Any doubts about Zelemar Fever’s position at the apex of WA’s sprinting ranks were dismissed with her outstanding victory in a heat of the Ricoh Winter Cup final (530m) last week and she’ll go into this Saturday evening’s $13,500-to-the-winner final as a warm favourite.
In what was her first start since she fell in the final of the Sapphire Crown over a fortnight earlier, the exciting black bitch from Linda Britton’s kennels (pictured with connections) Trumped a stellar heat field that included On Coin and Hillbilly Flash with a barnstorming run of 30.19.
To paraphrase UK alt-pop band Chumbawamba’s famous song, Zelemar Fever got knocked down but she got up again.
Unlike that band, however, Zelemar Fever is not a one-hit wonder and from the rails alley, where she has an enviable record, she should claim another trophy to bolster her growing collection.
The strong finishing On Coin is a threat again this week but despite producing a superb run of his own last week he couldn’t quite find a way to overhaul a fading Zelemar Fever.
That might have been On Coin’s best shot to get one over his perennial nemesis as you’d expect Zelemar Fever to strip fitter when she heads to the boxes this week.
A poor jump cruelled Bolle Boy’s bid for a five wins in a row last week and his task of getting back into the winner’s circle in a 530m Grade 5 (race 4) this week will be difficult from box six.
On Bolle Boy’s inside is Night With Sally and Martello Towers, greyhounds which have both been clocking consistently competitive times and are knocking on the door for an elusive victory.
Also out in box eight is a racedog worth keeping an eye on, Jeff The Tipster.
The former Tassie chaser is a newcomer to Paul Stuart’s kennels and he arrives in WA not long after ripping out a seven race winning streak over a variety of distances and racetracks.
He’s got an excellent record from wide draws so if he handles his first look at the surface he’ll be hard to hold out.
Following a rare look at the 530m last weekend veteran stayer Reverberate returns to more familiar territory this time around when she contests the 715m Free To All (race 11).
She only has four opponents to beat and will deservedly jump as the favourite but she’s not invulnerable.
King Trotta has won his past couple over this trip and could pose a serious challenge to Reverberate if he performs at his best.
For Cannington fields and form, click here.
Best Bet: Zelemar Fever (Race 5)
Best Value: Dyna Sandy (Race 1)
Quaddie: Race 5 – 1, 6
Race 6 – 2, 3, 4
Race 7 – 1, 2, 5
Race 8 – 3, 6
$20 for 55.55%
