Todd Kelly had a treble with Emerley Magik, Jack and Lolli and Fiery McBain, Peter Smith had a double with Shark Force and Ultimate Fossils and single winners went to Peter Hurley – Emerley Duo, Ben Rawlings with Dolmar (equal best 15.19), Eva Sheriff with Token Spinner, John Spoolder – Midget Man, Michael Ceravolo with Alert Country, Don Turner with Siggiewi Sun (equal best 15.19), John Mundy with Russian Red, Ray Fewings with Magic Hen and Michael Stewart with Blue Magic.

The track is looking really good and thanks must go to those volunteers who give of their time and expertise in keeping it this way.

Remember, as we no longer clash with Gawler, it has been resolved that we will start 30 minutes later viz. earbrands/vet checking at 8.30 – 9.00 am with racing commencing at 9.30am. Our next meeting is scheduled for Sunday 2 June – all grades catered for and 4-dog fields will continue for the time being.

SA COURSING RESULTS

RACE 1 : PETS TUCKER MIXED STAKE
Todd Kelly’s EMERLEY MAGIK defeated Todd Kelly and Vadim Roz’s UNCLE MONTGOMERY by 1.5 lengths in 15.33. Winner trained by Todd Kelly.
RACE 2 : GOTBA JUVENILE/MAIDEN STAKE
Tina Cattermole’s SHARK FORCE defeated Anthony Cooper’s TEPCO EXPRESS by 3.75 lengths in 15.68. Winner trained by Peter Smith.
RACE 3 : EMERLEY PARK JUVENILE/MAIDEN STAKE
Todd and Nicholas Kelly’s JACK AND LOLLI defeated Todd and Raye Kelly and Robert Price’s JENNA LEE by 2 lengths in 15.58. Winner trained by Todd Kelly.
RACE 4 : ADELAIDE PLAINS VET SURGERY MAIDEN STAKE
James Vescos’ MAGIC HEN defeated Gavin Harris’ ZELEMAR FLASH by 2.5 lengths in 15.43. Winner trained by Ray Fewings.
RACE 5 : GRSA MAIDEN STAKE
Bradley Ablett’s BLUE MAGIC defeated The Hurley’s RASCAL KIST by a head in 15.79. Winner trained by Michael Stewart.
RACE 6 : PETS TUCKER MAIDEN STAKE
The Ultimate Flyers syndicate’s ULTIMATE FOSSILS defeated Damien Mills’ RELLIM GOODSIE by a 1.5 lengths in 15.62. Winner trained by Peter Smith.
RACE 7 : ADELAIDE PLAINS VET SURGERY NOVICE STAKE
James Johnson’s ALERT COUNTRY defeated Tina Cattermole’s MADE THE SAME by 1 length in 15.48. Winner trained by Michael Ceravolo.
RACE 8 : GOTBA MAIDEN STAKE
Don Turner’s SIGGIEWI SUN defeated Vera Louca’s SMURF’S CINDY by 8 lengths in 15.15. Winner trained by Don Turner.
RACE 9 : EMERLEY PARK MAIDEN STAKE
Dean Sheriff’s TOKEN SPINNER defeated Sean Reynolds’ FROSTY CHOMPERS by 4.5 lengths in 15.32. Winner trained by Eva Sheriff.
RACE 10 : GRSA MAIDEN STAKE
Deborah Simon’s RUSSIAN RED defeated Todd Kelly, Raye Kelly and Robert Price’s FAIR CHANGE by 2.5 lengths in 15.40. Winner trained by John Mundy.
RACE 11 : PETS TUCKER MAIDEN STAKE
Peter and Judi Hurley’s EMERLEY DUO defeated Barry Donnellan & Charles Adcock’s GAV’S GIFT by .75 length in 15.54. Winner trained by Peter Hurley.
RACE 12 : ADELAIDE PLAINS VET SURGERGY NOVICE STAKE
The Harry Hombres syndicate’s MIDGET MAN defeated John Rees’ WILD MOLLEY by 2 lengths in 15.23. Winner trained by John Spoolder.
RACE 13 : GOTBA NOVICE STAKE
Todd Kelly, Raye Kelly & Robert Price’s FIERY MCBAIN defeated John Caulfield’s PHOENIX HOUSE by 2.5 lengths in 15.56 Winner trained by Todd Kely.
RACE 14 : EMERLEY PARK FREE FOR ALL
Craig Boston’s DOLMAR defeated Michael Louth’s KATO by 6 lengths in 15.15. Winner trained by Ben Rawlings.

