line up from box two which is where he wants to be according to Spurgin, “He is desperate for the inside; boxes one two or three”.

With a good draw in the final, Spurgin is hopeful of Jackson Tyne’s chance in the $3000 to the winner event, “We had a greyhound in 1986 that we won it with but this is our best chance of taking it out since then”.

“We have only had him for seventeen starts and are very happy with him…certain people said he wasn’t chasing so we have proved a few people wrong”.

The Spurgin’s have been involved in greyhounds for decades with Debbie’s husband Wayne training his first greyhound 45 years ago whilst Debbie has been in the industry for 35 years herself.

Debbie’s love for her dogs certainly shines through admitting that her Cup aspirant, “Loves his cuddles and kisses”, with the 33 kilogram chaser compared to some of the best dogs to have come from his mentor’s kennel, “He is up there with the best we have had. We try to have the best in the kennels and give them the best and now it’s showing in the results”.

The biggest threats in the race look to be Nintendo Bones, Bit Salsa and Excel Like life who were all triumphant in their respective heats. Fastest heat winner Nintendo Bones looks the favourite for trainer Robert Brandolini after his 29.80(BOD) heat success however he has drawn poorly in box five for the decider. Bit Salsa also broke 30 in her heat running 29.90 seconds and has drawn outside Jackson Tyne in the white whilst Excel Like Life has come up with the coveted rails alley after qualifying in 30.23 seconds.

A win in the feature on Saturday would also be special for Debbie and Wayne, with the husband and wife team working for Akubra in the past, “We both worked for Akubra Hats. I spent 22 years working for them and my hubby was with them when they moved to Kempsey”.
“The family that own it are wonderful people and it would be an absolute thrill to win it again”.

A testament to how special the Kempsey Cup is, the Spurgin’s still have the photograph of the late Steve Keir making the winning presentation when they took out the race 27 years ago. It would definitely be sentimental to have a photo of his son Steve Kier junior presenting the trophy to Debbie and Wayne if Jackson Tyne can take out the event on Saturday to hang beside his father’s in their lounge room.

Racing kicks off at 1:00pm this Saturday and in addition to the Akubra Cup there is a full list of supporting events on the twelve race card including the Carpet Court best 8 over 350metres ($1000), Frank Brady Memorial Final ($2000), Neil Griffen Appreciate Stakes ($700), and the Andrew Stoner Consolation ($500) just to name a few.

If you are in the area on Saturday and have the afternoon free, head over to the Kempsey- Macleay Greyhound Club for a stellar afternoon of racing and see the fastest sport on legs at its brilliant best.

Britton Makes Harrison-Dawson His Own As Xylia Allen Triumphs For Bate

It was the night that Greyhound Racing enthusiasts nationwide had been waiting for and despite dreary weather conditions Sandown shined with some dazzling performances that kept track-goers smiling and ensured that unlike their clothes, their spirits were not dampened.

It all started with the heats of the Sandown Cup which saw the return of Australia’s staying sweetheart Miata.

The red fawn dynamo was returning to the track for the first time since March and bounced back to her best qualifying for the final in 42.39 seconds over the fast finishing Steve Allen. Whilst this was not the fastest heat time, it took a lot of heart and courage for Australia’s highest stakes earner to return to the winners list first up after an extended break and against some of the country’s best stayers. Miata will be better for the run and will start next Thursday in the final which is expected to be her racing swansong.

Prior to Miata strutting her stuff on the track, staying marvel Destini Fireball stamped himself as one of the greats with a strong 42.21 seconds success over outsider Reckless Charm. The white and black son of Where’s Pedro and Grey’s Destiny is a multiple group one winner and is right in contention for yet another trophy to sit upon trainer Emilio Rinaldi’s mantelpiece when he lines up in the feature on Thursday night.

Heat three was won by the ultra-consistent Irma Bale, yet another headliner for Lara’s Graeme Bate. The pint sized performer Tips the scales at just over 25 kilograms but has the heart of a lion, leading all the way from box eight in a blistering 41.92 seconds in front of 50-1 chance Maddison Dee.

The fourth and final heat was taken out late in the night by Proven Impala for Joe Borg. The Velocette bitch is a winner of 25 races and over $230,000 in stakes money and certainly showed her class dominating the race to win over Tasmanian star Bell Haven in a sizzling 42.06 seconds.

Moving onto the group finals where Robert Britton took out the group-two Harrison Dawson with former New Zealand chaser Clone Your Own. Beginning only moderately from the cherry, the 33 kilogram dog weaved his way throughout the field to sit third on the first turn before pushing up on the outside of Warrnambool Classic winner Premier Event to take up the lead. The son of Droopy’s Marco was too strong on the line for Graeme Bate’s Irmy Bale who ran a gallant race to claim second with the winner taking out the event in a scintillating 29.48 seconds.

Grand old chaser Glen Gallon did not lose any supporters finishing third after another usual gutsy performance. Last night’s triumph was the first group win for Clone Your Own with his record now standing at 16 starts for nine wins and five placings whilst it appears the sky is now the limit for the two and a half year old sprinter. Another interesting note from this race is that all runners finished in race book order- a very rare feat especially in a group race final!

Bate’s luck was reversed in the second feature event on the night with the phenomenal Xylia Allen flashing home to claim the $100,000 Sapphire Crown. After a poor beginning you would have been forgiven for focusing your attention on race leader El Brooklyn who exploded from the boxes, with NSW speedster Punch One Out quickly finding a spot behind her and looking an ominous threat. In the meantime Xylia Allen was pushed wide on the first turn in a scrimmage which saw kennelmate Desalle Bale take a heavy tumble. In a run similar to her heat win last week the stunning black daughter of Turanza Bale knuckled down to the challenge and just when Mackay’s chaser looked the winner, Xylia Allen loomed up and zoomed past to claim the event by a length on the line in 29.51 seconds. The 30 kilogram pocket rocket is freakish in her ability to take a thrashing and still win and has now done so on twelve occasions whilst she also has nine placings to her name after just 28 starts.

With the sprinting highlights done and dusted the spotlight will shine on Sandown once again next Thursday for the stayers with a highly talented field assembling for The Sandown Cup at what will be a night of Greyhound Racing history when we say goodbye to the magnificent Miata.

Greyhound Tips For Thursday 16th May 2013

It’s an enormous night of racing ahead with Australia’s Best runners engaged at Sandown in Victoria. It’s a great night to be heading to the track with Eddie Macguire hosting a cash giveaway of up to $120,000.

The final of the Sapphire Crown for bitches, where Punch One Out will start the likely favourite. The Harrison Dawson, and the Queensland champ Glen Gallon is likely to start favourite in it and last but not least the Heats of the Group 1 Sandown cup over 720, where we see the return of Australia’s best, the Mighty Miata.

A wonderful night of chasing and no doubt the stands will be jam packed at Sandown with everyone looking to get a glimpse of the Might Miata. Just as Black Caviar did, Miata also brings people out of there lounge rooms and to the tracks to see the superstar race.

We have the usual 5 Tips again for you tonight, but were also going to have a go at finding the winner of the two Group Finals.

Albion Park Greyhounds, Race 3 Box 6, Ben’s House, 7.22pm

Only 4 weeks ago I remember standing in the catching pen at Lismore, freezing cold and soaking wet waiting to catch a dog who ultimately ran last, but to my surprise, favourite Bens House finished second last in the same race. And I remember thinking gee, hasn’t this bloke gone off the boil. Well how wrong I was a week later he ran second at Albion and then won 2 straight. One of which was a PB from a bad box. He’s now racing with determination and a belly full of gusto. His last two wins have been excellent. Both around the same time, but at one of his wins he came out 4 lengths slower then he did the previous run. Yet still run quicker then he did the week previous. He ran 30.20 running a quick 5.76 to the mark, then run a PB of 30.18, running 5.96 to the mark. This suggests to me he’s going to get around the 30.00 dead mark here tonight. If he jumps, the others won’t get a look in. Box 6 is no worry, and the way this blokes racing I doubt he can be beat. There’s no dangers and he’s flying and should just win again.

Angle Park Greyhounds, Race 7 Box 6 Aston Odin, 9.19pm

Troy Murray has this bloke back to his brilliant best. He run a PB last start and he’s gong to take all kinds of beating in this.
Ritza Ben holds the key in this for mine. If he flys out like he’s been doing, then Aston Odin will get a terrific run around the outside to sit right on Bens hammer. If this occurs he should be too strong and finish over the top of Ben here. Quite simply really! Not quite, Linguist is racing like a dog possed, and only a few months ago was stringing to win a race. But fast forward a few months and he’s absolutely airborne. He finds himself out the back again here tonight, but if they make just the slightest report up front. This bloke will give them wind burn turning for home. He’s a real danger and a huge threat to our selection. Aston Odin needs to ping and stay out of trouble, and highball along. One mistake and he’s gone. Aston Odin to win, huge watch on the flying Linguist.

Dapto Greyhounds, Race 3 Box 6 No Ruled League, 8.11pm

This is no easy race, but I really like the super classy chaser No Rules League. She’s a Dapto specialist and most of her massive career earnings of $113,000 have come here at Dapto. She has a super PB to her name and has only the one start for the one win here over 600 and everything points to her winning here again tonight. She’s a super quick beginner, but a mad railer and must find the fence early on. She should find the fence and if she does from the get go, Id be shocked to see something run her down. I love backing lid lingers, and this girl should be off and gone. Smooth Nitro and Princess Mea, are the dangers but they are going to have to do it from behind here tonight, if our selection jumps like she can.

Hobart Greyhounds, Race 7 Box 3 Terror Time, 9.22pm

I have no idea what keeps drawing me back to this girl Terror Time. Maybe I should just try and buy her and be done with it. I’m a fan of her and seem to be always backing her. Something a smart punter should not do But no one said I was a smart punter. She had great early toe and and win over all distances. This is no easy race and you can make a case for 4 or 5 of them. But I’m going with the little girl, and I’m only hoping she can ping and go. She can’t come from behind these, and her only chance is to lead and lead well. But she’s unite capable, and is going to be the value runner in this tough final tonight.

Sandown Greyhounds, Race 1 Box 1 Bronelly Lad 7.07pm

This bloke drops back in class here, and draws the coveted rails. 3 starts ago he posted a flying 29.44, and looked super impressive in doing so. He’s had to step up in his last couple and found it quite tough. But he’s back in his right grade here and from the red box, he’s going to take a power of beating. He can ping and hold his position around the first turn and that’s all he needs to do to be winning this race here tonight. It’s field full of good young dogs, and no mistakes can be made here tonight.

My selection for the Harrison Dawson is the QLD Champ Glen Gallon.

And my selection for the Sapphire is the freakish and talented Punch One Out, but she needs lots of luck early.

Our sponsors will all be offering fixed prices on tonight’s meetings and my suggestion is to back your charge with one of these sponsors – Sportsbet, Sportingbet, Iasbet or Luxbet.

Best of Luck.

$$ Another Day Another Dollar $$

Bate vs Mackay In Sapphire Crown Final

Australia’s premier bitches only feature will jump tonight at Sandown Park with eight of the nation’s most consistent and talented females vying for a taste of $100,000 in the group one Sapphire Crown. The race will commence at 9:55PM and offers a fantastic insight as who can lay claims to the being best bitch in the land with two of the industry’s biggest trainers going head to head with three runners each.

Jason Mackay came to Victoria on a mission; to snare the Sapphire crown. To achieve this feat he brought with him three of his best girls and they did not disappoint – with all three qualifying for a crack at the prize.

BOX ONE: Arguably the best of Mackay’s chances has drawn in the desirable rails alley, with NSW sensation Punch One Out looking to add to her very impressive resume. The brilliant black speedster qualified last week from box eight when defeating Victorian Desalle Bale by four and three quarter lengths in a scintillating 29.32 seconds (BON) and in doing so notched up her 17th career victory. Punch One Out comes into the event with excellent credentials including two track records at Wentworth Park (29.27 seconds) and Richmond (29.90 seconds) whilst she also holds an imposing record from the cherry with four wins and three placings from seven starts. She will be the favourite and is the one to beat but must begin a bit better than last week or she runs the risk of getting crowded.

BOX TWO: Beginning from the checks is the highly talented three year old Desalle Bale who as mentioned chased home Punch One Out in last week’s heats. The 28 kilogram chaser is trained by master mentor Graeme Bate who as mentioned also has three runners in the final. As an excellent beginner Desalle Bale is boxed to be the early leader however there will be plenty of speed mustering from behind looking to run her down. With this being said she is as tough as they come winning 23 from 53 starts including a personal best of 29.46 seconds over the track and distance.

BOX THREE: The second runner from Jason Mackay’s kennels will jump from box three with Tricky Jade wearing white. The January 2011 whelp by Bit Chilli out of Navigator Miss is a speedy customer and ran a handy race last week at what was her only her second run at Sandown when finishing second six and a half lengths off the airborne Xylia Allen. Whilst her talent is undeniable this is a dramatic rise in class against the nation’s best and she will be giving away plenty of experience to her competitors with just seven starts under her belt. Despite this she has all the makings of a genuine group class bitch with some scorching times on the board at Wentworth Park (29.56 seconds BON), Richmond (30.41 seconds BON) and Sandown (29.56 seconds) so she is capable of running into calculations but will have to be at her best.

