Melbourne Cup Final $500 Free Bet, Preview & Tips

The $500,000 Greyhound Racing version of Australia’s biggest race, the Melbourne Cup; is here front and centre at tonight’s Sandown Greyhound Racing meeting.

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That’s a $500 free Melbourne Cup bet which should go a long way to helping find the winner for those struggling with the Melbourne Cup form guide.

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Secure your Free Bet and Glen Gallon refund now by visiting Sportsbet.com.au from this link and in under a minute you’ll be enjoying the biggest Free Bet bonus in Australian betting: $500 Melbourne Cup Free Bet

Sportsbet.com.au have been betting right through the week on the final and installed Queenslander Glen Gallon the $3.50 equal favourite from box 1.

The Jason Thompson trained Don’t Knocka Him also opened at $3.50 from box 3 before drifting out to $3.60, and then returning to $3.50 under weight of money.

That move has seen Glen Gallon’s price push out to $3.60 for trainer Tony Brett.

Thompson’s second runner, Got A Moment, has drifted from $8.00 out to $9.00.

While the third of Jason Thompson’s Melbourne Cup finalists, Proven Nitro, is virtually unwanted in betting. After opening up at $5.50, he was been wound out twice, to $7.00 and now to $7.50.

Greyhound punters haven’t missed the appearance of another Graeme Bate trained greyhound in the final. After training the trifecta in the big race in 1999, winning it with champion Kantarn Bale; Bate has been searching for a fourth Melbourne Cup win for 13 years.

After starting 3 finalists in last years Melbourne Cup, Bate has just the one runner, Desalle Bale who has drawn awkwardly in box 5.

But that hasn’t stopped punters spruiking Desalle Bale’s chances, backing the chaser from $10.00 in to $9.00.

General Destini and Emilio Rinaldi have been the centre of attention in mainstream media circles this past week, but the curiosity of his American bred greyhounds hasn’t translated to the betting markets. General Destini is the rank outsider of the field, drifting out from $15.00 to $17.00 to overcome box 6.

Flying Machine and Geelong Cup winner Hurunui Hitman has firmed one point from $9.00 in to $8.00 but will have to contend with speedy Desalle Bale at box rise. From box 7 he is drawn the right side of the track but may get posted three wide to the first corner with both Proven Nitro and Desalle Bale likely to push up underneath.

Linden Magpie who was very impressive winning his heat last week, will need luck from box 8 but has been kept safe by punters at $8.00. Possessing excellent middle splits, Linden Magpie will be aiming to spear under any trouble on the first corner to get clear running in the back straight for his best chances.

With a “$5.00 the field” market the 2012 Melbourne Cup should be a race to remember and the winner of the race will go straight in to the record books as the winner of Australia’s richest greyhound race, and no better time to get your own $500 free Melbourne Cup Bet.

For the first time in Australian Greyhound Racing history, tonight’s race will carry an amazing $350,000 first prize money to the winner and the victorious greyhound is assured of going straight in to the top prizemoney earning greyhounds of all time. Both Glen Gallon ($324,907 #29) and Don’t Knocka Him ($376,329 #21) will eclipse High Earner’s $610,070 career prizemoney record should they be good enough to win tonight.

Meanwhile Miata, who has already won $451,758 and sits an #11 on the all time career greyhound prizemoney record list, is prohibitive odds to add another $100,000 in winnings to that tally by taking out the Bold Trease Final, also on tonight’s Sandown card.

The feature staying race has attracted a more than handy field of distance greyhounds but Miata has stifled betting at $1.60 with only the Kelvyn Greenough trained Jethro given any chance of upsetting the favourite.

2012 MELBOURNE CUP Tips

1st Glen Gallon
2nd Got A Moment
3rd Linden Magpie
4th Proven Nitro

2012 Bold Trease Tips

1st Miata
2nd Jethro
3rd Bell Haven
4th He Knows Uno

The Melbourne Cup is Race 8 on tonight’s Sandown greyhound racing meeting and is timed to go at 9:55pm.

The Bold Trease final is Race 6 and scheduled for boxrise at 8:55pm.

Jason Thompson’s Melbourne Cup Treble

Jason Thompson has qualified three finalists for Thursday night’s $500,000 TAB Melbourne Cup final following a memorable night’s Greyhound Racing at Sandown park tonight.

Already a winner of six Group races in 2012, Thompson’s remarkable season continued with Got A Moment, Don’t Knocka Him and Proven Nitro earning their berths in the world’s richest free entry greyhound race.