We are going with last weeks selection here in this Toein’ The Line. He wasn’t disgraced last week, and just failed to handle the box. Tonight he’s drawn box 8 and he looks a much better chance from closer in. His overall time was ok, and I expect him to take great benefit from last weeks run. It’s a ordinary field and he looks set to score here tonight.

Angle Park Greyhounds, Race 8 Box 1 Ritza Luke 8.56pm

Quick dog who loves the red and has drawn the right box here to win. It’s no easy race and there is a couple of winning chances. He’s not the quickest dog in the race, but does go well enough to win this. He can lead from box 1 and it’s probably his best chance of saluting here. His latest form is terrible, but im hoping the box makes the difference here. Each Way.

Bulli Greyhounds, Race 3 Box 1 Ritza Joe 7.50pm

Going with another Ritza here in Joe. He to has drawn an inside box and looks as of he’s going to be hard to beat. He’s had the 5 goes here, for 1 win and 5 thirds. He’s run fair time here, but his form at other tracks is fantastic. He’s the winner of 6 races from 13 starts. From box 1 he should be able to boot through and hold the early lead. He can run quick time, and looks the likely winner here tonight. Stuzzichino, appears the main danger and these two look a great pair to work around tonight.

Launceston Greyhounds, Race 3 Box 6 Terror Time, 8.18pm

This girl is going to be short, but she looks the clear cut winner. Her run last time is was great. I’ve said this before, but I’m a great fan of this girl. Tonight’s race is quite poor and she should have no trouble racing right away from these. The box won’t pose a problem, and she should head them off early here and won easily. Irinka Adam, is the main danger and he can pose as a threat of our selection finds trouble.

Shepparton Greyhounds, Race 8 Box 3 State Sensation, 9.28pm

This bloke looks a great chance here tonight with an ounce of luck. He should of win his last start at the Meadows, but it took him a while to wind right up. I’m hoping he jumps better here tonight. He can certainly run the time it will take to win the race, but he’s going to need a little luck. The talented Quiz Bale has drawn very well, and she should lead the field up early. If our selection is to win he needs to quickly get into second and chase after Quiz Bale. Unless he starts at $5.00 I suggest keeping ya money in your pocket.

Best Of Luck

$$ Another Day Another Dollar $$

In dog equivalent, these guys are 5 to 6 years old.

By comparison, those dogs in the three Veterans races at Ballarat (mentioned here the other day) averaged only 4 years and 4 months of age. And they included a few females.

Checks suggest that some veterans (not all) may lose a little of their early speed yet still retain the ability to achieve good overall times. Apart from anything else, that’s probably a good reason to separate them from mad keen youngsters.

No doubt Victoria could do even more but it is a sad day that other states take little interest in these proven campaigners. They offer opportunities to create fresh attractions for customers and welcome outings for the dogs and their owners and trainers (giving the lie to those oddball critics who claim dogs are “forced” to race). Even feature events could be put on the calendar. It would be good PR.

For that matter, why is there no coursing in four popular greyhound states, especially the largest – NSW? At worst they would extend the knowledge of the breed in the public arena. At best, they would offer serious options to dogs better suited to this type of racing. There is also evidence that coursing experience can help many dogs regain their keenness for racing on the circuit.

All these things are win-win possibilities, which is more than you can say for punters trying to bet on dogs with one win in 20 or more starts, as we are asked to do today.

THE SANDOWN REPORT (CONTINUED)

And good luck to all those fans who took a silly $1.40 about Miata, returning after a 3-month injury layoff and just scraping home at Sandown last Thursday in moderate time. Perhaps they forgot to read the formguide. But will she improve next Thursday in the final, or will the second-up syndrome apply? The champ ran an honest race last week but had had enough at the post. Either way, odds-on, look on.