BOX FOUR: Jason Thompson’s group winning bitch El Brooklyn lines up from the four in the final tonight- the same box where she started in her heats when claiming the race in emphatic fashion. Beginning like a rocket the white and blue bitch gave nothing else a chance leading from box rise clocking a fast 29.53 seconds over Sometimes Speedy. The daughter of El Galo has been an absolute marvel on the racetrack claiming 24 of her 42 race starts with stakes earnings in excess of a staggering $274,000. The only concern is that she has been a bit hit and miss of late; albeit against the top class of dogs. If she is at her best tonight with a clean getaway she is right in this event despite the awkward draw.

BOX FIVE: Up and coming bitch Evie’s Entity has drawn horribly in box five for Devon Meadows mentor Lyn Smith with the daughter of Mogambo and Girl Aloud definitely preferring to be boxed closer to the rails. The black chaser is from a highly promising litter and has the great record of 20 starts for ten wins and five placings including a triumph in her heat last week. Beginning moderately from box four, the 29 kilogram chaser managed to work her way into third position around the first turn before dashing past her competitors to score in a swift 29.48 seconds. Evie’s Entity has blossomed since joining Smith’s kennels just five starts ago winning her last four race appearances. Her biggest obstacle is that she can be a bit tardy at box rise however the runner on her direct outside is not overly fast early and she could get a nice run into the race on the outside of El Brooklyn. Certainly a value runner.

BOX SIX: Graeme Bate has had huge wraps on Xylia Allen for a long time and she proved why she is so special once again last week when taking out her heat in a slick 29.51 seconds. After an ordinary beginning, the daughter of Turanza Bale was knocked left right and centre in the run to the first turn and had every right to finish down the track. In a demonstration of chasing tenacity, Xylia Allen regained her momentum and was able to mow down her opposition to score by six and a half lengths on the line. Box six is a worry especially when you are not the best beginner however she only needs to be thereabouts in the early stages and she should be going close.

BOX SEVEN: Graeme Bates last finalist in the group one event is Orthia Bale who will jump wearing black. The black bitch is yet another pup out of Amity Bale, with three of her brothers lining up in the group two Harrison- Dawson earlier in the night. The daughter of Dyna Lachlan ran a great race when finishing second to Evie’s Entity in her heat last week however as a winner of 6 from 43 she may find this a bit too much particularly out wide from box seven.

BOX EIGHT: Rounding up the field is the sizzling speedster Sometimes Speedy who will be aiming for her 25th career win in the feature. With two starts at Sandown over the past fortnight she will be better for both runs and should avoid the early scrimmage boxed out wide in the pink. The Collision bitch is an all over flying machine with hot winning times at Wentworth Park (29.61 seconds) and Unibet Gardens (29.40 seconds) since joining Mackay’s kennel at the beginning of the year, however whilst she should avoid trouble out wide she will have to begin at her best in order to place herself ahead of the action and into the lead

FIRST RESERVE: Grand old marvel Hot Irish ran a great race to finish third behind Punch One Out last week. She is all heart and is always close to the money so despite the fact that age may be just starting to take its toll, she must be respected if she gains a start.

SECOND RESERVE: Jason Thompsons fantastic Got A Moment is second reserve after running third behind Evie’s Entity last week. The top liner should be kept in contention if she gains a start, especially if she happens to sneak into an inside box.

Sapphire Crown Tips

1 PUNCH ONE OUT
6 XYLIA ALLEN
5 EVIE’S ENTITY
2 DESALLE BALE

Lessons From Randwick

So far the Singleton-Waterhouse saga amounts to a rap over the knuckles to each and son Tom the bookmaker being told to be careful.

But will the most important question remain unanswered? Why did a horse compete when obviously not fit, even though it was declared fit by the trainer and two vets, one of whom was independent of the trainer? Remember that the stewards got involved initially because of the fracas between the owner and the trainer, not because of the horse’s performance. The alleged illness issue only followed on from that.

So the experts decided on fitness but who supervises the experts? The only answer to that is the stewards. That’s their job. Yet, although they have since noted the paperwork failures, the RNSW stewards have so far stopped short of delving further into that conundrum. The public, particularly those who lost money on the deal, will not be happy with that.

In contrast, it brings to mind a very public spat in Victoria when stewards pulled a horse out of the Melbourne Cup, on the advice of their own vet, despite meeting furious objections from the trainer, David Hayes. It all revolved around the interpretation of the state of the horse’s hoof. But where there was doubt, the stewards acted in the interests of the racing public – correctly so. This would suggest that, in Sydney, if the stewards were not previously aware of hassles with a well-backed horse, then they certainly should have been immediately after the race and acted appropriately.

On the other hand, consistency is hard to find. The same Victorian stewards got no applause for their slow and arguably lenient handling of the Damien Oliver case, which involved possibly the worst sin of all – a jockey not only betting but betting on a horse competing in the same race. Very confusing.

Greyhound stewards, from state to state, are prone to apply different penalties for similar drug offences. Nor have they really acknowledged the problem of minute traces of substances emerging from public feed sources, as has occurred at the gallops. Dogs racing with chronic injuries also appears to be a non-subject.

Acting as a steward is not a simple task. They have to be part policeman, part prosecutor, part judge, part track manager, part father figure, part animal expert, part weather forecaster, part veterinarian, part ombudsman and part public advocate. A big problem in doing that is that they have to report to and are instructed by state authorities, who may or may not have exactly the same interests. Stewards are not genuinely independent, although some may claim that is so. Witness, for example, the noisy public statements coming from the RNSW CEO on the Waterhouse case. Note also that stewards do not issue licences, although they may cancel them, thereby removing the right to work of the offender. That’s serious stuff.

In a perfect world, it might work like parliament and the judiciary, where one sets up laws and the other rules on them, and each is deliberately kept separate from the other. But then, who would hold stewards responsible for their actions? You can’t hire and fire judges willy nilly, so the law itself is their real master. That’s not so in racing.

For that matter, nobody short of parliament holds racing authorities responsible for what they do. Arguably, that supervision is very light indeed. There are laws about who has what power and what their limits are, but nothing specific about how well or how efficiently they go about their business. Ministers are much happier just handing out prizes at feature events. It’s all very subjective and not remotely like the hoops that public companies have to jump through in the course of their daily business.

And board members are liable to change with the colour of government, further ensuring a short term approach to business in an industry which desperately needs vision and planning, and which is simpatico with what is going on in the big world. Shareholders, or stakeholders as many like to term them, don’t get much of a look-in. Racing authorities’ reports to the public tend to be waffly and self-serving. Financial figures are hard to fathom for non-experts, while statements and media releases concentrate on good news items alone. Survival gets more prominent treatment than progress or a good return on assets.

However, the more puzzling matter is that rules vary from state to state, without apparent reason other than that that’s the way the individual bosses like to have them. As with the above stewards example, one lot can be tougher than another, and abuses are not uncommon (see article “It’s Time, Comrades”, May 9). Indeed, the current disputes and inquiries in Queensland are likely to go on for some months yet.

All of which make a case for two changes: first, we should have a national stewards organisation where justice is done, and seen to be done, consistently. Second, a racing commission for each code is needed to oversee everything, including the stewards, to better satisfy the public wish for consistency and transparency – a bit like the Federal Police and the High Court, if you like. Both can still be responsible to the Racing Ministers Council but on predetermined terms and conditions. Perform or suffer the consequences!

This would be a vast improvement on the relatively powerless national bodies we have today. Their brief extends to not much more than racing rules, yet each state still implements its own variations on those.

In company with that responsibility, stewards may need more and broader authority, greater training and tighter pre-qualifications – again, a bit like appointees to the High Court. So be it. Theirs is a critical job.

The underlying issues are twofold. Horses and dogs are not interested in state borders, which they cross more often than grey nomads, while today’s punters no longer need to be on the racecourse, or even in the same country. And racing’s organisational structures belong in the dim, dark ages when owners wore top hats, trainers and jockeys knew their place, and the public were allowed in on sufferance.

State jealousies would need to be put aside, of course, but such reform need not interfere with the local income streams which both governments and racing codes need so badly. In fact, they would be likely to improve by recapturing some of the market lost to poker machines palaces and casinos.

Greyhound Tips For Wednesday 15th May 2013

Albion Park Greyhounds, Race 5 Box 1 Kira Kawati 5.10pm

It’s been a while since Kira Kawati, has won a race and she’s only won the 2 races; but she looks very well placed to win here tonight over the 600. The trip will pose no problem and she looks perfectly suited to box 1. There only appears to be the one danger Sundance Tycoon. There’s not a great deal of early pace and our selection may be able to hold the early lead. If she does it should be all over. She’s quite strong, and can run good time when on song. She’s had the one go over 600, but from out wide she struggled to get into the race. From a better box, against a easier field, she looks mighty hard to beat.

Angle Park Greyhounds, Race 8 Box 5 Red Tin, 3.34pm

I’m going to go against the flying machine Nicholas Jack here in this. He’s recently been flying over in Tas, and won his way through to top grade and then lowered the colors of the states best chaser Rewind. He was near unbeatable in Tas, but has a shocking record here in S.A. But he’s improved ten fold since he last raced here. However I’m going with Red Tin, a out of form chaser who has won plenty of races here, and has a quick 30.06 PB. They appear the two main chances. Red Tin, will represent the value, and he’s a great winning chance here with a safe start.

Richmond Greyhounds, Race 7 Box 6 Magic Santana 5.41pm

Magic Santana looks the obvious winner here in this. He has posted a quick 30.78 here and also stopped the clock in a quick 26.39 at Bulli. So he has a big motor. Future Winner the ex Queenslander, may start favourite from the perfect box. But I wasn’t at all impressed with her win at Ipswich, and I’m not to sure she can run out the hard 535m trip here at Richmond. My Big Digger, may pose a threat if he can jump and get forward early. But Magic Santana looks the one here, and his early speed should offset the bad box. We see Another youngster by boom sire Magic Sprite here, and he should do the job here today.

Cannington Greyhounds, Race 4 Box 1, Chosen Jewel, 7.27pm W.A time

We are coming back here for another bight of the cherry with Chosen Jewel. She was our selection here last week, but failed to fire. She has drawn much much better here tonight. The Linda Britton trained daughter of Big Daddy Cool, can scoot along when on song. She has a PB of 31.06 but I have no doubt she can go much quicker, if she can many straight on the bunny. It’s a weak field and she won’t get a better chance than she had here tonight to win. Good dog, superstar trainer, and great box. A recipe for success.

Warrnambool Greyhounds, Race 5 Box 2 Famor Las Vegas, 8.08pm

It’s about time this fellow stepped back up to the winners circle. He was showing huge promise early on, and was flying. Since then he’s gone off the boil, and has been disappointing. But this looks the perfect race here for him. Gunda Bale, has early toe and should drag our selection into the race. He’s strong and can run very quick times when on song. The 450 will suit and he should finish to powerfully here for Gunda Bale. If he wins tonight, he may be one to keep following, when he returns to the city.

Best of Luck

$$ Another Day Another Dollar $$

Betfair Tasmanian Country Oaks Winner For Victoria

Following her outstanding victory in Tuesday’s Betfair Tasmanian Country Oaks (452 metres), smart bitch Fulande (Surf Lorian – Portent) will be transferred to Victoria.

The Peter Phillips prepared speedster accounted for one of the best fields of her sex seen at the Devonport Raceway in recent times, when she recorded 26.03 in defeating Roxy Rhythm and Sing The Song in the annual feature and appears to have a very bright future.

“Fulande will do her future racing in Victoria from the Bobby Douglas kennel,” June Phillips explained this week.

“We are hoping that she will succeed in the new environment and as a result enhance her value as a brood bitch.”

Fulande is the winner of 11 races and is a full-relation to the well performed chasers Frytson and Falsetto.

“Their dam Portent is a daughter of the very good matron World’s Finest, which produced the standouts Damek and Decembrist among others,” Mrs Phillips explained.

“Unfortunately World’s Finest died recently, which was a great loss as far as we were concerned.”

Both Damek (45 wins) and Decembrist (30 wins), sons of Big Daddy Cool, are standing stud duty at the Phillip’s Copping property.

Meanwhile the David Crosswell prepared Chicka Scott ( Surf Lorian – Moonlite Teddy), finished off in brilliant fashion to take out the Rapidvite Industries Tasmanian Country Derby (452 metres), also conducted at Tuesday’s NWGRC meeting.

As predicted, the Eileen Thomas prepared Cointreau Cap ( Premier Fantasy – Alotta Mojo) led them a merry dance from the outset, but Chicka Scott finished over the top to score in the time of 25.75.

Raced by Reg Kay, Chicka Scott has now been seen in the winners circle on five occasions and is proving to be a very handy chaser.

Veteran chaser Rewind (Collide – Ricky’s Angel) was up to his old tricks at the NWGRC meeting, winning his 56th race by taking out the Rapidvite Spray Invitation Stake (452 metres) in typical gutsy fashion.