“To get three finalists into the Melbourne Cup is just unbelievable,” said Thompson.

The night got off to a flying start for the Pearcedale trainer when recent kennel addition Got A Moment defeated Sapporo and the TAB Melbourne Cup pre-post favourite Renegade Chief in the night’s opening heat in 29/56 seconds.

“It was a great run. She didn’t ping the boxes but she hit the ground running.

“She was going to go underneath Sapporo but got checked off heels and went around. It was a gutsy run being only 24kg, but she has a big heart.”

The greyhound arrived in Thompson’s kennel seven weeks ago but knew form the start he had something special.

“I rang the trainer (Dianna Buxton) soon after I trialled her and said to Dianna that if things went her way she’d be a nice Melbourne Cup dog.”

Thompson’s second winner came in heat five when Macro Meats Shootout winner Don’t Knocka Him overcame box 5 to defeat Miss Markwell in a slick 29.31 seconds.

“It was an ordinary box draw but he handled it fine and was a god confidence builder for him.

“He stumbled a little coming off the matting, so hopefully he doesn’t repeat that next week. He had a pretty good run after that.”

Don’t Knocka Him won the Golden Easter Egg in April, which at the time was the richest race in the country. A win in next week’s final would take his career prize money to $726,329, smashing High Earner’s current record of $610,070.

Thompson’s third winner was perhaps his most impressive – and most fortuitous.

Proven Nitro, fresh of a dazzling win in last week’s Macro Meats Shootout, was sent to the boxes a $1.70 favourite but found trouble soon after the start and was shuffled to the back of the field.

Making his move down the back straight, Proven Nitro appeared to have run into a dead end before finding a way through to claim a hard fought victory in 29.78 seconds.

“It was like his semi final win in the Vic Peters Classic at Wentworth Park,” said Jason Thompson’s partner, Seona Hood.

“He’s got a huge motor and is extremely tough. He’s the total package.”

Thompson has already tasted TAB Melbourne Cup success, having won the race in 1994 with Light Of Fire.

Queensland champion Glen Gallon set tongues wagging with a brilliant win in a stunning 29.23 seconds.

Maverick Tiger began like a shot from box 5, setting the fastest first split for the night before breaking the second split record. Glen Gallon spotted the early leader six lengths off the back straight before unleashing a devastating finishing burst to win by 1.75 lengths.

“It was a super run,” said trainer Tony Brett.

“He got a bit of room to move which is what he needed, but off the back there was still a long way to go to pick up the leader, especially running that time.”

Glen Gallon, a winner of $324,907 in prize money, will also break the Australian prize money record should he claim the $350,000 first prize next Thursday night.

Berwick Mazda Harrison-Dawson winner General Destini returned to his best form, finishing over the top of Peggy May to win heat four by 2.5 lengths in 29.39 seconds.

‘The General’ came into the race after finishing fifth in last week’s Group 3 Sir John Dillon Memorial, a preparation that had trainer Norm Rinaldi in two minds.

“I put him over 595m last week and I wondered if I had done the right thing, but he was getting knocked around over 515m and he needed a good hit out which he got,” said Rinaldi.

“I was very happy with his run. Box eight was a concern for me because he’s not the best beginner but I was hoping he’d come out better.

“I’m just elated to make the final. It’s hard work but it’s so rewarding – I can’t believe I have a runner in the Melbourne Cup!”

Remarkably, General Destini comes from the first litter of pups Rinaldi bred.

Track specialist Linden Magpie won his ninth race at Sandown Park and gave veteran trainer John Norden his biggest thrill in a lifetime in the sport when he won heat 2 in 29.62 seconds.

“It’s a real thrill,” said the 73 year old Norden.

“I’m just about ready to retire from the greyhounds, he’s nearly my last dog I reckon. I bred his mother and had her mother, and I bred and broke him in as well, so it’s really satisfying.”

Hurunui Hitman will look to emulate 2011 TAB Melbourne Cup winner Dyna Tron by completing the Geelong Cup-Melbourne Cup double.

Beginning brilliantly from box 8, Hurunui Hitman was never threatened, racing away to win by five lengths in 29.32 seconds.

“He’s really flying at the moment,” said trainer Stephen McKenna.

“Dyna Tron ran similar times to my bloke in last year’s Geelong Cup and they’ve run almost identical times in the Melbourne Cup heats, so hopefully history repeats next week.”

Finally, master mentor Graeme Bate will prepare yet another TAB Melbourne Cup finalist after Desalle Bale led all the way to win her heat in 29.45 seconds.