Incidentally, the GRV formguide failed to show Miata’s sectionals for her previous two runs at Cannington in February. If you are interested, they were 15.54 and 15.43. Lots of NSW sectionals were missing, too, although they were published earlier in GRNSW results.

Happily, Ronan Izmir showed the benefit of the run the previous week and scored in a smart 29.46. The lesser opposition helped, too. It may not have liked being hassled all the way last week.

Favourites did well, taking out six of the eleven races but the usual bolters amongst the placings resulted in four First Fours over the $1,000 mark. If they are handy into that first corner they are hard to run down, no matter their ability.

But what do you do with Xylia Allen? After a terrible start she did an amazing job to get through the field and run down top galloper Punch One Out – running away on the line, too. She will be a risk in the final but how can you leave her out?

STEWARDS DEBATE WORTHWHILE

Discussion of the need for a national stewards organisation may or may not lead anywhere but it does bring up comparisons with other fields of activity. Some legislated functions have been “nationalised”, some have not, many are mooted and Federal-state relations are often strained as a result.

However, the classic case is that of aviation, where decades ago the states ceded control to the commonwealth, mostly because of the need for operational consistency. Technicalities are controlled from Canberra with branches in every state and territory. That recognises that supervision of pilots and mechanics (trainers and jockeys?), of landing strips (racetracks), of aircraft performance (fitness of horses and dogs), of flight navigation (conduct of races) and of the task of aeronautical engineering (veterinarians) are all matters which demands highly skilled, independent oversight and a good deal of technical research and innovation. In both cases the job is getting more complex every year, requiring large lumps of backup staff and systems and the global exchange of information. All that is why flying is the safest way to travel.

None of that affects the state’s right to handle the economic regulation of local air routes, should it wish to do so, just as local allocation of race dates and prize money caters for special, regional needs. Even so, racing recognises a need for national co-ordination of start times and the like, albeit that is under the wing of Tabcorp and its SKY offshoot. Somebody has to do it, I suppose.

It is hard to think of any negatives in the nationalisation of stewards but there are certainly a lot of positives, notably in the value that customers would place on consistent and equitable treatment.

State authorities may huff and puff on this, wanting to hang on to their empires. Still, that may be another reason why it should happen. It bears serious consideration.

RANVET GOLD CUP HEAT ONE 8:32PM

Frank Hurst has a three pronged attack on this year’s feature with the first of his hopes lining up from box four in the first heat. Rashad is a top quality sprinter who has won 6 of his 11 starts with a further 3 seconds to his name. The son of Magic Sprite has one hell of a motor and whilst it takes him a few strides to hit top gear there is no denying his speed with flying times recorded at Gosford (29.70 seconds) and Richmond (30.44 seconds). Despite drawing awkwardly in box four he has a massive chance and will just need a bit of room to move in the early stages.

The dog who looks the leader is Dinkum who has drawn out wide in box eight to be able to swoop down the outside for Julie Fletcher. The 18 race winner has won his last two race starts at Appin and has been racing against some sensational dogs in recent starts including Punch One Out, Knocka’s Return and Bralyn County. The black speedster loves racing around the one turn and could easily snare this race.

Drawn in the checks is Victorian raider Engine Alley who will be looking for win 11 from 21 racetrack appearances. The white and black dog is trained by Desmond Anthony and has claimed his last four starts, three of which were in best of day times at Horsham (26.99 & 26.78 seconds) and Sale (29.33 seconds). The 34 kilogram heavyweight will need a clear run to the first turn as he is not overly quick early however there is not a terrible amount of speed in the race so he should be able to find a nice position.

Last year’s Gold Cup winner Ritza Ryder will line up in the first heat from the cherry. The son of Where’s Pedro, who turns four later this year is still racing consistently albeit without victory since January when scoring at Wentworth Park in a blistering 29.69 seconds. Ritza Ryder is a winner of 19 from 62 whilst he relishes an inside draw so is well suited in box one. Trainer Mark Gatt would have his chaser in top shape and would not be racing him in this unless he felt confident so he must be respected.