The old fellow had to call on all of his reserves on intestinal fortitude to run down Seagull Boy in the lane, but eventually prevailed in the time of 25.59, exceptional given the weather conditions.

A huge on-course tip, Captain Thomas (Collision – Lightning Moss) led throughout to take out Tuesday’s Decembrist At Stud Stake (452 metres) in brilliant fashion.

Having only his fourth start in a race, he recorded a slick 25.98 in defeating Winklee Wind (Cool Effort – Pitstop Ash) and Jamella Miss (Premier Fantasy – Contador) and ran right up to a recent sizzling Hobart trial.

The chaser is an occupant of Allison Walker’s Bagdad kennel and appears to have a very bright future.

Can Glen Gallon Do It Again In The Harrison-Dawson?

Greyhound Racing does not get any better than this Thursday night at Sandown Park. The action-packed eleven race card offers a tantalizing treat for enthusiasts with the Group one Sandown Cup heats highlighted by the return of champion bitch Miata whilst the best Australian sprinters will also congregate for the running of the group one Sapphire Crown and the group two Harrison-Dawson.
The latter will be the first feature final to fly being race six with eight sensational males vying for the $100,000 first prize at 8:58PM.

BOX ONE: Coming up with the coveted cherry box is the former New Zealander CLONE YOUR OWN who has managed to sneak under the radar and into the final after a dominant heat win last week. The son of Irish sire Droopy’s Marco began moderately from box six and with plenty of room to move in the early stages, charged his way into the top spot around the first turn clocking a blistering 29.41 seconds ahead of Irmy Bale. Since joining the astute kennels of Robert Britton in April, the black speedster has barely put a paw wrong winning three of his five starts with a third placing also to his name. Another point worth noting about this bloke is that he has never drawn the one after eighteen starts and whilst he holds an impeccable record from out wide, box one is the enviable box to have in big races. The under rated dog in the series who has a great chance of holding a vital position on the rails and could be a serious contender for the prize.

BOX TWO: Ever consistent three year old Irmy Bale has drawn well in box two for legendary trainer Graeme Bate. The son of Go Wild Teddy and Amity Bale ran a fantastic race last week flashing home to finish one and a quarter lengths off Clone Your Own after the leader set up a big margin down the back. As a winner of 23 races and with a brilliant record from the checks Irmy Bale is right in contention for this event. The biggest thing working against him is that it often takes him a few strides to hit top gear; however there is not an enormous amount of speed drawn around him so he should get every chance.

BOX THREE: Champion Queensland veteran Glen Gallon proved that his age was not affecting him last week when qualifying for the final in the fastest time of the four heats (29.39 seconds). The red brindle son of Flying Stanley is a multiple group one winner ( 2011 Winter Cup and 2011 Brisbane Cup) whilst he has been placed in five other group one final (2nd in the 2012 Melbourne Cup, 2012 Silver Chief, 2012 National Sprint Championship, 2012 Brisbane Cup, and ran third in the 2012 Group 1 Temlee). The Tony Brett prepared greyhound has won 34 races from 61 starts including his last four in succession and with six victories from box three he is the one to beat. A win in the Harrison-Dawson would also propel his stakes earnings to over $603,000 and would firmly reinforce him in third position on the list of Australia’s top prize money earning greyhounds.

BOX FOUR: The second of three runners for Graeme Bate is the well performed Schroder Bale who will be aiming to go one better than last week when defeated by Andrea Dailly’s Garrick Bale. Beginning fast from box four last week, he found trouble early and was knocked back into fourth position before firing again on the home turn to finish three and a quarter lengths off the winner in second. The Dyna Lachlan pup has been racing competitively in good company of late but once again will have to raise the bar in this race with so much experience and talent spread across the field. The black and white dog is another youngster out of top producer Amity Bale who has qualified three runners into this week’s final- a sensational achievement for any sire or dam to attain. As a good beginner he should be up there in the early stages.

BOX FIVE: Angela Langton will be hoping her Warrnambool Classic winner Premier Event can make it his second group two event in as many weeks when he lines up from the awkward box five. The white and black chaser began quickly in his heat last week and gave nothing else a look in clocking a slick 29.54 seconds for the 515 metre trip. The son of Premier Fantasy has won seven from nineteen and should be matching motors with Schroder Bale in the early stages. He definitely has the speed to lead and if he finds the front he will take some running down.

BOX SIX: Hurricane Isaac ran the best race of his life last week when finishing second behind Glen Gallon however this is a steep rise in class especially from box six. As a winner of eight overall from 26 starts including a nippy 29.66 seconds he is certainly an above average sprinter for Anthony Flores yet has only won one of his last eight starts and looks to have it stacked against it him in the final. Regardless of this, the black chaser is all heart and is capable of running a cheeky race. As a $900 purchase it would be one of the greatest rags to riches story if he could bag the $100,000 feature for his 65 year old mentor.

BOX SEVEN: Garrick Bale, another Paul Wheeler bred chaser will line up from box seven for Anakie’s Andrea Dailly. The winner of the 2012 group one Peter Mossman must be respected as a winner of fifteen races including a triumph in last week’s heats recording a hot 29.61 seconds over Schroder Bale. He also possesses a strong second section, however he will need to be up with the leaders in order to utilize it and with so much speed drawn ideally on the inside he will have to be at his best to challenge from the black. Despite this it would not be unlike the Wheeler’s to produce a group winner at big odds.

BOX EIGHT: The last of Amity Bale’s trio is Kevin Bale for you guessed it- Graeme Bate. The Lara trainer certainly knows how to put the polish on his team for the big races and there is no doubt Kevin Bale as well as Bates other two runners in the event will start being 110% ready for action. Kevin Bale has won 16 from 54 and ran home well behind Premier Event last week whilst he has won four races over the track and distance including a handy 29.59 seconds recorded last June. The 32 kilogram chaser has been racing consistently and is always thereabouts however he does prefer to be drawn closer the rails especially against such tough opposition.

1ST RESERVE: After finishing third to Glen Gallon in the heats, Nikita’s Elite makes it through as the first reserve. A winner of nine from 33 who has plenty of talent but faces a tough test should he get a run.

2ND RESERVE: Boris Fields for Pearcedale trainer Jason Thompson has a good shot if he gets a run particularly if drawn towards the inside. A winner at Sandown in 29.36 seconds he must be considered if he gains a start.

2013 Harrison-Dawson Tips

3. Glen Gallon
1. Clone Your Own
5. Premier Event
2.Irmy Bale

Greyhound Tips For Tuesday 14th May 2013

Only the 3 selections tonight, Lismore, Gosford and Warragul. There’s no meeting in South East QLD today. Townsville will take over the Ipswich slot with the first race at 4.04pm.

Warragul Greyhounds, Race 8 Box 2 Warm It Up, 9.08pm

Followers of our selections here will be aware of Warm It Up, a dog we have selected on a few occasions. He’s recently been racing over the 400m with great success but he’s a much better dog over 460. He steps back up here tonight and he’s going to be extremely hard to beat over the more suitable distance. He’s been landing midfield of late but he might be able to land alot closer here tonight. He has a huge motor and can really unwind when given free galloping room. He’s won here in 26.12 but he can certainly go much quicker and is capable of 25.80 with his best performance. Mucho Caliente was impressive last start and he will be the hardest to beat. But he has drawn the squeeze box here tonight and our selection may be able to skip right away here and open up to much of a break. Warm It Up, fast dog, great box and very tough to beat here tonight.

Lismore Greyhounds, Race 7 Box 1 Heavyweight, 8.42pm

We’re going with the heavyweight here who has a great record from an inside box. He’s won 9 races from boxes 1 and 2 and has come up with the red here tonight in a suitable race he won 2 starts ago at Casino leading throughout over the 600m trip. He’s no stranger to winning here and has won 4 races. He has a PB of 30.39 but that’s about as quick as they are likely to go here tonight in this. If he can jump and hold his position rounding the first turn. He’s going to be a huge threat. He’s quite tenacious and will hustle and bustle if the going gets tough. I doubt the early leaders will be able to hold off a couple of strong dogs mid race in this. Royal Oscar is the most experienced and fastest dog in the race but he’s slightly below his best, but this is certainly the race he can bounce back in. Keep him very safe in an open affair.

Gosford Greyhounds, Race 5 Box 2 Gambo Girl, 8.20pm

Our own Kat Ernst, recently wrote a great article on tonight’s selection Gambo Girl. Tonight’s 600m event looks a terrific race for Gambo Girl to salute in. Our Money Box the box 1 runner is a great beginner and can reel of good sectionals. If our selection Gambo Girl can stay with here early she should finish over the top of Our Money Box here tonight. She looks a nice young dog Gambo Girl and it appears she will be at her best over 600. She flew the lids and went super winning at Wentworth Park 2 starts ago. She had no luck last start and will be hard to beat here tonight.

Best Of Luck

$$ Another Day Another Dollar $$

Small Participants Achieving Big Things With Girl Aloud’s Pups

It is remarkable when you sit back and consider how much effort goes into preparing one individual greyhound for the racetrack. Not only is it about owning and training, it is the breeding, whelping, rearing, and breaking-in that all form a valuable piece of the puzzle. Each litter and each greyhound has a story of their history and the people who have helped to shape them into the superb athletes we see on the track. Many of these people play the role of a silent spectator later on as they watch a greyhound’s career unfold, however it does not diminish the pride and pleasure of seeing your efforts and passion emulated into four powerful paws of speed and tenacity.

Victorian breeders Maureen and Mick Barry know this feeling well. With ten years of breeding experience, the husband and wife duo have done a remarkable job working with just a small number of broodbitches at any given time.

“We breed about two litters a year, sometimes three…We do ok when you compare it with the mass numbers that others breed”, explained Mick, who works full time and credits Maureen for much of their success.

The Barry’s are quickly making their presence felt in Victoria with the help of their star broodbitch Girl Aloud. With only one litter to have raced, Girl Aloud has done what many other broodbitches fail to achieve with 100% of her pups to have raced being winners.

The unraced bitch was bred by Mick and Maureen with the sole intention of her becoming a mum, “We brought her mother as a pup and she had an accident when breaking so we kept her for breeding”

“She (Girl Aloud) wasn’t going to be a world-beater so there was no point racing her when the goal was to breed”.

The proud Irishman also follows the rule of the Droopy’s Stud that are established with racing bitches and breeding bitches, with the two groups always kept separate. The decision to follow their principals has been a masterstroke with all nine pups from Girl Aloud’s first litter turning into fantastic little money spinners for their various connections.

Maureen still owns Zoenah’s Entity, Marley Girl and Loud One with all three bitches looking highly promising pups with Zoenah’s Entity a winner of seven from 23 and Marley Girl a winner of six from ten.

Also from the litter is the handy Gambo Girl who is owned and trained in the Hunter Valley by Corey O’Donnell with his wife Lynise training litter brother Hez Aloud. As a recent Wentworth Park winner Gambo Girl has won four races from a mere nine starts and will line up this Tuesday at Gosford in a 600 metre event where she looks suited over the middle distance being a winner at The Meadows in a nippy 34.97 seconds

The best performed pup out of Girl Aloud to date is the brilliant bitch Evie’s Entity. The powerful 29 kilogram speedster is a highly talented type and will line up this Thursday night at Sandown for a crack at the $100,000 to the winner group one Sapphire Crown. The chaser is part owned by race caller James Van de Maat and trained by Lyn Smith from Devon Meadows (around 50 kms South East of Melbourne’s business district). Evie’s Entity has blossomed since joining the astute kennels under her new ownership in March winning four of her five starts for Smith with a second in a heat of the Bendigo Cup.

A winner of ten races overall from just twenty starts, Evie’s Entity went into last Thursday’s Sapphire Crown heats paying the lucrative odds of $7.60. After a moderate getaway from box four the black chaser showed an excellent turn of foot to push her way into third on the first turn before railing underneath early leader Cailyn Bale down the back stretching out to win impressively by four lengths in a blistering 29.48 seconds- the second fastest heat behind Punch One Out (29.32 seconds).

Smith was understandably elated with her classy performer, “We knew she had plenty of ability, but I wasn’t expecting it off box four in a field like that but you just don’t know what they will do against those kinds of dogs until they are there”.

“I went to the boxes thinking she had no chance whatsoever and I wasn’t nervous because I had no expectations but I got nervous when she was third on the first turn because I knew she had a great chance from there”.

This week will certainly be the youngster’s acid test with seven other sensational competitors lining up for the prize- all with a realistic chance of snaring victory. Despite drawing awkwardly in five Evie’s Entity is boxed to get a run into the race on the outside of lid pinger El Brooklyn.

“I gave her no chance from box four so I would probably give her less from five”, Smith said, “But every time I seem to doubt her she keeps raising the bar”.

“If she comes out running she is good as any of them”.

“She gives 110%, she is a professional and she knows what job she has to do and she gets it done”.

“It would be great (to win) but as long as she gets around in one piece”.