“She didn’t jump 100% but knowing Graeme I’m sure she’ll be 100% next week,” said handler Joe Briffa.

“I think it’ll be between Hurunui Hitman for the early lead so hopefully she gets room and shows her best.”

The 2012 TAB Melbourne Cup promises to be one of the most keenly contested in recent history, with the eight finalists having combined to win 146 races and $1,442,577 in prize money.

The box draw for the 2012 TAB Melbourne Cup final will be conducted at “The Dog’s Breakfast,” at Sandown Park on Monday 19 November.

David Bale’s Topgun Win Named Australia’s Best Greyhound Race For October 2012

AGRA’s Run of the Month for October 2012 has been awarded to New South Wales owned and Victorian trained chaser David Bale.

His enormous performance to win the Group 1 Top Gun at the Meadows was a run full of merit considering he came from box eight and was posted wide on the first turn.

He made up an enormous amount of ground to run down his kennel mate and early leader Desalle Bale picking her up right on the post.
Continue reading David Bale’s Topgun Win Named Australia’s Best Greyhound Race For October 2012

Tassie Star Jethro The One To Beat In Hume Cup Final

The Kel Greenough-trained Jethro looks the greyhound to beat in the Group 1 Hume Cup at The Meadows on Melbourne Cup eve after a stunning eight and three quarter length heat win in 34.59.

The son of Head Bound and It’s A She again began slowly before unleashing the most powerful finishing burst of the night, running home in a sensational 12.05 to stamp himself as the greyhound to beat in Monday week’s $75,000-to-the-winner final, despite drawing box five.

Andrea Dailly goes into the final with two chances after impressive efforts from Franklin Hero (34.55 best of night heat win) and Lektra Jay, who was outgunned by young star Langi Bale.
Continue reading Tassie Star Jethro The One To Beat In Hume Cup Final

David Bale & Graeme Bate Reign Supreme In Topgun Upset

Rank outsider David Bale ($31.20) caused one of the biggest boilovers in Group 1 history, running down kennelmate Desalle Bale in the shadows of the post to win the Sky Racing Topgun at The Meadows in 29.92.

Starting from box eight after the scratching of Bye Bye Bucks, the son of Bartrim Bale and Dyna Beauty began moderately before pushing into a midfield position as they reached the first corner. With kennelmate Desalle Bale flying out in front, David Bale outpaced Spud Regis and Zara Zulu, pushing into second as Desalle Bale reached the second section in a sizzling 17.59.

Never giving in, David Bale continued to cut away at Desalle Bale’s lead, eventually reaching the tearaway leader with a last stride to score by just half a head. Queenslander Don’t Knocka Him ran on well for third, while favourite Glen Gallon ($3.20) finished fifth after missing the start and finding trouble in running.
Continue reading David Bale & Graeme Bate Reign Supreme In Topgun Upset

Bye Bye Bucks Scratched From 2012 Topgun

The sole representative from New South Wales Bye Bye Bucks has been scratched from the $215,000 Group 1 Sky Racing TOPGUN after sustaining an achilles tendon injury.

Trainer Ken Lewis confirmed the news this morning.

“We are absolutely devastated. His achilles has been diagnosed as a grade one tear, so he certainly won’t be back racing in the short term. A few people have suggested in could be a two to three month injury, but we will see how the dog goes.”
Continue reading Bye Bye Bucks Scratched From 2012 Topgun

Glen Gallon Draws Box 1 Favouritism For Group 1 Sky Racing Topgun

Queensland star Glen Gallon has been installed a $3.50 favourite after drawing box one in the Group 1 Sky Racing Topgun – this year worth $150,000 to the winner for the first time in the race’s 19-year history.

Trained by Tony Brett (who took out the 2005 version of this race with Black Enforcer), Glen Gallon will push his prizemoney to over $450,000 if successful in Saturday’s Group 1 extravaganza. The son of U.S. sire Flying Stanley and Incoherent sent an ominous warning to his rivals with a sizzling 29.66 trial at The Meadows last week. His record of three wins from five starts off the red box underlines his favouritism in Australia’s richest invitation-only event.

Reigning Australian Cup winner Zara Zulu has also fared well after the box draw, with the Ros Hume-trained star to exit box two on Saturday night. The daughter of Mogambo and Zulu Zepha is blessed with enough early speed to take up a prominent position in the all-important run to the first turn.
Continue reading Glen Gallon Draws Box 1 Favouritism For Group 1 Sky Racing Topgun

2012 Topgun Field Finalised For Group 1 Glory

The scene is set for one of the biggest greyhound races of the year as fields for the 2012 Group 1 Sky Racing Topgun – to be held at The Meadows on October 27 – have now been released.