RANVET GOLD CUP HEAT TWO 8:53PM

Heat two has been hit early with scratching’s but is still shaping up to be a juicy affair with Kristy Sultana’s airborne chaser Tarks Royale lining up from the pink. The lightly raced two and a half year old will be lining up for his 16th racetrack appearance but with 7 wins under his belt he comes into the event with great claims. The Primo Uno dog also appears to handle a wide draw with three wins from three starts when wearing the black although he has never started from box eight. Although this is slightly concerning he should get room to move and be able to cross with Pablo Cruz scratched from box seven and no reserves to take his place.

Away from the eight many of the others seem to be fairly evenly spread. If you are looking for value Vinny Kreugur looks a definite standout. The son of Collision and Bogie Skye comes from the inform Mark Azzopardi Kennel and could not have been more impressive last week when running second at his track debut. After missing the start terribly from box six, the youngster showed terrific field sense to navigate his way through the field to miss out on victory narrowly when running 26.64 seconds. The blue dog does not turn two until next month and has only had four starts for a win and two placings however he does look a quality type. It is worth mentioning that his only unplaced run was in the final of the Group Three Magic Maiden at Wentworth Park whilst he claimed his semi-final impressively clocking 30.12 seconds.

Bombastic Shiraz sprinter Ferly Reign will be hoping to bounce back to his best when starting from box six after a six week break. The six race winner has an unblemished record at Bulli after two starts and a best time of 26.37 seconds over the track and distance. If he runs up to that performance he will be right in this event for Anthony Azzopardi.

Rails runner Head Rush was a last start winner at Wentworth Park in 30.09 seconds whilst he also won the start before that at Bull in a speedy 26.51 seconds. He has been beginning much better lately and if he can do that again tonight he is a major threat.

RANVET GOLD CUP HEAT THREE 9:11PM

The class runner in heat three is no doubt Mark Azzopardi’s brilliant campaigner Transcend Time who will line up from box eight. The industry blue blood is a son of Bombastic Shiraz out of Elite Oriental and has been a model of consistency throughout his 25 start career claiming fourteen wins with another six minor placings. The brindle speedster qualified for the Group Two Maitland Gold Cup taken out by Black Magic Opal whilst he was a runner up in the Queensland Derby taken out by Hello Good Bye. Since returning to NSW he has won both of his starts at Bulli (26.02 seconds) and Wentworth Park (29.85 seconds). Clearly the dog to beat.

Looking to bring him done will be another Frank Hurst runner in Zulu Zircon who will line up from the checks. The Where’s Pedro dog is one of the most exciting young pups in the area winning three of his four starts with all his starts at Bulli resulting in victories. He has a massive motor and personal best of 26.06 seconds over the distance however his last run at Wentworth Park was concerning; after a below average beginning he managed to work his way into a handy spot throughout the run however he was unable to go on with it and his inexperience cost him the race in the end. Regardless if he bounces in front they won’t catch him.

Jeanette Foley’s Lil Miss Sparkle is an absolute pocket rocket capable of anything on her day however she has been racing well below her best . She gets a chance to return to the winners list tonight as she absolutely loves the one turn circuits. She will be having her first start at the track tonight but runs well at Maitland and despite being a wide runner she can handle herself from an inside draw.

The other main hope is El Caballo for Doreen Drynan who has had four nice runs back from an injury during the Easter Egg carnival. Since returning El Caballo has won at Bulli clocking 26.43 seconds and has also run three handy placings behind Zulu Zircon, Triggsy and Jagger Swagger respectively.

RANVET GOLD CUP HEAT FOUR 9:32PM

The best has been saved for last with National Derby winner Jagger Swagger headlining a tantalizing fourth qualifier for Mark Azzopardi. The son of Premier Fantasy returned to Wentworth Park ten days ago after tasting defeat in the Queensland Derby stopping the clock in a slick 29.82 seconds. Jagger Swagger has had five starts at the track for three wins and two thirds with a personal best of 26.07 seconds at the venue. The sleek black machine has recorded a total of 17 wins from 26 starts and should not be affected by box eight where he has scored on four occasions.