It is not just her syndicate of owners and Smith who will be cheering her on this week, with the Barry’s still watching intently and admitting that they would be over the moon for her owners if ‘Evie’ can pull off a big win this week, “We are wrapped”, Mick commented, “Even though we sold her we still bred her”.

“It would be a super effort if she could win but she is up against the best bitches in the country from a bad box- but you have to be in it!”

In reality both Smith and the Barry’s are small industry participants in the grand scheme of things, yet there is no doubt their efforts on both sides of this story is making a definitive impact with a group one victory now in sight.

“It gives everyone hope that if one small trainer can do it, we all can do it”, Smith enthused.

This is a feeling also shared by Mick, “It keeps the dream alive that smaller people can achieve it with a bit of luck”.

No matter what happens this week, both parties can be pleased with the role they have played in getting this super little bitch with the heart of a lion to race at the elite level and it goes to show everyone within the industry- no matter how small your team is, with hard work and dedication you can achieve big things.

Greyhound Betting Tips For Monday 13th May 2013

Albion Park Greyhounds, Race 4 Box 8 Toein’ The Line. 7.42pm

This bloke was recently purchased for a big sum after his slashing 22.91 victory at Grafton. He hasn’t raced for 5 weeks and it appears he’s been set here for this. The litter are going quite well and have proven they can run the 500. So there’s nothing to suggest he can’t win and win this well here tonight. Box 8 will give him plenty of room and he does posses a bit of early toe. They have come along way from Yorklea to race here tonight, and they should get the cash.

Angle Park Greyhounds, Race 1 Box 5 Jet Blast, 6.35pm

We are going with the slow beginner Jet Blast here. It appears a race he can win with his fair share of luck. With his best jump he can race in a forward position here tonight, but I doubt whether he can produce his best jump here tonight. I suspect he will 5th or 6th early on, and will be hard up against the rail. But he does storm to the line and can certainly run quick time when things go his way. He’s going to be value and punters should get about $7.00 about him.

Bulli Greyhounds Race 8 Box 6 Lightning Impact, 9.32pm

We have tipped this bloke, then tipped against him and now were back tipping him. He’s had two fantastic chances to win at Wentworth Park of late and blown both. But I reckon punters will shy away for him here tonight and hopefully he starts at backable odds. Box 6 will be no trouble and he can begin very fast, and clear out here in this. Voltage Peak appears the main danger, but I’m confident out selection can skip away early and make it very difficult for Voltage peak to catch him. He’s going to be backable odds, and he gets his chance to win here tonight.

Launceston Greyhounds, Race 6 Box 1 Pendle Beri, 9.20pm

We might get good value in backing Pendle Beri here tonight. His form is bad, but he hasn’t been going all that bad. His last run wasn’t that bad, considering he generally needs to lead to win. From box 1 here tonight he may be able to bounce straight on the bunny and if he finds it from box rise, he’s going to he hard to run down. His box 1 record isn’t that flash, but he can certainly use it to his advantage here tonight. Eachway chance.

Shepparton Greyhounds, Race 9 Box 8 Aeroplane Eddie, 9.48pm

We are going with a shorty here tonight but he should just win and win easily. He’s only going to be $1.50, but he’s a great anchor in a multiple. He’s got plenty of talent and looks a real good one in the making. He should easily lead and it will be times and margins please judge. They’re pretty even behind him and it’s going to he hard to split them; but one things for sure Aeroplane Eddie should sail away from these.

Best of Luck

$$ Another Day Another Dollar $$

Sandown Puzzle Remains

Following my item about racing at Sandown (April 29) I have been keeping an eye on results there. It’s not a pretty picture.

At the next Thursday meeting, May 2, three bolters got up. On top of that, five Trifectas paid over $500 and six First Fours paid over $1,000 (NSW tote), or would have done if someone had bought them. All those First Fours either jackpotted or showed false dividends which were greater than the total in the pool. That suggests that placings are harder to get than winners. Remember that exotic bets like these comprise over half of all wagering and have been growing faster than Win betting.

Last week, May 9, was much the same. Four Trifectas paid over $500 and four First Fours over $1,000 but this time you could not put the problems down to the class of dogs. Ron Ball’s comment that the Sapphire Crown heats included an excellent group of female sprinters was spot on (but not up to Flying Amy’s standard though).

Xylia Allen and Punch One Out put in really strong runs, the former after being barrelled at the first turn. Both had favourable boxes, as it turned out. Punch One Out handled the track beautifully, going around the centre of the track from box 8 until she could see the way clear to cut over and rocket around the rail. The other two winners were not favourites but were fancied to some extent.

The four Dawson heats were much messier with two bolters and two mid-priced racers succeeding.

However, we should pay homage to Glen Gallon. Despite a crook box, he found his way through the field for a really solid win. This must the Australia’s best field dog, bar none. He never gets hit and he never hits anything else. May there be more like him.

Unfortunately, regular provincial cups winner Ronan Izmir disappointed. As warned here earlier, this is a great dog up to 450m but he has yet to prove himself over the longer trip. After just leading around the first turn, he gave it away on the home turn. His only 500 win has been at Traralgon, a much easier journey than Sandown (or Cranbourne, for that matter). Still, he’s only 28 months old and may well improve with more experience.

Note: GRV results suggest Ronan Izmir’s running numbers were 32244. In practice, 21244 would be more accurate. He actually had his head in front of the winner as they came out of the first turn.

All told, nothing on this premium night suggested the track is up to the standard required of one of the country’s most important venues. Apart from first turn jumbles, you might notice that the home turn causes many dogs to veer wide, indicating the camber is not right. The run-in from the 595m boxes may be the culprit there. It needs careful study and rebuilding.

Apparently, some others may agree.

On that same Thursday night, NSW punters would have been most interested in three tracks – Albion Park, Sandown and Dapto. But consider the average Win pools:

• Albion Park $19,602
• Dapto $15,240
• Sandown $12,498

Notwithstanding Brisbane’s Big Dog 600m, the fields at Sandown were far superior to either of the other two tracks. Yet the public rated it worst by a long way.

A contributing factor may be that Albion Park races preceded Sandown’s by 3 minutes all night, meaning some punters would be hard pressed to get set on both, especially if they had to collect winnings. That’s a price to pay for crowded programs. Even so, Sandown betting was very disappointing.

WHY PICK ON SANDOWN?

Perhaps I do, but you have to start somewhere and most of Australia’s tracks can do with improvements. Good track designs are not a common feature of the sport. And it is disconcerting to hear others saying “Oh, let’s build a track like Sandown”, as has been heard in Newcastle, Launceston and Brisbane, to name just three. As it happens, neither Launceston or The Gardens at Newcastle are anything like Sandown anyway, while Brisbane is still twiddling its thumbs.

The hassles at Sandown have been evident since the new track opened in 1988 and I pointed out to the then-CEO that running to the first turn was often disruptive. So, too, at the start of the first turn where some inside dogs have a habit of veering out without warning, taking others with them. There is still more crashing on the exit to the turn (as hampered Xylia Allen). Some broken hocks emerging out of the first turn also pose questions – Knocka Norris, for example, in a solo trial. Check steward’s reports, if you like, and count the number of “hampered”, “bumped”, “collided”, and similar comments they make.

Since then I have supplied voluminous evidence on dividends, times and interference to GRV, all to no avail. All they have done is replace the sand. Surveys show that 7.3% of Sandown races involve a fall, and 37.0% involve a dog 20 lengths behind the winner, both above average outcomes. That’s the severe end, but one or two modest bumps can change the nature of all the placings. It’s all a question of how often it happens.

To rub salt into the wound, a couple of years ago GRV arbitrarily decided to change the timing mechanism on the boxes, thereby causing a substantial reduction in race times (around a couple of lengths). This move destroyed the relationship between Sandown times and every other Australian track, to say nothing of ruining the integrity of past performances. Records were no longer records. Yet GRV did not care, apparently failing to appreciate what both punters and breeders value.

MORE OLDIES NEEDED

A couple of other quirky events occurred in Victoria last week.

First, the McMahon family brought home three of their Doctor dogs in 1st, 2nd and 3rd place at Warrnambool on Wednesday, running quite good time. The only problem was that the winner, Doctor Elroy, was a rank outsider. Maybe they split their bets?

Another interesting point came up at Ballarat’s secondary meeting on Thursday afternoon. As is the regular practice at many Victorian tracks, the club scheduled a Veterans race. But this time they got enough dogs to run three such races over 390m and all were run in very smart times – 22.31, 22.14 and 22.13. Favourites won all three.

It is amazing that few such events are programmed in other states, and virtually none in NSW or Queensland. The evidence in Victoria tells us that there is a demand for these races but if the opportunity is not there then what happens to these senior dogs?

Veterans’ races are far more predictable than the rubbishy Tier 3 and Class C events being pushed at the moment. These dogs know how to race, their form is well declared and they are quite popular with punters. Why aren’t there more?

It makes no sense not to stretch the careers of fit dogs and thereby improve the economics of ownership. But besides that, the concept of events for older competitors is one that the Community relates to. Many human sports have successful programs for oldies – golf and tennis do it professionally, for example, and attract good sponsorship.

Wheels In Motion For South Australian Greyhound Industry

The city of Adelaide has long had a stigma of being resistant to change and reluctant to progress. Known as a ‘backwater’ for many years, this impression of over-conservatism has plagued the Festival State for decades and it was only a matter of time before someone starting the ball rolling again.

Thankfully, in recent times the wheels have started turning for what was becoming a stagnating metropolis, with new construction projects and upgrades to existing infrastructure being approved in all directions. Soon Adelaide will have a new centralised stadium, and new highway, a madeover shopping district, a CBD centerpiece and brand new landmark hospital giving a sense of pride and excitement to its very patient public. Moreover, it means interstate and overseas travelers will return to Adelaide, without the assumption that nothing has changed since their last visit.

What is even more exciting, is the realisation that Greyhound Racing South Australia (GRSA) has been inspired by the wider environment, has begun implementing its strategic plan to invigorate an industry that has been wilting away for far too long.

Along with some housekeeping to regional tracks, prizemoney distribution and the addition of short-course racing, the process is now really gathering legs, with the complete overhaul of the Gawler kennel-house and patron facilities currently being undertaken.

Recognising that the current set-up had not been touched in over 40 years, GRSA have found it imperative to focus on as much of the off-track infrastructure at Gawler that they possible can, and after speaking with GRSA’s CEO Matt Corby, participants can be reassured that their voices have been heard.

Mr Corby describes how the new kennel-house will be completely remodeled, including new air-conditioning that was so sorely needed to cope with the excessive heat the area consistency receives each summer. Existing drainage issues will also be resolved, areas for veterinary and administration work will be included and landscaping will be completed around the new structure.

While the kennel-house work is expected to be finalised and racing recommenced before June 30, it fills only one piece of a major puzzle that is in the pipeline for Gawler. With other clubs such as football and cricket sharing the land, every effort is being made to ensure that all interests are working together for a greater good, and as such, a proposal has been submitted to obtain a piece of $175 million that is being offered by the Federal Government. The showgrounds upgrade is one of 159 shortlisted projects from 476 originally submitted nationally, and the outcome of the proposal will be known on July 11.

Regulars to the Gawler track can rest assured that the existing patron area will be upgraded regardless of the July 11 result, with a new building for on-course patrons including stewards’ area, replacing the existing tin-and-concrete structure that has been endured by locals for so long.

With “security of tenure” being the driving motivation behind the Gawler emphasis, it highlights the importance of the overall facility for not only large numbers of greyhound participants, but all residents in the Two Wells, Lewiston and Virginia region. Accessing the additional funds being offered will mean the plan will go ahead with all clubs in mind, making the goal of sustainability far more achievable.

The other major part of the GRSA strategic plan is a proposed one-turn track to be positioned south of Adelaide.

GRSA is weighing up a decision whether to reconstruct the current Strathalbyn site or build from scratch at one of two shortlisted locations at Murray Bridge. The good news from a timeframe perspective is that the project is “available anytime from a budgeting perspective” and the planning process is due to begin as soon as a location is selected.

“A one-turn track is something we desperately need in this state and we are hoping to push it through as soon as practicable.”

With an obvious lack of variation previously seen in S.A between Angle Park, Gawler and Strathalbyn courses, the addition of a U-turn track to the recently installed 388m and 400m trips should be welcome news to both local owners and trainers alike.

It comes as part of a long-term plan to reform the structure of prizemoney and grading. Consistency is something that appears to have been lacking in the past, with at one stage up to seven different stake levels being offered simultaneously, and GRSA are certainly looking to improve in that area going forward.

“It’s about creating equitable positions for our second-tier meetings, and providing an alternative option for quality dogs.”

The plan involves having a much more predictable system of staking within a five-year timeframe. Thursday nights at Angle Park would remain the premier metropolitan-class meeting, with three options of second-tier meetings being available at identical prizemoney levels – Angle Park Monday, Gawler Tuesday as well as the proposed one-turn meeting.

Similarly, the issue of breeding in South Australia is not being ignored and is seen as being an area of significant improvement, but one that requires more time to address.

“(Breeding) is a critical issue that we face, but it can only be addressed piece-by-piece.”