The field is headlined by Andrea Dailly pair Heston Bale and recent Adelaide Cup winner Spud Regis – two greyhounds involved in a serious car accident less than two weeks ago. The speedy duo again have the chance to turn tragedy into triumph with victory in Saturday week’s Group 1 extravaganza – now worth $150,000 to the winner for the first time in the race’s 19-year history.

Queensland fans will have two greyhounds to cheer home on the night with Don’t Knocka Him and Glen Gallon making the dynamic field of eight, with the duo both legitimate chances to give their state victory for the first time since 2005 when the Tony Brett-trained Black Enforcer was victorious.

Despite the heart-breaking injury to star Barcia Bale, maestro trainer Graeme Bate will be represented by litter sister Desalle Bale, a winner of four from five over the 525-metre journey at The Meadows and a chaser blessed with lots of early speed.

Trainer Jason Thompson will be aiming for his third Topgun success (No Intent, Whisky Assassin) with the brilliant Peggy May – already a two-time Group winner and a top-three finisher in 41 of her 51 race starts.

Her Australian Cup conqueror Zara Zulu has also made the final cut, while New South Wales will have a sole representative in Bye Bye Bucks – a dog already victorious in two quality Group 2 races in his home state.

The all-important box draw for the Group 1 Sky Racing Topgun will take place on track at The Meadows this Saturday (October 20).

As always, patrons on course for the October 27 extravaganza will have the chance to win some amazing prizes, including AFL memberships, bikes for the children, TAB giveaways and entertainment for all ages in what has become one of the biggest nights at The Meadows.

2012 Topgun Field

• Bye Bye Bucks (NSW) Ken Lewis FSH
• Desalle Bale Graeme Bate 29.88
• Don’t Knocka Him (Qld) Reg Kay NBT
• Glen Gallon (Qld) Tony Brett 29.69
• Heston Bale Andrea Dailly 29.45 record
• Peggy May Jason Thompson 29.89
• Spud Regis Andrea Dailly 30.04
• Zara Zulu Ros Hume 29.75
• David Bale (Reserve) Graeme Bate 29.83
• Transcend Time (Reserve) Mark Azzopardi FSH

Bell Haven Breaks Through On Mainland In Sydney Cup Heats

Following two heats of the Group 3 Sydney Cup last night at Wentworth Park, a sensational final eight will line up next Saturday night in the 720m, $25,000 to the winner final.

In the heats it was Tasmanian Bell Haven which broke through. Many had predicted the Ted Medhurst prepared greyhound would break through in Group company on the mainland, after landing herself on the radar during the AGRA Nationals Series, and tonight was the night.

Bell Haven was able to go with early leader Irma Bale before taking the lead at the home turn and withstanding a late charge from He Knows Uno at the post.
Continue reading Bell Haven Breaks Through On Mainland In Sydney Cup Heats

Five Greyhounds Advance Through First Round Melbourne Cup Preludes

Five greyhounds from five different kennels secured their right to compete in the $500,000 Group 1 Melbourne Cup heats following their respective wins in tonight’s opening Cup Prelude series at Sandown Park tonight.

On an action packed night of chasing, three-time Melbourne Cup winning trainer Graeme Bate quinellaed the opening Prelude with Brenna Bale defeating Gus Bale by three lengths in 29.68 seconds.

Brenna Bale ($3.30) has found a rich vein of form of late, winning her fourth race in six starts, and 14th in 35 starts overall. She has developed an affinity with Sandown Park, having now won six of 15 starts at the Lightwood Road venue and being placed in five others.
Continue reading Five Greyhounds Advance Through First Round Melbourne Cup Preludes

Miata Draws Box 1 In Top Cat Video Final At The Meadows

West Australian chaser Miata will start a short-priced favourite in this Saturday’s night’s Group 3 Topcat Video Cup after drawing the coveted red alley.

Despite running second behind Fyna Bale in last week’s heat, the daughter of Bombastic Shiraz and Winsome Bluebird looms as the greyhound to beat after the box draw and a personal best time more than six lengths clear of her nearest rival.

Victory on Saturday would push Miata’s prizemoney to a tick over $438,000, with 30 wins from 37 starts.
Continue reading Miata Draws Box 1 In Top Cat Video Final At The Meadows

Spring Draws Special Multiquip Bob Payne Spring Sprint Heats

Four heats of the Group 2 Multiquip Bob Payne Spring Sprint (520m) have been drawn for this Saturday night (September 22) at Wentworth Park.