Zulu Zircon’s equally talented litter brother Zulu Zeus will line up from box two in the last heat and will be a test for the group one champion that is boxed out wide. A winner of his last four in succession, Zulu Zeus has gone from strength to strength for Frank Hurst. In his four most recent wins the freakishly talented youngster has won by a combined total of a gobsmacking 39 lengths. Included in these triumphs is three wins at Richmond( 30.25 seconds, 30.44 seconds, 30.08 seconds), and a first up success at Wentworth Park (29.83 seconds). He is a great beginner and if he can handle the inside draw he will go close to winning.

Ultra consistent Central Coast campaigner Johnny Fire will be returning to Bulli after two strong wins at Maitland over the past two weeks. After a slow beginning on Thursday the Trevor Hagney trained powerhouse rounded up the classy field to claim the event by one and three quarter lengths over Armenra in a hot 25.18 seconds . The group three placegetter has now won 13 races from 24 starts whilst he has remarkably never missed a place recording four seconds and six thirds throughout his career. Whilst he won’t be the leader, if there is trouble up front he will certainly be the swooper.

Boris Fields was arguably the most impressive of the six heat winners, after overcoming box seven in a Best of Night time of 30.30. Having his first look at the 530-metre Cannington trip, the Great Chase winner and Meadows track record holder made a bee-line for the rails early, and found his way to third around the first bend. NSW visitor, Unexplained was having a tussle with Hawk Alone at the front of the field, but all the while Jason Thompson’s sprinter was biding his time. Around the home bend Hawk Alone opened the door for Boris Fields, and he flew past the leading duo for a comfortable win.

Having drawn box one for the final, all pointers would suggest that he would only need an ounce of luck to take first place in the $60,000 final, while Hawk Alone has come up with box seven after making it through as one of two fastest runners-ups.

On the other side of the track come next Saturday night will be Crump, having been given the pink vest for Devon Meadows trainer, Troy Iwanyk. The Iwanyk name has been long associated with success in W.A racing, and a repeat performance by this son of Superman will go very close to getting the job done again, after a powerful finishing burst meant a six length heat win in 30.38.

Drawn in two as an unbackable favourite, Crump was only fair to begin and got a saloon passage to be second upon settling. With local speedster Slava Monelli going well out in front, some doubt remained as to whether the interstate challenger could run it down, but those thoughts were quickly eradicated as Crump ranged up on the home corner and put the race beyond doubt very quickly.

Jason Thompson qualified a second runner through when Powerhouse was too strong in 30.32. Crashing across to the rail from box five, the black sprinter took over the running heading off the back straight, and survived a late charge from Set Sail South, who had worked into the race after a tardy start and some early bother.

Considering Powerhouse never left the rail for the entire journey, box two seems like an ideal draw for the son of Path to Power, especially if Boris Fields steps poorly. Set Sail South will jump from box four next week, and has now made consecutive finals since making the move West, adding to the Mandurah Derby final the week prior.

The form lines coming out of that Mandurah Derby series appear strong after the first and second placegetters also won their way through.

Knight Fun for Lexia Isaac again ran them off their legs with a blistering beginning, and never looked like getting beaten in a time of 30.79. The Mandurah Derby winner will start from box three in an attempt to claim the double, and may well hold the key to the race if it happens to impede the running of the two highly fancied opponents drawn alongside.

Meanwhile, Celtic Coin atoned for its defeat to Knight Fun last start by leading from go to whoa in 30.58. Appreciating the change of surroundings and a nice inside alley, the member of the wonderful West on Lee litter was never challenged, and with any luck may outstage his brothers by claiming a Group event from box six next week.

Kiss Me Ketut rounds out the eight runners after it caused a huge boilover to win from box six at around $16.00 on the local tote. The David Burnett prepared visitor had come off recent wins around Warragul, Warrnambool and Ballarat, but quickly proved that the class jump was no barrier.

