THE nation's best stayers will be shooting for stardom on Saturday night, with four heats of the lucrative Group 1 Galaxy (715m) set to be run at Cannington.
Worth $80,000 to the winner, Lioness Lulu is the $7.50 favourite[1] to take out next week's final courtesy of Bet365's all in market. The fawn bitch will be aiming to bounce back in the series following on from her second placing in last Saturday's Group 3 Gold Cup at Wentworth Park.
Prior to her last start the daughter of Big Daddy Cool and Jackie's Capri had won three straight, including a dominant win in the Group 1 Association Cup over the testing half mile trip.
Flying Kayla and Dublin Bull are on the next line of betting to win the final, sharing the $8.50 quote.
Flying Kayla is a new edition to the kennels of Chris Halse, with the black bitch making the move from Victoria to WA with the solid record of six wins and three minors from just 13 starts, while Dublin Bull is yet another Victorian, coming into the series following his last start sixth in the Group 1 Association Cup in Sydney.
Lets check out the main chances in each qualifier, with the best bookmaker odds available for each greyhound.
The Galaxy - heat one - 10:55pm
Seeking Justice ($6.50 with Bet365)[2] is a consistent Victorian which is having his first start for Keith Harding in this event. The son of Kinloch Brae and Shanlyn Supreme has run third at his last two starts against tougher company and has been freshened up for this race which should be of benefit. With a few weeks in between runs, you would expect he has had a look at the track in preparation for this series, with the brindle chaser a major contender for the title.
Heaps Of Ability ($4.50 with Sportsbet) has the advantage of being trained in the state so she has had a few looks at the trip. Has been racing very well of late, but she does meet a few classy campaigners in this race so she will need to make the step up.
Hard Bargain ($4.20 with Bet365) is trained by Brett Bravo and comes into the race with five goes over the middle distance. He has been racing very well, with two wins and a placing, but still needs to run out the extra 120m which is always a bit of a query first go.
Serena Fly High ($6.50 with Crownbet) will probably up near the lead early, but she is another having her first go over the 700 so there is a question mark as to whether she will run out the trip.
The Galaxy - heat two - 11:12pm
Dublin Bull ($2.60 with Crownbet)[3] is the proven performer in this class, with his last start being in the Group 1 Association Cup final at Wentworth Park. He finished sixth on that occasion, but prior to that ran a handy 42.26 in the Harbour City. If he can bring that form to Perth he will be very hard to hold out.
Spring Patsy ($6.50 with William Hill) is the interesting runner, stepping up to the 720m trip after just one start over 680m. Prior to that she had been racing well over the sprint trip, with the daughter of Mogambo and Spring Dora going for a hatrick in this race after her last two wins at Cranbourne over the 520m (30.58) and Warragul over the 680m (39.59).
Sweet Intention ($3 with Crownbet) has only had the two starts in WA but went well when posting a 43.07 win over the track and trip last start. That was a fortnight ago so she has had plenty of time to recharge the batteries and is capable of putting in a similar performance.
The Galaxy - heat three - 11:47pm
Luna Jinx ($3.60 with Sportsbet)[4] has returned to her best form recently, winning three of her past four, all of which have been over the staying trip at either The Meadows or Angle Park. The star SA chaser has not raced since the end of last month which would have given her time to trial at the new track prior to her heat.
Jed Monelli ($3 with William Hill) was unlucky at his most recent run when finishing eighth behind Heaps Of Ability. Prior to that he had recorded a slick 42.80 win and if he can repeat that performance he should go well in this race.
Lofty Ambition ($10 with Sportsbet) found trouble mid race at her only go over this trip. Forgive that run and expect a better performance here.
Zipping Carter ($16 with Crownbet) has ability and had run some handy races in NSW. Yet to face the starter in WA and he should find the company, aside from the six, a little easier than his most recent outings.
The Galaxy - heat four - 12:02am
Flying Kayla ($4.40 with Crownbet)[5] was well supported when finishing fourth at her WA debut over 600m two weeks back. Can forgive that run as she got into trouble from box seven and never looked very comfortable on the track. Can find a spot behind the leaders from the one and is capable of upsetting the favourite.
Lioness Lulu ($2.60 with Sportsbet) is the inform runner of the series but she has had a tough campaign and makes her longest interstate trip this week. It is the fifth week she has travelled and she is first up at Cannington which has proven to be tricky for most dogs. Can win but not willing to take the short odds.
Reno's Raider ($6.50 with Bet365) is seasoned over the long distances and should be charging home late, while Acheron is racing well and looks the likely leader.
References
- ^ Visit Bet365 (www.australianracinggreyhound.com)
- ^ Get (www.australianracinggreyhound.com)
- ^ Get (www.australianracinggreyhound.com)
- ^ Get (www.australianracinggreyhound.com)
- ^ Flying Kayla ($4.40 with Crownbet) (www.australianracinggreyhound.com)
Source → 2016 Group 1 Galaxy heats � free tips and best prices