Just like the January Bob Payne event, the four Spring heats have again attracted 32 superb nominations including Bye Bye Bucks, Mepunga Geordie, Ritza Ryder and Imry Bale.

Ken Lewis prepared Bye Bye Bucks will be searching for his third Group 2 title for 2012, after claiming the Dapto Megastar and The Gardens Blacktop in recent months. Drawing box two in the second heat, Bye Bye Bucks will have to take on recent Group 3 winner Mepunga Geordie and last start Wentworth Park winner Hoover Boy.
Continue reading Spring Draws Special Multiquip Bob Payne Spring Sprint Heats

He Knows Uno Fastest Qualifier For Chaimans Cup Final

Following three heats of the Group 3 Tedesco Menswear Chairman’s Cup (720m) next Saturday night’s (September 15) final line up was determined trackside at Wentworth Park.

Las Saturday night’s opening heat went the way of Ron Bell’s Hot Buzzard, which lunged on the line to pip odds on favourite Irma Bale. Hot Buzzard which posted a personal best of 42.30 managed to secure victory over the National Distance Championship runner after spotting the early leader up to six lengths mid race.

Heat two managed to unfold similar to the first, however this time it was up and coming stayer Dusty Valley for Anne Foley which set the early pace. After missing the start Switch Up had to work through the field winning by just a nose in an impressive run. Switch Up for trainer Frank Daros has again drawn box six in the final.
Continue reading He Knows Uno Fastest Qualifier For Chaimans Cup Final

The Definitive Preview – 2012 National Distance Championship Final

WHERE/WHEN: Hobart GRC (Elwick Racecourse) 461m, August 25, Race 5 at 6.28pm AEST. $111,500 prize pool ($75,000 to the winner).

THE STORY SO FAR: The 709m boxes at the Elwick track were installed for this occasion, and so far have provided some entertaining racing in the limited events staged. It has also proven to be a tough journey for stayers, and the long straight has been the stage of some excellent tussles. This will be the first Group 1 staying event ever held in the city.

Most states would be happy with their entrants as arguably the leading stayers from four regions have got to this stage. Queensland will enter the race as defending champions after Dashing Corsair’s memorable swansong at Albion Park last year.
Continue reading The Definitive Preview – 2012 National Distance Championship Final

Just Feel The Quality

Peter Oliver’s interesting comments about the dominance of the Wheeler production line (see July 31 article) bring up some fascinating questions about how to run Greyhound Racing. But first some related stories.

A major manufacturer of toilet paper in America was doing well with its high quality product. sales were big to large firms and hotels, as well as supermarkets. Then it noted that a sizeable chunk of the market was being captured by a firm making cheap, low quality stuff. So it bought it out and started making a two-pronged attack on customers. After a while it discovered that sales of the premium product were falling. Customers had changed their view of the company and no longer saw it as worth paying more for the better product. Before long, the company realised what it had gained did not make up for the losses. Overall profits were sliding but it was too late to reverse its policy and it eventually faded away. (This was a case history reported by Harvard University).

On a different slant, I like to buy rhubarb every so often to put on the Weetbix. At Woolworths or Coles it would cost me $5 a bunch and it stays at that price all year – never changes. Yet if I go down the road to a local greengrocer, which buys a lot of its stock from farmers in the area, I can get the same or a larger amount for exactly half that price. Probably fresher, too. So what would happen if the big supermarkets freeze out these small guys – which has happened in many shopping centres and towns – and I can no longer buy the better value stuff? Milk is still cheap but breakfast gets more expensive.
Continue reading Just Feel The Quality

Irma Bale & Lektra Jay Dominate Victorian National Distance Championship Final

The Graeme Bate-trained Irma Bale looks the greyhound to beat in next Saturday night’s State Distance Final at The Meadows after drawing perfectly in box one.

The daughter of Bartrim Bale and Amelia Bale showed her customary early speed in last night’s heat, recording splits of 4.88, 15.94 and 29.69 before a three quarter-length victory over litter sister and main series rival Fyna Bale in a Best of Night 42.82, which was also a new PB for the two-time Group winner.

