Five heats of the 2014 Group Two Bendigo Cup over 425 metres were conducted at Lords Raceway on Wednesday night, and for greyhound purists, all went to script perfectly. The final promises to be one of the most exciting races ever conducted by the Bendigo Club, with a star studded field being bought together to contest the Cup on Easter Sunday evening.
Not only does the event have two of the best one turn dogs in training competing, in Paw Licking and Black Magic Opal, the added interest of having a local finalist in Matt's Entity also gives the occasion that extra flavour which some group races tend to lack.
While the Jason Thompson trained Black Magic Opal was awesome in his heat win in 23.417, a new track record, Paw Licking also showed he has the goods when semaphoring 23.61 in his heat victory. Throw in Deadly Vane for Brooke Ennis who ran 23.52 and defending champion Ronan Izmir, the speed will certainly be on.
However, for local enthusiasts, the fact that one of their own has a runner in Bendigo's marquee event for 2014 adds another dimension to the race. Locally prepared Matt's Entity for Scott McKenzie displayed all the brilliant speed for which he is renowned in his stunning heat win, exploding out of box three and leading throughout in 23.65. Plenty of locals will be cheering for him in the hopes he may cause an upset.
Three runners qualified by running second in their heats, namely Top Secret, Empire Allen and Veyron Bale, and have drawn boxes four, five and six respectively in the decider. While all are deserving of their place, it's difficult to see any of them upstaging their more fancied rivals from their awkward draws.
The 2014 Group 2 Skilled Training Victoria Bendigo Cup will be race 8 on the program Sunday scheduled to start at 7.31pm.
Comments: ARG opinion is – Champion greyhound that has drawn prime position on the rails. Missed the start slightly in the heats but mustered well from box eight. Expected to begin much better this time around. If he lobs on the bunny he will be tough to catch.
Comments: ARG opinion is – Short-priced favourite after breaking the track record in the heats. He will be in an early pace duel with Paw Licking. Whoever gets the better of that duel will loom as the likely winner.
Comments: ARG opinions is – Reigning Bendigo Cup champion who won his heat last week in 23.86. Will need to improve on last week's heat time to emerge as a winning chance.
Comments: ARG opinion is – Young chaser who is facing a big rise in class in this final field. Does not have the early pace to cross the inside division, so he will struggle from the box draw.
Comments: ARG opinion is – Consistent chaser who ran a very good race behind Paw Licking last week, beaten just over a length. He is an each-way chance at odds.
Comments: ARG opinion is – Recent form has been ordinary but he did run second to Black Magic Opal, beaten four lengths. Is only moderate away and doesn't have a great record from box six. Will need some luck.
Comments: ARG opinion is – Talented youngster that is no stranger to Group race finals. He scorched around the circuit last week in 23.52 and a repeat of that will put him well and truly in the race.
Comments: ARG opinion is – Honest chaser who is very consistent. Looks well boxed outside and is poised to strike if there is any interference amongst the inside division. Big each-way chance.