“Incentives such as the Breeder’s Rebate, we believe, has seen rise in the quality of sire that is being used, however that is just part of a really is a rebuilding phase.” Mr Corby adds.

The current GRSA board is taking an ‘actions speak louder than words’ approach to the future of racing in the state, and are looking to differentiate from previous administrations that promised so much and yet delivered so little.

“We find that participants are presently supportive and yet anxious. We understand that you only get one crack at doing things like this properly. People have been very patient in the past and most importantly, they just want to see things happen.”

From what has been demonstrated recently, things are indeed happening and perhaps the ‘backwater’ days of the past are long gone, at least from a racing perspective.

Greyhound Betting Tips For Mother’s Day Sunday 12th May 2013

Albion Park Greyhounds, Race 5 Box 2 Stop Scrammin’ 6.44pm

The perfect race here tonight for the Dave Irwin trained Stop Scrammin’. The field has depth and you can’t rule out any of the runners. Phantom Dottie began like rocket last time here and was run down and finished second. Phantom Dottie is going to give our selection the perfect run in the race. Phantom Dottie should spear out and make the race for our selection. He steps up to the 600 here for the first time but he’s been hitting the line hard. He should trail early and finish to powerfully here. You can make a case for all runners, but I’m going with the best drawn runner here.

Sale Greyhounds, Race 7 Box 2 Benmar Pete, 7.12pm

I really like the chances of Benmar Pete here. He has run good time here and has early pace. Miss Mercantile, the former Queenslander may start the favourite, but she’s very moody and I’m prepared to lay here. Our selection has a good record and prefers inside boxes. With his best jump, and a little luck punters are going to get a great run for their money.

Strathalbyn Greyhounds, Race 8 Box 1 Walkaway Cam 7.29pm

It’s never easy finding a winner at Strathalbyn. It’s great they race there and it’s well supported; but it’s really a goat track, and I find it very difficult to select a runner. Walkaway Cam is a slow beginner but he does rattle home hard. Box 1 will suit and and he is the winner of 10 races. He has posted a good time of 30.20 at Angle Park and if he repeats that performance here tonight he’s going to be hard to beat. He’s going to need a little luck but is a good each way chance here.

Best of Luck

$$ Another Day Another Dollar $$

Never Let The Facts Get In The Way ……

For some time now the boffins who inhabit the psychology departments of the planet armed with reams of statistics and tax deductible clipboards have been telling anyone who will listen that our precious memories tend to be very unreliable when it comes to correctly reconstructing events from our past. What is perceived as incontrovertible fact is often not completely correct, and our wonderful sport is no stranger to misplaced facts and incorrect assumptions.

The reason for the above preamble is to introduce a completely erroneous statement made on a Greyhound Forum (I won’t name it in case people think I’m trying to be churlish) regarding one my all-time favourite greyhounds: Miss High Lo.

This strikingly-marked white and black bitch dominated the Sydney distance racing scene from the Sydney Cup of 1973 until the end of 1974, deservedly taking the New South Wales Greyhound of the Year honours for the latter year.

Regarding a match race that took place between Miss High Lo and the superstar Victorian stayer Lizrene (another of my all-time favourites) at Wentworth Park, on this Forum someone penned the following:

‘Lizrene beat her by 4 lengths in a match race – the result was not a surprise. Miss High Lo was a Wentworth Park and Richmond specialist. Victorian stayers were superior to their NSW counterparts in that period – they won the first 6 National Distance Championships. Miss High Lo was a great stayer but didn’t beat the best away from her home tracks.’

To be fair, the person who wrote that later came back and corrected his mistake, although he went on to say Lizrene was perhaps past her best at the time of the match race.

I have never seen a stayer like Miss High Lo at Wentworth Park: my late father and I would watch races from the Leger in those heady days, so I caught a great sight of her as she left the boxes and again when she usually made her winning moves in the back straight. Heady stuff for a young teenager in those great days.

Being a huge fan of Lizrene and Miss High Lo the match race was a wonderful opportunity to see which of the two was the better, although I had no real doubt the younger Miss High Lo would be victorious. And so it proved. Miss High Lo, wearing the red rug, took the lead soon after the start and never gave her ageing, but brave, rival (wearing the blue rug of box four) a chance, bolting in by four lengths.

The race took place on 2 February before a crowd estimated at 13,000 people. One of the reasons the match had been arranged was because the pair had clashed on 22 December (just 42 days earlier) in a special Invitation over 640 metres at Wangaratta. Lizrene had won that race (taking her record to five wins from five starts on that circuit), while Miss High Lo finished fourth.

To further state Miss High Lo was a two-track specialist is equally erroneous. Certainly, Miss High Lo was a superstar at Wentworth Park: 16 wins, two seconds and one third from 19 starts over the old 722 metres is testimony to that. Her wins included two Sydney Cup’s and a Wentworth Park Gold Cup, and a track record.

Yet at Harold Park, she won the Christmas Gift, was a gallant and narrow second to Dotie Wilson in the 1974 Summer Cup (one of the greatest two-dog races ever run in the country) and an Association Cup finalist. In fact she twice ran 42.80 for the 732 metres, the second-fastest times ever recorded on the circuit to that time and won 10 of her last 14 races on that course.

While it is quite right to argue that Miss High Lo ‘didn’t beat the best away from her home tracks’, sad to say, Lizrene wasn’t very good away from Victoria either. In 12 starts outside Victoria, Lizrene scored just two wins, although she did run six seconds and one third. By comparison, Miss High Lo raced six times in Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia for two wins and one third.

The simple fact is that while Lizrene was a superstar in Victoria, Miss High Lo was the same in New South Wales.

Greyhound Betting Tips For Saturday 11th May 2013

Diamond Sparkles did the job stylishly yesterday at Casino for us. Jumping second he railed through early and went around the outside and powered away to win in a good 35.88. The price of $7.70 was quite a shock to me, as I was sure he would be around $15.00. He paid as little as $4.20 in NSW. A ridiculous price for a dog in poor form who hasn’t won a race for a very long time. Anyway he did the job and that’s what counts.

Plenty of winners on tonight’s card but they are all going to be short. Good dogs from great boxes and the looks to be plenty of them.

Wentworth Park Greyhounds, Race 1 Box 2 Compass 7.30pm

This home bred bitch looks a special. She was beaten first up and then beaten again last week second up but she did improve a lot in her second run and she she looks as if she will improve here again tonight. She has the early toe to lead, and can run flying times. She’s just taken a couple of runs to handle the grueling 720m trip. She should ping here and land straight onto the rail, and race right away here with this. Lochinvar Blanik may put it to her early and he has plenty of talent but the trip will test and I’d prefer to be on her. Shes got plenty of talent and should easily win this here tonight.

The Meadows Greyhounds, Race 11 Box 1 Cross Cut, 10.42pm

I’ve been waiting for this bloke to draw box 1 and finally he’s come up with it tonight. He’s got a big motor and he looks to be developing nicely. He can lead here from box 1 and if he finds the bunny he can really carve out a solid time. He has already posted a a slick 29.52 at Sandown and a repeat of that performance will see him go very close to breaking 30.00 here tonight at the Meadows. Box 1 is a huge advantage and I reckon he’s a great bet here tonight. Allen Orville is the main danger and these two appear the standouts tonight.

Cannington Greyhounds, Race 4 box 4 Saving Bundles 8.10pm WA time

We are going with last weeks selection here Saving Bundles. She was held up last week at a crucial stage and it cost her the race. In the end she was way under the odds and I didn’t wanna be on her at $1.40.She should be a far better price here tonight from a awkward box but she’s clearly the best dog in the race and is going great guns. We should be able to get about $2.50 here tonight and at that price she’s a gear bet.

Best of Luck

$$ Another Day Another Dollar $$

Big Knight Out For Lexia Isaac After Mandurah Derby Win

Lexia’s Isaac’s youngster Knight Fun has taken out the 2013 Mandurah Derby final with a faultless display of chasing against a quality field. As was reported earlier in the week, the final comprised of the four heat winners from last week and the associated runners up, with many of the dogs posting similar qualifying times.

As expected, the market was wide open leading up to the feature race of the night, with former Victorian Set Sail South starting at $3.60 favourite despite drawing the awkward box six. Jack O’Rielly from box two was the next fancied runner for Linda Britton at $4.60, while Moodich ($6.70) and Merlot Monelli ($6.90) were given similar chances after nearly dead-heating at their previous clash. In fact every runner in the field was paying under $12.00 by the time the green was switched on, and as it turned out, the winner would pay a double-figure dividend.

Starting from the 490-metre corner point, all connections would have been holding their breath with the anticipation of an even start, and hoping their runner gets every chance to snare the $12,000 cheque and trophy. With that in mind, it was Moodich who was first to show from box three, with Knight Fun quickly joining it on the outside from box seven. Celtic Coin ($10.30) was enjoying the space wide on the track and was positioned closer than it has last start, while Set Sail South had missed it fractionally, and quickly faced an uphill battle.

Heading towards the top of the course, and all entrants had enjoyed a smooth run in transit, resulting in only six lengths separating first to last. Knight Fun had taken over the lead, with Moodich finding itself with dogs all around despite its sharp beginning. Celtic Coin was presenting itself wider out and Jack O’Reilly was pressed against the fence trying to make a run.
Around the bend the leading duo had become the likely quinella of the race, with Celtic Coin looking a big chance to finish the stronger. Moodich was still there behind them, but the rest of the pack had a too much to do from there.

Entering the home straight as a two-dog battle, Knight Fun had a length break and although Celtic Coin had seemed poised to make a winning move on the corner, it wasn’t to be and the money was heading Lexia Isaac’s direction and to owner, Isaac Pollard. Celtic Coin was game in defeat, while Moodich held off Jack O’Reilly’s challenge for the final step of the podium.

Knight Fun’s Mandurah Derby win paid $10.10 for any wise punters on board, and the race was clocked at 27.37 – a significantly faster time than the four heats. Lexia should be lauded for a great example of training a dog to the minute.

Sired by Premier Fantasy and out of Bombastic Shiraz bitch, Alotta Fun, the black chaser has just turned two year of age during the week. His career started back in December last year, and after taking three attempts to crack his maiden, Knight Fun has now racked up eight wins from only 17 starts and is expected to work his way through to open grades on all tracks very shortly.

The prospects of W.A racing is in good shape with Miata and Dyna Nalin already attracting a national audience, along with Celtic Coin’s littermates Boss Coin and On Coin deservedly obtaining ‘star’ status. If the next wave of young dogs such as Knight Fun can continue on winning, it adds much needed depth to the ranks and builds the platform for a healthy, sustainable industry.

Nations Top Sprinters Showcase Their Sensational Best

Australia’s best sprinters lined up on Thursday night at Sandown Park and they did not disappoint with four spectacular heats of both the group one Sapphire Crown and the group two Harrison-Dawson staged on an action packed twelve race card.

The girls where the first to hit the track with the brilliant El Brooklyn taking out the first heat of the Sapphire Crown for Jason Thompson. The three year old sprinter is still racing in fantastic style as shown when taking out the event in a slick 29.53 seconds over Jason Mackay’s flyer Sometimes Speedy who will also go into the final on Thursday. The daughter of E Galo and Dark Marne now holds the imposing record of 42 starts for 24 wins and eight placings with almost $275,000 in stakes money.

The second heat gave Jason Mackay his second runner in the group one event with the freakish Punch One Out dominating the race from box eight. Starting at an ominous $1.70 the NSW sensation gave her opponents a rattling, clearing away from Graeme Bate’s Desalle Bale to score by four and a half lengths in a blistering 29.32 seconds. The Knocka Norris bitch looks the one to beat in next week’s final after drawing the coveted rails alley. Gallant in defeat was Desalle Bale who just found the winner too strong. The classy Victorian has come up with box two on the outside of her heat rival for Thursday’s decider.

Heat three went to rails competitor Xylia Allen who put in a tenacious chasing effort to take out the race. In what was the run of the night, the daughter of Turanza Bale overcame moderate getaway and found all sorts of trouble before regaining momentum to rocket away with a five and a quarter length triumph in a sizzling 29.51 seconds. Tricky Jade ran a race full of merit behind Xylia Allen and in doing so brought Jason Mackay’s tally to three finalists from three heat starters into the Sapphire Crown.

The fourth and final heat went to the in-form Evie’s Entity for trainer Lyn Smith. The daughter of Mogambo has won her last four starts with Thursday’s win her fastest triumph recording a red-hot 29.48 seconds for the 515 metre distance. With ten wins from twenty starts, the 29 kilogram youngster is improving each week and should run a competitive race in the final. Also with three runners in the final is Graeme Bate with Orthia Bale making the cut when finishing second to Evie’s Entity. Her heat time of 29.73 seconds was also the Dyna Lachlan sprinter’s best at Sandown although she has drawn awkwardly in seven on Thursday underneath lid pinger Sometimes Speedy.

