Trainer Bill Elson says race favourite Cyndie’s Magic is shaping up perfectly for Thursday’s night’s Group 1 Ubet Albion Park Gold Cup (710m) decider.
Cyndie’s Magic ($3.60F with Sportsbet) jumps from box six in the $75,250-to-the-winner final after her brilliant come-from-behind victory in last week’s heats.
That super 42.12 victory made it five consecutive triumphs for the ultra-consistent greyhound and took her overall record to an impressive 23 wins and 30 minor placings from 75 starts.
Cyndie’s Magic also boasts the formidable record of nine wins and eight minor placings in her last 20 starts and is looking good to score her first Group 1 victory.
“She’s looking a million dollars,” Elson said. “I have no concerns with her.
“It was a good run last week and if she does the same this week, she will win.
“I think being drawn out wide suits her better as she can drop out and come home from there, but I’ve no concerns with this draw.
“On her current form she’s entitled to be the favourite and I think she’s got a good chance.”
Cyndie’s Magic was the fastest qualifier for the final, which looks an open race.
Vegas Bound (box one) and Ring The Bell (box eight) are both on the second line of betting at $4.20 and look strong contenders.
The Tony Apap-trained Vegas Bound, who gets a run in place of scratched Kilkee Flex, was a below-par third in last week’s heats but ran 42.08 two starts back and should go close again.
NSW hope My Boy Brodie (box two, $5) has won his last four starts, including a 42.14 win in last week’s heats, and looks a danger.
Meanwhile, brilliant newcomer Thirty Talks (box six, $2.50F with Sportsbet) looks the clear favourite for the Listed Flying Amy Classic (520m, race four) after scoring his 12th win in 15 starts in last week’s heats.
The recent Richmond Riches winner, who is one of the country’s hottest racing prospects from the gun Tony Brett kennel, won his heat last week in a sizzling 29.66.
The Bill Elson-trained Fabulous Bill (box five, $3.60) has won his last three starts – all at Albion Park in sub-30 seconds – and looks the main danger to Thirty Talks.
“Mine cannot run the same times as Thirty Talks, but if Thirty Talks gets into trouble then mine can take advantage,” Elson said.
“Thirty Talks can be a slow starter, so if mine can pinch a break at the start then I think he can win.
“Fabulous Bill has always been consistent and he’s running some good times recently. I think he’s a chance.”
Thirty Talks’ kennelmate Split Image (box eight, $4.50) ran 29.97 last week and looks a decent roughie chance.
In other Albion Park Thursday action, Outside Pass (box eight) can return to winning ways with victory in the night’s seventh race over the 520m.
Tony Apap’s greyhound has not won in five starts but has been racing in tough company recently and is handy from the wide boxes.
Multiple Group winner Cash In Motion and Windorah Jack can both take advantage of box one to salute in races three and six respectively.
For Albion Park Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
Ubet Queensland Gold Cup Box Draw: 1. Vegas Bound ($4.20) 2. My Boy Brodie ($5) 3. Abby’s Magic ($21) 4. Obi Kenobi ($8) 5. Dublin Bull ($7) 6. Cyndie’s Magic ($3.60) 7. Lovelace ($10) 8. Ring The Bell ($4.20). Res: Bells Are Ringin’ ($7).
Flying Amy Classic Box Draw: 1. Lucky Sally ($7) 2. Boom Warrior ($31) 3. Issy Cool ($6) 4. Gelantipy Gold ($26) 5. Fantastic Bill ($3.60) 6. Thirty Talks ($2.50) 7. Wings Of Perlita ($41) 8. Split Image ($4.50). 1R: French Idol ($7.5), 2R: Cosmo Cyanide ($67).
Prices correct at time of writing.
