This Sunday sees the running of the Daish Irrigation and Fodder Strathalbyn Cup. The race is run over the trying 536 metres on a track that gives all runners a chance.
A quality field has been assembled including the current track record holder, Right Time who will start from the extreme outside. The eight dogs have won no less than 106 races between them (add another 33 if we are counting reserves) so there is a wealth of experience amongst the combatants. Troy Murray has completed a tremendous training effort with three dogs in the starting eight as well as a reserve runner.
Comments: Consistent dog who ran well last week despite an average start. Has a good record at the track and can carve out time given the right run. Will need to begin on terms this week to be a winning chance.
Comments: Has been a model of consistency in recent times. Ran second in the Gawler Cup before a quality win in the heats here last week. Could find the fence early and loom as the one to beat. Definitely one of the top chances.
Comments: Hasn't been beginning as well as he can of late. Ran second in moderate time last week and will need to improve on that to feature in the finish here.
Comments: Ran an ok second to Kalden Kurageous in his heat at his first start at the track. The box draw has done him no favours and he is likely to need luck.
Comments: Scorched early from box three last week to land a quality win. Has a terrific strike rate at the track and a good record from box five. If she can reproduce the same early speed as last week she is not out of this at good odds.
Comments: Ultra consistent bitch who was the fastest heat winner. Faces a big challenge from this draw given her poor record from the green alley. Definitely good enough if she can land in the first couple early on.
Comments: Snuck into this final with a plodding second placing last week. Doesn't win out of turn and looks tested in this race. Record at the track is average and is yet to win from this box in six attempts. Looking to others.
Comments: Track record holder who is racing in great heart. Can handle the pink alley with aplomb and won well last week. Looks the one to beat and represents value at the early quote.
Comments: Regally bred, grand old campaigner who would be a place chance if he gains a run.
Best Strathalbyn Times
Best
Last
Sect. Best
Sect. Last
31.40
31.54
6.25
6.25
If the track record holder Right Time can find a nice position with some room at the post the first time then he will take a power of beating. Victa Victoria and Kalden Kurageous certainly look the main dangers with Allen Illem and Loveless Moment also better than average chances. It certainly shapes up as one of the best Strathalbyn Cups in recent memory and should provide a cracking spectacle.