Moving onto the Harrison-Dawson where the boys were equally impressive. In the first heat Warrnambool Classic winner Premier Event proved he is a force to be reckoned with when scoring decisively from box two in a quick 29.54 seconds. The Premier Fantasy two year old has come along in leaps and bounds and looms as a big threat for the final. Chasing him home in second was Kevin Bale for Graeme Bate who ran his usual honest race for his Lara mentor.

Heat two went to the big odds performer Garrick Bale who put an end to Ronan Izmir’s winning streak when claiming the race in a zippy 29.61 seconds. Paying a massive $19.90 for the win the 15 race winner was all class for Andrea Dailly and ensured he won’t start at such lucrative odds for a while. Warrnambool Cup runner up Schroder Bale put his name in the field when finishing second just over three lengths off the winner.

Heat three went to the exciting proposition Clone Your Own who made it two in a row at Sandown when running an electrifying 29.41 seconds over the track and distance. The former New Zealander by Droopys Marco is right in contention for the $100,000 to the winner event particularly after drawing the cherry for Thursday night. Irmy Bale finished close behind the winner for Graeme Bate and in doing so will join his litter brother Kevin Bale in the decider, with the son’s of Amity Bale certainly doing their mum proud at present.

The last of the qualifiers to be run and won for next week was Harrison-Dawson heat four which was taken out by grand old campaigner Glen Gallon who made it his 34th race success when claiming the event. The son of Flying Stanley has been a terrific dog for Tony Brett with over $500,000 in his race account after Thursday’s win. His time of 29.39 seconds proved that the rising four year old still has the same zest and talent for racing as when he was just a pup, with a win in the final well within reach for this once in a lifetime racer. Outsider Hurricane Isaac injected value into the quinella when finishing in second position with the son of Paddy’s Flame facing his acid test when he lines up next week.

The group one Sapphire Crown and group two Harrison-Dawson will be the highlight of a brilliant night of racing at Sandown on Thursday. Both races have attracted the best of the best and are truly the premier male and female races in Australia.
The complete box draws for the finals is as follows

GROUP ONE SAPPHIRE CROWN FINAL

1 PUNCH ONE OUT JASON MACKAY
2 DESALLE BALE GRAEME BATE
3 TRICKY JADE JASON MACKAY
4 EL BROOKLYN JASON THOMPSON
5 EVIE’S ENTITY LYN SMITH
6 XYLIA ALLEN GRAEME BATE
7 ORTHIA BALE GRAEME BATE
8 SOMETIMES SPEEDY JASON MACKAY
9 HOT IRISH STEVEN CLARKE (1ST RESERVE)
10 GOT A MOMENT JASON THOMPSON (2ND RESERVE)

GROUP TWO HARRISON-DAWSON FINAL

1 CLONE YOUR OWN ROBERT BRITTON
2 IMRY BALE GRAEME BATE
3 GLEN GALLON TONY BRETT
4 SCHRODER BALE GRAEME BATE
5 PREMIER EVENT ANGELA LANGTON
6 HURRICANE ISAAC ANTHONY FLORES
7 GARRICK BALE ANDREA DAILLY
8 KEVIN BALE GRAEME BATE
9 NIKITA’S ELITE LISA COCKERELL (1ST RESERVE)
10 BORIS FIELDS JASON THOMPSON (2ND RESERVE)

Greyhound Beting Tips For Friday 10th May 2013

We got a couple up last night nothing of any value but a couple of winners anyway. Fridays are always a tough day with only the odd good meeting.

Congratulations must go out to Gary Peterson, owner/ trainer of Starliner who remarkably won the group 3 Big Dog Cup last night at Albion Park and in the process collected the winners cheque of $25,000. I was one of many people who tried to buy Starliner early on, but Gary stayed strong and held onto the white chaser, who has returned the favour with over $70,000 in stakes so far. A step up in distance is on the cards now for the son of Pure Octane, and it appears he’s going to be a prominent force in anything he contests.

Ipswich Greyhounds, Race 9 Box 1 Son of Joy 6.38pm

It’s been a while between drinks for this fellow, but he has plenty of ability and has posted a very fast 25.08 here at Ipswich. He’s drawn box 1 here today, but most importantly he’s, drawn the right field. I doubt he’s going to get a better chance to return to the winners circle then here tonight. Two Up Tuffy, appears the main danger and he’s going to be tough to beat; he’s in form and races very well here. If he jumps and crosses our selection is really up against it. Son of Joy needs to ping and lead or at worst position himself 2nd or 3rd at box rise. Right box, right race and he looks a great chance. Eachway.

Casino Greyhounds, Race 5 Box 2 Diamond Sparkles, 1.24pm

This selection is a back at your own risk. Diamond Sparkles is trained by good friend Bill Sharpe, and Sparkles is luck to be racing after server blood poisoning last year. Many a vet had said Sparkles would never race again and here he is racing and he appears to be getting back to his best.He ran second Tuesday night, at Lismore, and it really was a huge run. He changed direction 4 times, and stormed home from the rear to run second. He loves jumping onto a corner, and can really threaten here today. He’s a big chance if he can ping and find the bunny. It’s a remarkable feat to be even racing again, and he looks a chances here today in an open affair. Eachway.

Wentworth Park Greyhounds, Race 7 Box 1 Tiger Toes, 9.19pm

I’m a big fan of box 1 at Wenty if a dog can use it. Quick beginners, railers and slow beginners all benefit from box 1 here.
Often a roughie will fill a place from box 1 here at Wenty with a little luck. Tiger Toes is a slow beginner and is probably better suited further. But he has a motor and will camp right on their hammer in this. If they jam up or find trouble, this bloke will be camped right behind them and ready to pounce. He’s well travelled and had plenty of experience. His record here is poor but with a little luck he’s right in this here tonight. Eachway chance at good odds.

Geelong Greyhounds, Race 10 Box 1 Buckle Up Mason, 10.10pm

The good young dog Buckle up Mason, looks a huge chance to collect the winners cheque here tonight. Box 1 will suit and he has a big motor. Engine Alley, is an absolutes rocket but will need luck from box 5. Our selection is quite strong and can burn the candle at both ends. He’s going to need to do that here tonight to hold of the fast finishing Engine Alley. He needs to jump and skip away here and from box 1 he gets his chance to do so. It looks a great quinella race and these two look clear cut.

Best of Luck

$$ Another Day Another Dollar $$

Two Families Journey From Tragedy To Triumph

Greyhound Racing suffers more than its fair share of negative criticism; however when a story comes along that involves devastating heartbreak with greyhounds the cause for a happy ending; it makes us all appreciate how lucky we are to reap the numerous rewards from this fantastic sport.

Holmesville greyhound enthusiast Warren ‘Hank’ Pearce was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident back in 2011, with wife Jennifer, left to raise their 9 beautiful babies by Elite State out of Fernando, who were just 4 weeks old at the time.

Hunter Valley training duo Robert and Natina Howard purchased one of the pups with daughter Jorja, having chosen a black bitch that is now known as Zipper. An imposing winner of 8 races from 15 starts including 4 minor placing’s, the 26kg pocket rocket has notched up some impressive personal bests around the one and two turn circuits including; a blistering 25.09 at Muswellbrook (429m) (track record 24.72), 22.85 (400m Unitbet Gardens) and 30.16 (515m Unibet Gardens).Trainer Natina, is elated with how well her charge is going for the Pearce family, who have been through so much in recent times.

‘Her early speed is unbelievable. Unfortunately she’s had so many injuries and is just coming back from a few that put her out for a while. It’s fantastic to see how well she is going for Hank. We wouldn’t be here today without the Pearce family’, said an emotional Howard, who now trains Zipper’s fittingly named brother; Not Quite Hank.

‘Not Quite Hank was sent away to get broken in and did have some problems along the way. The trainers at the time couldn’t get her going, so we offered to take her and every time I put her in the boxes I think of Hank. It’s very emotional and amazing when she wins because she has plenty of ability that Hank would be proud of’.

A winner of three races from just 10 starts, the 24kg lightweight is truly electric at box rise and continues to improve with every start, much to the delight of her trainers and owner; John Philp, who is a close friend and neighbour of the Pearce family.

‘John and his wife are terrific people. It’s great she is starting to fire for them. Obviously what happened was a tragedy but it’s beautiful to see what has transpired. We know his looking down on all of us with a smile’.

Natina’s husband Robert, who was forced to retire from his full time occupation after a hampering back injury, now looks to greyhounds as his saviours, as Natina explains:

‘The doctor told Rob to get a hobby because he couldn’t work anymore, so we decided to get back into training. They are like our babies and always give us something to look forward to when we get up in the morning. We would be lost without them.’

Robert and Natina left the sport for 10 years after the birth of their children and have returned in stunning fashion, rapidly making their mark around the popular Hunter Valley circuits. The adoring duo experienced a memorable day at Muswellbrook last Sunday, when they secured a running double with Not Quite Hank; who clocked a flying 19.41 over the 328m and Zipper recorded an equally impressive 25.32 over the 429m distance. Having a small team at their Greta property is ideal for the couple, in making sure each greyhound gets the training methods that match their personality; according to Natina.

‘The most important thing is remembering that every greyhound is different and has to be trained accordingly. I don’t believe in using the same method for every dog. You have to find out what makes each one tick’.

For two families who have been united through Greyhound Racing is a truly touching tale to anyone. It is inevitable there will be a few more supporters for the Howard family when their greyhounds step out onto the race track, with undeniably a proud Hank Pearce looking down on his wonderful greyhounds, who bestow talent that can only be defined as a gift from above.

Greyhound Tips For Thursday 9th May 2013

Big night ahead with the heats of the Sapphire Crown at Sandown. Some cracking heats with the flying Punch One Ou, headlining the act.

Albion Park Greyhounds, Race 6 Box 7 Top Story 8.25pm

Going to go with the flying machine Top Story in this. His form’s ordinary but we are all well aware of his tremendous ability. It’s the sort of race a dog of his talent should totally destroy. None of these can go 29.77 and if he repeats that its all over, but I highly doubt he’s going to produce that sort of run. He’s still capable of winning but probably not that quick. Box 7 will suit and in his last couple all he’s wanted to do is get off the track. He did win two starts back but was certainly in need of the run. He’s fourth up here and should be nearly 100 percent. There isn’t any danger, and all he’s doing is racing himself. If he’s 110 percent right and jumps its all over bar the shouting.

Angle Park Greyhounds, Race 4 Box 1 Laurie Lachlan, 8.14pm

Last chance Laurie is our selection here. He’s been beat in his last couple and owes us quite a bit but box 1 is perfect and he begins like a bullet. He has a PB of 29.88 and can run like the wind given it his own way. He must land on the bunny to show his best. I doubt he will start favourite, as there’s plenty of talent engaged. 29.88 the PB of our selection should easily run this race; and if good old Laurie happens to ping and go and live up to his PB I doubt they will be catching him tonight. Win only, if they head him early he’s no chance.

Dapto Greyhounds, Race 3 Box 6 Cough Drop, 8.11pm

Cough Drop is strictly a place bet here only. Kentucky Grove looks to have a mortgage on the race and he will start the short priced favourite, but our selection Cough Drop will certainly be great place value odds. Her form is very poor, but it’s a poor race and outside the top 2 it’s very open. I’ve actually backed her in her last couple, and I wasn’t all that disappointed with her runs. She will probably land mid field and stay 1 or 2 of the rail. She needs a little luck and can’t run into any bums and loose momentum. But with clear room and a little luck I reckon she may fill a place.

Hobart Greyhounds, Race 5 Box 2 Terror Time, 8.41pm

The versatile Terror Time is the on top selection here tonight. The daughter of Collision has won over the shorter trip and turned her paw to the longer journey and also saluted over it. She has early toe and if she can jump straight to the front shes going to be mighty hard to run down. It really is that easy if she lands on the bunny I doubt she can be beat.

Sandown Greyhounds, Race 3 Box 1 Kasumi Rose, 7.44pm.

I reckon this girl is nearly the bet of the night. There’s plenty of talent in the race, but I don’t give Sometimes Speedy a chance. She’s been a little below her best of late , and quite frankly I don’t think she can run the time required to win here on the big track. I’m not doubting her talent it’s immense, but I reckon she’s going to get found out here. Purcell Bale may be the danger but has to contend with the bad box. Our selection flew the lids last week and went powerfully to the line at the Meadows, stopping the clock in a quick 30.05. There no reason why she can’t ping the lids again and lead all the way here. She has a PB of 29.63 and I reckon she’s going better now then what she was when she posted that time. Everything’s in her favour, huge chance and best of the night.

Best of Luck

$$ Another Day Another Dollar $$

It’s Time, Comrades

This cannot be allowed to go on forever.

A Commission of Inquiry into Queensland racing, just announced by the state’s attorney-general, represents the fourth such examination of racing in recent years. Running it will drag $3 million out of the state coffers, money which otherwise would be better spent fixing racetracks and promoting new business, or paying out some of the $10 million promised to greyhounds following the resumption of the Gold Coast track. It follows an unfavourable report by auditors into the alleged failure of the previous administration to put numerous construction jobs out to tender, and to excessive payouts to former employees, two of whom then went to work for the contractor in question. The process used to select a preferred broadcaster has also been strongly criticised for lack of transparency.