In what was a keenly contested affair, Kiss Me Ketut was given the room to overcome a moderate beginning to take the lead from the tiring Moodich at the half way point. From there the challengers came thick and fast, but none were able to catch the Victorian who stopped the clock at 30.60. Merlot Monelli for David Hobby was game in defeat however, going down by less than a length, but will have to settle for a reserve spot as a result.

On what was a high quality night of chasing, the beaten brigade from the above races included On Coin who had no luck from a wide draw in heat one, and Perth Cup winner Dyna Nalin who was crunched on the first turn when colliding with Mepunga Dee Jay in the race eventually won by Knight Fun.

2013 Group 2 W.A Derby Box Draw

1) Boris Fields – Jason Thompson
2) Powerhouse – Jason Thompson
3) Knight Fun – Lexia Isaac
4) Set Sail South – Linda Britton
5) Kiss Me Ketut – Dave Burnett
6) Celtic Coin – John Crossley
7) Hawk Alone – Mark Rodgers
8) Crump – Troy Iwanyk
Reserves
9) Merlot Monelli – David Hobby
10) Slava Monelli – David Hobby

To celebrate the 140th coursing season in Vicrtoria, the 140th Birthday cake that got sampled during the lunch break that was supplied by the club, yum!

Nominations were excellent for this meeting having received 102 entries which is a great start to the season and having several newcomers to the coursing scene made everyone at the NCA excited to see how this year develops. Onwards and upwards from here people!

Now for some results:

The main event today was the 2013 Western Saws Cup which was taken out by Cheap Champ for the Vigor camp. Cheap Champ coursed brilliantly throughout the day and went on to defeat Jerry & Maureen Maye’s 2012 Waterloo Cup runner up Connemara Flame. Both bitches proved they were too good for the boys today!

Next up was the Dawn James Memorial All Aged event with the eventual winner being Mr. Chow for a very happy Jess Fothergill. Gallant in defeat was Won’t Be Beaten for Colin Whitford, both camps travelling from opposite ends of the state Jess from Numurkah and Colin making the trip from Yarram. I am sure the introduction of Travel & Starters fees will be appreciated by all trainers, in particular the ones travelling long distances as these two did.

Buddha (Daniel) Pell had a busy day with Lou Todd being successful over Kobuta for the Davis camp in the High Four Pet Supplies Derby Trial, these two puppies will be strutting their stuff I am sure during the season. Keep It Shut was too good for Don the Falcon in the mixed puppy event sponsored by our regular bookie Gary Thomas. Next up was the High Four Proplan Oaks trial with Uno Sprite being too sprite today for Bev Pell’s Emily Howard in the final. Congratulations to all of the puppies who competed today, your trainers should be proud as there were some very closely contested coursing throughout the day.

Gallic Thyme proved he had the edge today over Demonstrous in the first of our Maiden events, Good Old Bert got the chocolates from Tiger In Woods in a brilliant finish once again keeping the judge on his toes. The Mayo syndicate had something to cheer about when Connemara Sky got across the line in first place over Mad Mons. Justin Perkin’s Little De Bruin gained a start from the reserve pool and proved that she may be small but her little legs went like the clappers all day and got her past the post in front of Sapphire Flex in the final of the Melton City Council’s Maiden Bitch 2 event. Last but by no means was least the Mixed Maiden which was won by Benjamin’s Cutie for the Noy family of Gisborne, proving today that she was too good for Thanks Baz trained by T Monaghan of Darley.

On behalf of the NCA and the Melton GRC we would like to once again thank all of the trainers, sponsors and volunteers who keep our great sport alive and kicking!

In a fortnights time we make the trip up the Hume Highway to Benalla, which is always a great day at the Benalla Racecourse with the greyhounds having a slight change of scene chasing a drag lure as opposed to the trolley system. We hope to see you all there and also hope that all participants enjoy their travel and starters fees which should be in hit your bank accounts today.

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.

$$ Another Day Another Dollar $$

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

$$ Another Day Another Dollar $$

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.

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.

$$ Another Day Another Dollar $$