Irma Bale will start a hot favourite to represent Victoria in the Group 1 Wrest Point National Distance Championship, to be held at Hobart on August 25 over 709 metres.
Continue reading Irma Bale & Lektra Jay Dominate Victorian National Distance Championship Final

Barcia Bale Named Australia’s Best Greyhound In July 2012

AGRA’s Greyhound of the Month for July 2012 is brilliant young New South Wales owned and Victorian trained sprinter Barcia Bale. Raced and bred by Australia’s most prolific owner-breeder Paul Wheeler and trained by Victorian legend Graeme Bate Barcia Bale has raced 10 times for as many wins and was awesome throughout the Group 1 Maturity series. His efforts in July earned him the AGRA Greyhound of the Month award.

Barcia Bale has emerged as Australia’s newest sprinting sensation after his brilliant win in the Group 1 Hudson Pacific Maturity Classic at The Meadows, starting a $2.00 favourite for the event he handing in a tradesman like performance to defeat his hard chasing litter sister Desalle Bale.
Continue reading Barcia Bale Named Australia’s Best Greyhound In July 2012

One In Three – The Number That Strangles The Meadows.

After watching Barcia Bale give the Wheeler’s yet another Group 1 victory in the weekend’s Maturity Classic final, it got me thinking about how the Saturday night metropolitan venue seems to be, on face value, dominated by those usual suspects more than any other metropolitan meet.

With metro prizemoney having just increased in Victoria, it raises the question on just how much the Wheeler family, and the associated dominating kennels of Bate and Dailly stand to gain from this increase.

The sheer weight of numbers that Graeme Bate and Andrea Dailly provide for most Victorian meetings will obviously allow them to provide the lions’ share of winners across the board; however it did seem to be that The Meadows is the preference over Sandown for their chase of more sizeable stakes.
Continue reading One In Three – The Number That Strangles The Meadows.

Barcia Bale Heads Paul Wheeler Maturity Classic Trifecta

Barcia Bale has emerged as Australia’s newest sprinting sensation after Saturday’s brilliant win in the Group 1 Hudson Pacific Maturity Classic at The Meadows, making it 10 wins from as many starts.

The famous victory also gave master trainer Graeme Bate his fifth win in the famous race that was worth $100,000 to the winner for the first time in the event’s 42-year history.

After sitting behind litter sister Desalle Bale on the first turn, Barcia Bale again showed his brilliant mid-race pace, finding the front down the back straight, getting the edge over his equally-determined sibling.
Continue reading Barcia Bale Heads Paul Wheeler Maturity Classic Trifecta

Forty Nine Nominations For Victorian Heats Of National Sprint Championships

Victoria’s fastest chasers will line up at Sandown Park on Thursday 2 August for the right to represent the Big V at the National Sprint Championship.

An outstanding 49 nominations for the Victorian leg of the series were received, and includes Group race winners Don’t Knocka Him, Godsend, El Brooklyn, Katie Merry, Dyna Lowell, Allen Hertz and Blackalls Boss, as well as brilliant youngsters Ima Geisha Girl, Roy Galo, Fabregas, Odie For Now and Leeroy Rocker.

The 49 nominations comprise greyhounds from 16 different kennels, with a staggering 15 from Hall Of Fame trainer Graeme Bate alone. Bate is seeking a second National Sprint Champion after Henerick Bale won the event when the final was last run at The Meadows in 2002.
Continue reading Forty Nine Nominations For Victorian Heats Of National Sprint Championships

Barcia Bale Looking To Emulate The Great Satan’s Legend

Graeme Bate is on record as suggesting his undefeated sprinter Barcia Bale reminds him very much of his former champion Kantarn Bale. So far, the comparison is spot on. After all, nine starts for nine wins is a rarity in Australian racing.

Indeed, I am aware of only 12 other greyhounds that have won at their first nine or more races. Only three of these are Victorians: Ima Turner, who won his first 13, in 1979; Satan’s Legend, who won his first 10, in 1977; and Welcome Stranger, a winner of his first nine, in 1989. The record holder for the most successive wins before tasting defeat is the former NSW sprinter Promises Free who won her first 14 on end between 1981 and 1982.

Of course, as I have consistently beaten the drum about this in the past, there is no central register of performances or database stretching back through the almost 90 years of mechanical hare racing in this country from which to draw information. So, there may well be more than 12 ‘stars’ in the firmament of early success, but if there are then they are well hidden.
Continue reading Barcia Bale Looking To Emulate The Great Satan’s Legend

Irma Bale Rates As Bates’ Lucky Charm

Champion trainer Graeme Bate must be thinking the ‘staying’ stars are all in alignment in the first half of 2012 and they are all favouring his brilliant all-distance star Irma Bale.