Queensland has also wasted hundreds of thousands of dollars on consultants drawing up plans for two new greyhound tracks at Logan and Deagon, neither of which have gained approval. Another million is mooted for plans for a new dual code complex at Ipswich.

But take a look at the other states.

Last year the Victorian parliament delved into misconduct by greyhound officials betting on their own races – something which followed similar problems amongst staff in at least one raceclub. Racing Victoria and its consultants also opposed, with little justification, the RNSW move to charge betting operators fees based on turnover, a policy since endorsed by the High Court. RV has had to pull its head in, and is now counting the extra cash.

Canberra racing people, like RV before it, set up its own inquiry and also adopted the same Productivity Commission-based errors which favoured the share of gross profit option for racefield fees. All the above folk had ample and detailed warning about their faulty reasoning, including from this writer.

Before that NSW had a barrister look into how racing organisations were structured. That almost guaranteed an examination of the fine points of the law rather than the underlying purpose and performance of racing boards. Admittedly, that was a periodic requirement under legislation but it also followed a revamp of organisational structures, re-combining two greyhound boards, and was succeeded by an overdue change of tack in selecting board members with no direct affiliation with raceclubs (although all current members have previous experience with local racing organisations).

At the NSW gallops, the newly created job of CEO to Racing NSW was advertised in the Financial Review, amongst other newspapers. The following morning the appointment of the current occupant was announced. Hmmm. RN is the major beneficiary of the commission cross-subsidy from NSW greyhounds and refuses to budge on a proposed change to the ancient agreement. Also in NSW, a candidate for an unpaid job on the committee of the AJC (now ATC) placed his own feature ad in the same Financial Review. Hmmm again.

The SA Racing Minister commissioned an independent inquiry into governance in that state following reports of vote rigging at the gallops (also in regard to spots on the committee). It also uncovered widespread conflicts of interest in the harness field.

SA greyhounds are running on an even keel, its controlling board being almost wholly independent. Even so, its progress is questionable. In its last annual report, the chairman was quick to congratulate itself on an increase in betting turnover but failed to mention that it was also running more races. Hardly a full disclosure. Still, unlike NSW, it has been able to negotiate an improved share of betting commissions.

Tasmania has also re-jigged its racing organisations, putting everything directly under the control of a single government instrumentality, including the management of race meetings, with clubs relegated to an even lesser advisory role than they had before. Unfortunately, the state is struggling and still losing money in large amounts, resulting in more questions in parliament. Finances have not been helped by the enforced switch from Tabcorp’s Supertab to the much smaller Tatts pools. This followed the latter’s buyout of the local government-owned Tastote, which itself was near profit-less after giving away huge discounts to big professional punters. (One such punter was able to build the renowned $250 million Museum of Old and New Art on Hobart’s outskirts, now Tasmania’s biggest tourist attraction).

The WA dual management system – RWWA controlling tri-code policy and finances and GWA running greyhound races – did not fare well under the revised racefield fees system and is under some financial pressure. Its Racing Minister (since removed) made a schoolboy error in trying to ban Betfair, a move which apparently had support from one or more codes. The High Court quickly put a stop to that.

Everywhere, states are saying what good fellows they are by diverting cash to breeding incentives and low grade distance racing yet not one has ever bothered to audit the effectiveness of these programs. These are ideas that may have some validity but we still don’t know if the punters who provide that cash are seeing a good return on their investment – or any return at all. Probably not.

And now we have the current Queensland government taking potshots at the previous Labor-appointed Racing Queensland organisation (with some justification) due to alleged improprieties. However, the new Queensland practice of insisting on appointing insiders to its many racing boards is likely to prove a huge barrier to progress – it’s a system which has been tried and failed. A public company would attract sanctions for doing that.

The chairman of Greyhounds Australasia, in a speech to Racing Ministers last year, claimed we were looking at a profitable and growing industry when his own statistics show that breeding has declined over the last decade while any extra money through the till has come from new bottom level meetings which attract only mug gamblers and from improved commission splits from some kindly governments. Turnover at premium meetings has actually declined. GA meetings are secretive with agendas and outcomes unknown except for the occasional media release of veterinary-related matters.

All this is occurring in a climate where product quality and racing’s share of the gambling market is falling and where nothing is being done about either. Indeed, in Greyhound Racing, more and more slow dogs are being encouraged to join the work force to fill TAB-created slots, while the code refuses to study the science of track design, relying instead on an amateurish “she’ll be right” philosophy, and persevering with disruptive tracks..

Please add all these up. They say that racing is in a permanent state of conflict, dissention, confusion, obfuscation and mismanagement. They say that it is not set up the right or best way. They say that we should go back to scratch, start again, and establish a system that can better compete in the modern world

There is only one group that can start that ball rolling – the Racing Ministers Council. If they want to create a more efficient industry, better satisfy public demand, and give their Treasurers and the public more taxes to play with, they must embrace major reform, starting with the establishment of a national betting pool. Will they have the courage to do that? Let’s hope so.

This is what should be on the front pages. The Singleton-Waterhouse episode is peanuts by comparison.

Harrison Dawson Heats Pack Plenty Of Punch

Tonight the group one spotlight will shine on Sandown Park with the nation’s best female greyhounds competing in the group one Sapphire Crown heats, however the boys will also have their time to shine with the running of the Harrison-Dawson heats over 515 metres, which despite being a group two event carries the same lucrative winners cheque of $100,000 as the Sapphire Crown Series.

HARRISON-DAWSON HEAT ONE- 8:28PM

Lining up from the checks in the first heat of this prestigious series is the recent Warrnambool Classic winner Premier Event for Anakie mentor Angela Langton. The stunning white and black chaser took out the event in ultra- impressive style and looks ideally boxed to continue that form tonight. As a winner of six races from eighteen starts, Premier Event looks has an impressive record at the track with two wins including a personal best of a slick 29.49 seconds he will be hard to hold out.

Daintree Emperor will also be lining up in heat one from box eight after running second to Premier Event in the Warrnambool Classic last start. The son of champion sire Bombastic Shiraz has been racing in fantastic form winning two of his last three starts whilst he has recorded eleven career victories all up with a fast time of 29.53 seconds at his one and only success at the metropolitan venue. Another thing working in this dogs favour is his ability to win from virtually any box with race triumphs occurring from box two through to box eight.

Jumping from box three is Graeme Bate’s promising youngster Xeno’s Bale who has been racing competitively against the top class dogs over recent starts. The winner of eleven races has clocked a smart 29.77 seconds over the track and distance and should be right in this race with a clean getaway.

The on-fire Jason Thompson kennel with be lining up the rising three year old Boris Fields from box seven. The white and blue son of Knocka Norris has been a fantastic performer for connections racing at the top level for the majority of his career earning a dazzling $130,000 in stakes money. Although his form has tapered off since claiming a heat of the Golden Easter Egg at Wentworth Park in a blistering 29.54 seconds, he is more than capable of bouncing back this week.

Surf Lorian sprinter Gold Town will also line up in heat one from box four, and whilst he has won ten from forty including scintillating victories Wentworth Park (29.49 seconds) and Sandown Park (29.48 seconds) he will need to run up to these performances tonight to threaten this speedy field.

HARRISON- DAWSON HEAT TWO- 8:52PM

It is hard to go past rails runner Ronan Izmir in the second heat, with the Elite State two year old dominating his rivals over the past few months. The black sprinter is 35 kilograms of sheer chasing power and tenacity winning seventeen from 30 overall including his last eight starts in succession highlighted at his last track appearance when blitzing a classy field to take out the Warrnambool Cup in a blazing 25.01 seconds. The Jason Thompson trained runner is also undefeated from the cherry in four starts. Definitely the one to beat.

Arch rival Peter Rocket will be seeking to end the winning streak of Ronan Izmir when jumping from box five. The Horsham Cup winner won the Group Two final in March and has since gone on to win at Wentworth Park in a red hot 29.52 seconds. The son of Where’s Pedro has not shown his spectacular abilities over recent runs when finding trouble but he is a talented pup who can make a turnaround if he jumps.

Darren McDonald also has a couple of flyers in the series with Take It All beginning wearing black in heat two. The classy performer is a winner of twelve races and has been racing against the likes of Spud Regis, Gold Town and Irma Bale recently just to name few. His best time of an exhilarating 29.12 seconds at Sandown should see him go close if he can overcome the wide draw from which he has won twice and been placed second once from three starts.

Andrea Daily’s Garrick Bale will line up from box eight and despite mixing his form lately, he is a fast customer so should not be ruled out. Bronelly Lad will face his acid test for mentor Kelly Bravo at just his tenth start after a nippy 29.44 seconds success over the 515 metre trip two starts ago.

HARRISON-DAWSON HEAT THREE- 9:35PM

The standout greyhound amongst a quality field in heat three is yellow rug runner General Destini who will be aiming for his twentieth career triumph tonight. The black chaser is from the exceptional Where’s Pedro x Greys Destiny litter which includes the likes of super stayer Destiny Fireball with General Destiny trying for back to back Harrison-Dawson features after taking out the group two event in 2012. Despite drawing poorly in the squeeze box if he gets room to move early he looks the winner.

Another runner from the Darren McDonald camp is the thrilling Surf Mail who has won six of his last seven starts in dominant fashion. Included in these victories was a slick 29.41 seconds early last month whilst he has been racing well over the middle distance the past few weeks. He will need to step well back in the company of some zippy sprinters, many of whom possess early pace, however if he is up there he will give the leaders a run for their money.

Box one runner Whispering Wind will be suited by his favourite box where he has won four races with three minor placings. The son of Collision is a good beginner who can run fast times and has been racing consistently.

Robert Britton’s Clone Your Own also has a good shot in the race with ten wins and five minors to his name after just seventeen starts. This will be a new challenge for the son of Droopy’s Marco however he was a last start winner at Sandown in a quick 29.49 seconds and with three wins and one minor from box six after four starts he looks as if he can handle the poor draw. He should also offer some value for punters outside of the better known headliners in the series.

HARRISON-DAWSON HEAT FOUR- 10:12PM

The fourth and final heat packs just as much punch as the first three qualifiers with group two Queensland Derby winner Hello Good Bye returning to Sandown after a successful campaign in his home state. Beginning from box four tonight the two and a half year old flying machine has a great shot at the race with a best time at the track in a thrilling 29.09 seconds in January.

It won’t be an easy assignment for Hello Good Bye with veteran sprinter Glen Gallon boxed on his outside in box five for Tony Brett. The red brindle son of Flying Stanley is approaching four years of age and has won an incredible 33 races including the group one 2011 Winter Cup and Brisbane Cup whilst he was runner-up in the 2012 Melbourne Cup, 2012 Silver Chief, 2012 National Sprint Championship, 2012 Brisbane Cup, and ran third in the 2012 Group 1 Temlee. With almost $500,000 in his bank account this performer is as genuine and honest as they come and should always be respected.

The other main hopes look to be Graeme Bate’s pair drawn beside each other in boxes one and two. Jumping from box one is the well-bred Nico Bale who has been running a few handy placings with a win at Warragul four starts back. Box one will suit and he should go well. Fully Advanced will jump from the checks and will be looking to repeat last weeks all the way triumph when defeating Irmy Bale in a slick 29.70 seconds. He is a fast beginner and has the pace to lead but will have to improve a few lengths to match the times of some of his competitors.

Racing kicks off at Sandown tonight at 7:07pm with each event on the twelve race card oozing with class offering a spectacular night of racing for greyhound enthusiasts.

Joe Pringle Qualifies Four For Tasmanian Country Derby

Despite having qualified four runners for next Tuesday’s $4,400 Rapidvite Industries Tasmanian Country Derby Final (452 metres), Zeehan trainer Joe Pringle is not overly confident of success.

“There are several extremely promising chasers racing in Tasmania at the moment and two of them, Cointreau Cap and Matt’s Entity, have also qualified for the event,” he explained on Wednesday.

“I rate my four as handy, however I believe that they will need luck in running if they are to win, but in saying that I am very pleased that they made it through.”

“Ten years ago they would have been winning regularly, but the competition at the moment in Tasmania is very hot,” he added.

The former mining union boss and supermarket owner’s kennel will be represented by Booze Anthony ( Bit Chili – Wooreddy), Pop’s Castle ( Bombastic Shiraz – Slyan On Fire), Irinka Adam (Irinka Dennis – Irinka Tahnee) and Terry’s Memory ( Velocette – Wee Agree), all raced by his wife Helen.

Booze Anthony qualified for the Country Derby by storming home in the lane to win one of the two heats in the time of 25.99.

Terry’s Memory was placed in his particular heat and Irinka Adam and Pop’s Castle qualified by running fourth.

Pringle, quite probably the only trainer domiciled on Tasmania’s rugged West Coast, currently has five greyhounds in work, but is also handling a litter of 15 month-old pups which are displaying potential.

The Eileen Thomas prepared Cointreau Cap (Premier Fantasy – Alotta Mojo) took out the remaining Country Derby heat in a sizzling 25.56.

The winner of 10 of 21 lifetime outings he sped to the early lead from the red box and was never headed, eventually scoring by two lengths and paying a win dividend of $1.80.

The chaser is raced by a Victorian syndicate headed by Darren McDonald and was transferred to the Thomas kennel immediately he was broken in.

“Darren told me that he would be a handy chaser in Tasmania and he has been proven correct,” Eileen Thomas explained.

“He is a brilliant beginner and can invariably find the lead wherever he draws, so I expect him to lead again from box two on Tuesday.”

Meanwhile Tuesday’s $4,400 Betfair Tasmanian Country Oaks Final will see the clash of several of Tasmania’s most promising bitches.

With the field to be declared later today (Wednesday), Bagdad trainer Rodney Walker is hoping to draw out wide with the outstanding speedster Bell Oh Moss ( Kiowa Sweet Trey – Marananga Moss), the winner of 5 of 9 outings including a 25.55 score at Tuesday’s NWGRC meeting.

Walker is planning an interstate campaign with Bell Oh Moss later in the season, which may even see him campaign the bitch in Western Australia.

“My son lives in the West and he is a part-owner of Bell Oh Moss, so it would be nice for him to see her race,” he explained.

“But in the meantime we will concentrate on the job at hand, the Tasmanian Country Oaks Final.”

“We will have to contend with the likes of She’s All Class and probably Pipstar, Roxy Rhythm, Sing The Song and Stylish Abbey, so it will be a super field for sure.”

Greyhound Racing Tips For Wednesday 8th May 2013

We managed a couple of $4.00 winners last night, and hopefully we have turned the corner. Hanify’s Ruler put in a huge run spotting the leader a huge margin and running him down right on the line. Paua and Jewels also won and pinged the lids and led all the way winning by about 3 lengths on the line. A great result.

Onto today, and we have a couple more for you and let’s hope we can find a few more.

Albion Park Greyhounds, Race 9 Box 1 Cecil Henry, 6.23pm

This is certainly no easy race to find a winner in, but as I’ve said before boxes win races and we are going to go with the box 1 runner Cecil Henry. It’s a little hard to work out this bloke at times he’s looked quite poor. Then in other runs he’s looked brilliant. He has a PB of about 30.34 and can begin on his day. There’s a mix of speed and strength in this and it’s going to be on from the moment the lids open. Not all the fancy runners are going to finish in the placings. Our pick needs to jump and rail hard, and he certainly needs a little luck go his way. I doubt wether he can win, if the strong runners get clear runs. So they are going to need to jam up a little behind but that’s quite likely with a mix of speed and strength. He will be value and looks a great eachway bet.

Angle Park Greyhounds, Race 1 Box 2 Striking Viking, 1.35pm

I was a huge fan of this girls mum when she raced around Albion Park a few years ago. She was a great little stayer and has seemed to have thrown that strength into her pups. This girl is by the speedy Superman, and has plenty of her mums strength also. The litter mates have drawn box 1 and 2 here, but on precocious runs, Striking Viking looks to have a lithe more toe than her sister. It’s a maiden race and full of chances but our selection has a mix of speed and strength and she may do it from behind or in front. It’s a little hard to work out where are is going to land, but she will get a great run either way, and looks might hard to stop here in this. Win lose or draw today, we may see a little more of this litter in the future. Eachway in a tough maiden race, where dogs do things wrong.

Warrnambool Greyhounds, Race 5 Box 1 Werynski, 8.08pm

I’m well aware I’m selecting a favourite here but this bloke should flog these here tonight and he looks a great bet to heap into. He’s been with J. Thompson a long while now and I’m surprised he’s still in the leading Victorian kennel. Not because he has no ability, he’s a flying machine, but he really hasn’t done a great deal in the Thompson camp and hasn’t won a great deal of prize money. I’ve seen quicker dogs leave Jason’s kennel who have performed really well but as I said he’s a flying machine and has plenty of talent, and he’s well over due for a big win. This is a ordinary 5th grade race and from box 1 he looks unbeatable. A mix of speed and strength, and he should win and win this easily.

Ballarat Greyhounds, Race 8 Box 2 Dyna Iceman, 9.18pm

I’m not totally confident about selecting this bloke but he’s overdue for a win and has drawn very well. He has early toe and has won plenty of races. He knows what winnings all about and can certainly match it with them if the going gets tough. He might land on the bunny here as long as the Mucho Caliente, doesn’t ping the lids. Mucho looks the one if he has come back as good as ever; only the betting will denote that. If Dyna Iceman does lead then Mucho is going to get a great run in behind our selection here. It may be a good multiple race and I have no doubt if boxes 1 and 2 run first and second the multiples will pay quite healthy.

Cannington Greyhounds, Race 9 Box 5 Chosen Jewel, 8.57 WA time

If in doubt follow Linda Britton, W.A’s leading trainer for god knows how many years, has her charge Chosen Jewel engaged. Her last couple have been a bit below her best, but her winning run before that was brilliant. She’s been a bit unlucky of late, and looks well placed against these runners here. She’s not a great beginner but does muster quite quickly. Box 5 will be a tough ask but theirs nothing that really stands out here. If she’s the right price say 4 or 5-1 If be inclined to back her. Linda gets plenty of winners you could do a lot worse than backing Linda’s dog eachway here tonight.

Best of luck

$$ Another Day Another Dollar $$

Girls Step On Stage For Sandown’s Group 1 Sapphire Crown

This Thursday night Australia’s best sprinters will converge at Sandown Park for a crack at group race glory in the heats of both the Group One Macro Meats Sapphire Crown and the Group Two Harrison-Dawson over the 515 metre distance. Both series are known for attracting some outstanding performers, with the Sapphire Crown being one of Australia’s premier female only greyhound events. This year see’s four spectacular heats assemble for a shot at the $100,000 prize, with each qualifier bursting with quality with group race winners and track record holders from around the nation.

MACRO MEATS SAPPHIRE CROWN HEAT ONE- 7:44PM

The first heat of this lucrative series is not for the faint-hearted with nearly every greyhound engaged a realistic chance of taking it out. After a below par performance where she found trouble at her track debut last week, Jason Mackay’s boom powerhouse Sometimes Speedy is boxed to perfection to win from the two. As a winner of 24 races from 48 starts the daughter of Collision is an absolute flying machine and if she can begin cleanly, there will be no stopping her.

Fresh from her success in the Group Three Ladies Bracelet at Wentworth Park is another NSW representative in Lagoon Lowanna who has drawn box three. The Sharron Webster trained greyhound has come along in leaps and bounds over recent weeks as a winner of four from her past five starts at Wentworth Park with a scintillating personal best of 29.68 seconds. A known lid pinger she should get a nice run into the event on the outside of Sometimes Speedy and can run a cheeky race. The black bitch by Where’s Pedro has seen the track last year with no success however is racing like a completely different chaser at present so must be respected.

Grand campaigner El Brooklyn is still racing well at the top level for Pearcedale trainer Jason Thompson despite being over three years of age and will jump this week from box four. After recently competing in NSW in both the Golden Easter Egg series and the Maitland Gold Cup when running fourth behind new kennelmate Black Magic Opal, El Brooklyn returned to Victoria and competed in the Warrnambool Cup series when finishing down the track to yet another kennelmate Ronan Izmir. Whilst she may not have taken out these finals her record speaks for itself- 41 starts for 23 wins and 8 placings and over $260,000 in prize money.

Graeme Bate will also be hoping to secure a start in the final with his highly talented bitch Purcell Bale who looks an ominous threat despite drawing awkwardly in box six. The recent Queensland Futurity winner tasted defeat last week when finishing seventh behind Lagoon Lowanna in the Ladies Bracelet at Wentworth Park however that should not deter punters with the daughter of Dyna Lachlan and Princess Bale capable of bouncing back in this event.

MACRO MEATS SAPPHIRE CROWN HEAT TWO- 8:08PM

The second part of Jason Mackay’s terrific trio will line up in the second heat with the freakishly talented Punch One Out jumping from box eight. The daughter of Knocka Norris is an absolute track blazer with records at both Wentworth Park (29.27 seconds) and Richmond (29.90 seconds) and despite finishing unplaced at her track debut last week, she will most likely start the deserved favourite. As a group race placegetter and winner of sixteen races, Punch One Out will go close to claiming the race and should be suited out wide where she will get room to move early.

Desalle Bale will be looking to bring Punch One Out undone when she begins from box three in the second heat. The black bitch is a fantastic railer and is drawn well in the white where she has won four races with a further two placings. The Go Wild Teddy speedster is a half-sister to the flying Purcell Bale who lines up in heat one and was a recent winner at Ballarat clocking a slick 25.56 seconds.

Angela Langton will be looking to extend her recent success of late with the brilliant Heidi Go Seek drawing ideally in the cherry box. After a recent stint in the western state where she recorded a nippy 30.77 seconds triumph at Cannington the 28 kilogram bitch will return home this week for her first Victorian start since March. The daughter of Talks Cheap relishes an inside draw and has a dazzling personal best of 29.41 seconds over the track and distance.

Bubba’s Dream has not won a race since March and has drawn poorly in box five however she has a best time of 29.28 seconds for the trip so can’t be ruled out.

Western Australian greyhound Hot Irish is first up after a spell which hasn’t seen her race since finishing fifth in the group one Golden Easter Egg. She is a top class bitch that is capable of pinging the lids fresh up.

MACRO MEATS SAPPHIRE CROWN HEAT THREE- 9:11PM

Group winning star Cintiarna will return to the track after her emphatic victory in the group three West End Draught Anniversary Cup Final at Angle Park last month. The 31 kilogram speedster is absolutely flying at present and will more than likely start favourite in this tricky race. Whilst she has drawn box five, she knows how to handle a bad box winning nine of her nineteen race triumphs from either the five or six alley.
Rails runner Xylia Allen ran a phenomenal race last week in the Ladies Bracelet at Wentworth Park. The bitch by Turanza Bale was pushed wide and turned sideways throughout the run, yet powered home to run a fantastic third behind Lagoon Lowanna. The black sprinter has won ten races from 26 starts with a best of 29.32 seconds at Sandown and whilst she has never won from box one that isn’t a concern as she has only drawn it once and seems to have a curse with box draws.

Promising pup Tricky Jade steps up to the big time from box seven in heat three after just six racetrack appearances for Jason Mackay. The two year old sensation competed in the Magic Maiden series at Wentworth Park in March when finishing third in her semi-final behind Black Rip and since then has won three races at Richmond (30.41 seconds), Wentworth Park(29.56 seconds) and last week at Sandown(29.56 seconds). Despite her inexperience she is one of the main threats in the race.

Langi Bale must be respected for Graeme Bate from box two whilst the exciting Cracker Jack Lil should also be in contention despite running a touch below her best over recent weeks.

MACRO MEATS SAPPHIRE CROWN HEAT FOUR- 9:55PM

Melbourne Cup hero Got A Moment steps out from box three in the fourth heat after an unlucky fifth at Warrnambool last start behind Schroder Bale. The 25 kilogram lightweight is one of the best female sprinters racing at present and has everything working in her favour with a perfect four from four at Sandown featuring a scorching 29.37 seconds victory in November last year. As a winner of fifteen races and over $470,000 in prize money she will well and truly move up the ladder on the overall stakes money list for Australian greyhounds, should she take out the Sapphire Crown series with only Miata ($690,008) and High Earner ($610,070) in front of her if she is triumphant.

Classy three year old Cailyn Bale should run well for mentor Mark Delbridge in the last heat especially after coming up with box one. The daughter of Bartrim Bale is a good beginner and has been competing against some fantastic sprinters over recent weeks. The 26 race winner has run a flying 29.34 seconds at Sandown earlier this year and is one of the main dangers.

Two more representatives from the legendary Graeme Bate kennels will line up in the fourth heat with Quiz Bale looking to be the Lara trainers best chance of his pair. The talented youngster will be lining up from box eight and brings with her the impressive record of sixteen starts for nine wins and four seconds as well as a flawless two from two over the track and distance. Whilst she is no doubt classy she will have to run faster than her 29.86 seconds best from last year as many of these can run at least half a second quicker than that.

The well-bred Evie’s Entity will jump from box four and despite a raise in class she looks up to the challenge. A winner of nine from nineteen the Mogambo sprinter is racing in great form as a winner of her past three starts in succession with a slick best of 29.54 seconds over the 515 metre trip. The biggest thing against the plucky little bitch is her tendency to dwell at box rise so she will need to begin to threaten the big guns- but as said she is capable.

Box six runner Blue Lavros looks a serious type in the making as a front running winner of five races from seven starts however her best time whilst being a handy 29.98 seconds is not up to the group standards of these classy bitches. She is one to watch for the future.

The 2013 group one Sapphire Crown series is shaping up to be one of the best that greyhound enthusiasts have witnessed in recent years with the girls stamping themselves as a dominant force over the group race scene in the past twelve months. With such quality and depth across all four heats Thursday is sure to be a tantalizing night of racing as we see Australia’s top bitches vie for the extravagant winner’s purse. Keep your eyes peeled for a sneak peek of the Group Two Harrison-Dawson heats which will also be run on the action packed card!

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