Bate has won just about every major event on the Australian racing calendar. Yet, until this year the prestigious Sandown Cup and the long-established McKenna Memorial had eluded him.

Admittedly, in the case of the Sandown Cup, Bate just hasn’t had the ‘stock’ capable of making it through to what is arguably the premier distance event in Australia.
Continue reading Irma Bale Rates As Bates’ Lucky Charm

Jason Thompson Pair Set For Shepparton Cup Showdown

An outstanding field is set to contest the final of the Group 2 Skill Training Victoria Shepparton Cup on Friday night and Pearcedale trainer Jason Thompson will once again play a leading hand in a feature race after his pair of finalists El Brooklyn and Don’t Knocka Him drew boxes one and eight respectively.

Speed machine El Brooklyn, winner of the Warrnambool Classic in May, maintained her unbeaten record at the Shepparton track when she clocked a flying 25.11 to record the fastest heat time and from box one the daughter of El Galo and Dark Marne will more than likely start the punters elect in the $42,000 to the winner final.

After being headed by Cawbourne Smash in the early stages, El Brooklyn railed through to take the lead at the first turn and despite being held up for clear galloping room for several strides managed to explode away from her opposition and hold off the challenge of Allen Hertz who did well to get within a length and a half of her as she made it win number fifteen from start 22.
Continue reading Jason Thompson Pair Set For Shepparton Cup Showdown

Irma Bale Wins 2012 McKenna Memorial At Sandown Greyhounds

Irma Bale claimed her second group race title in as many months with a brilliant victory in the $58,000 Group 2 McKenna Memorial at Sandown Park tonight.

Backed in to $2.80 favouritism, the Sandown Cup winner began well from box three to rail through to the lead at the first turn.

It’s A Blur ($9.90), the sole interstate trained greyhound in the race, then swept down the middle of the track to assume the lead on leaving the home straight. However that racing style would eventually prove her undoing.
Continue reading Irma Bale Wins 2012 McKenna Memorial At Sandown Greyhounds

Irma Bale Named Australian Greyhound Of The Month For May 2012

AGRA’s Greyhound of the Month for May 2012 is the brilliant young Victoria stayer Irma Bale. Owned by Paul Wheeler and trained by Hall of Fame mentor Graeme Bate. In May the talented chaser won three of her four starts including the heat and final of the Group 1 RSN Sandown Cup at Sandown Park in Victoria.

Irma Bale gets up in the straight to win the RSN Sandown Cup (Pic Paul Munt) Irma Bale caused one of the great upsets in Greyhound Racing history when she upstaged cham-pion West Australian stayer Miata in the RSN Sandown Cup. In a drama filled final of the world’s richest staying race, Miata ($1.20) blew the start and was last after a few strides as Irma Bale ($11.50) bounced straight to the front to lead through the first turn.

Past the post the first time, Irma Bale held a two length lead over He’s My Future with Miata a further seven lengths from the lead. Down the back straight, He’s My Future reduced the margin to less than a length before Vintage Blend swept around the leading pair and appeared to have the race at her mercy as they straightened for home.
Continue reading Irma Bale Named Australian Greyhound Of The Month For May 2012

Irma Bale Wins Sandown Cup In A Boilover

Irma Bale caused one of the great upsets in Greyhound Racing history when she upstaged champion West Australian stayer Miata in the RSN Sandown Cup at Sandown Park tonight.

In a drama filled final of the world’s richest staying race, Miata ($1.20) blew the start and was last after a few strides as Irma Bale ($11.50) bounced straight to the front to lead through the first turn.

Past the post the first time, Irma Bale held a two length lead over He’s My Future ($57.60) with Miata a further seven lengths from the lead. Down the back straight, He’s My Future reduced the margin to less than a length before Vintage Blend ($13.90) swept around the leading pair and appeared to have the race at her mercy as they straightened for home.
Continue reading Irma Bale Wins Sandown Cup In A Boilover

Tonights Bulli Gold Cup Heats Attract Some Of Australia’s Fastest Greyhounds

Tonights heats for the Ranvet Gold Cup heats at Bulli have attracted some of the fastest Greyhounds in Australia with Melbourne Trainer Graeme Bate bringing up four speedsters to compete for the $25,000 winners purse in the final on Monday May 28.

The opening heat we see an amazing group of greyhounds racing headed by Noble Pedro trained at Appin by Mary Wright, Noble Pedro winner of over $100, 00 has won seven from nine starts at Bulli with his best time 26.17.

Graeme Bate has Allen Hertz vying for a spot in the final and the dog will be having his first run on the track, Allen Hertz has won 14 races at the city tracks as well as the provincial tracks in Victoria.
Continue reading Tonights Bulli Gold Cup Heats Attract Some Of Australia’s Fastest Greyhounds

Harrison-Dawson A Race For The Ages

Sandown Park is set to play host to one of the most keenly contested Group finals in recent history following the heats of the Berwick Mazda Harrison Dawson tonight.

Less than two lengths separate seven of the eight finalists, with the field combing to win 124 races and almost $800,000 in prize money.

Jamie Ennis’s former track record holder Cape Hawke set the time standard in taking out the night’s opening heat in 29.32 seconds.
Continue reading Harrison-Dawson A Race For The Ages

El Brooklyn Takes Best Of Sapphire Crown Final Favouritism

Jason Thompsons’s exciting chaser El Brooklyn will start the favourite for the Group 1 Macro Meats Sapphire Crown next Thursday night after brilliantly taking out her heat in a scintillating 29.35 seconds at Sandown Park tonight.

The daughter of Thompson’s former champion El Galo began like a rocket from box 5 and lead all the way to defeat Carol Allen by 3.75 lengths. El Brooklyn has now won 12 of her 17 career starts including the Group 2 Warrnambool Classic, and a win in next week’s final would take her career earnings beyond $160,000.

But the striking white and blue greyhound will have to be on her best from after drawing box 6 for the final.
Continue reading El Brooklyn Takes Best Of Sapphire Crown Final Favouritism

Graeme Bate & Wheeler’s Dominate West End Anniversary Cup Heats & Final Field

Joint feature on last night’s Angle Park program was the heats of the West End Anniversary Cup where Graeme Bate claimed his other three winners for the night winning three of the four heats conducted.

He claimed the first heat on the card with his exciting chaser Allen Hertz who after a very slow beginning from box 2 punched through on the first turn to claim the lead down the back from Koombooyana Girl and raced away for an impressive victory by 4½ lengths in a sizzling 29.58.

Koombooyana Girl for trainer Bozidar Stamenkovic did a super job to hang on for second after producing a blistering lead time of 4.37 to lead and qualify for next week’s final. It was her first defeat in 9 starts in South Australia however she was gallant in defeat.

The second heat was taken out in easy fashion by Bate’s star chaser Allen Harper in a solid 29.94 by 2 lengths from the Leanne Fagan trained High Crimes. Last year’s Group 1 Top Gun winner started a short priced favourite but didn’t have things all his own way early in the event as a slow beginning from box 2 and a check on the first turn had him racing mid field with High Crimes racing away with the early lead. Allen Harper however got motoring mid race and showed his class by racing past High Crimes turning for home to record a smart win.

It was the same story in heat 3 of the Anniversary Cup with David Bale for Bate making full use of his inside box draw to lead throughout and record a comfortable victory in a flying 29.53 to be the fastest qualifier for next week’s final. He won by 3¼ lengths from Head Tuner for trainer Ossie Chegia who continued his impressive local form holding of the late challenge from Johnny Will.

The final heat was taken out by the Troy Murray trained Kalden Aurora who recaptured her best form to lead throughout from box 8 and record a 1¼ length victory over Victorian Allen Lawson for trainer Graeme Bate in a handy 29.82. She showed glimpses of form that won her the Adelaide Cup Consolation last October when she blitzed her rivals in 29.52 and a repeat of that effort puts her right in next weeks final with a big chance.

The box draw was conducted on course last night at Angle Park for the $36,000 Group 3 West End Anniversary Cup. Graeme Bate looks to have a mortgage on the final qualifying half the field however the box draw has made for a very interesting contest with plenty of speed out wide on the track and the favoured runners drawing inside. It will be race 6 on the program and is listed to jump at 8.28pm (SA time).

The West End Anniversary Cup Final field in Box Draw order is:

2012 Anniversary Cup Final

1. Head Tuner Ossie Chegia (SA)
2. Allen Hertz Graeme Bate (Vic)
3. Allen Lawson Graeme Bate (Vic)
4. Allen Harper Graeme Bate (Vic)
5. Kalden Aurora Troy Murray (SA)
6. Koombooyana Girl Bozidar Stamenkovic (SA)
7. High Crimes Leanne Fagan (SA)
8. David Bale Graeme Bate (Vic)
Reserves
9. Johnny Will (1st Res) Petar Jovanovic(SA)
10.Bad Boy Pedro (2nd Res) John McMillan (SA)

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