Cameron Butcher says Worm Burner is in the best possible shape to win tonight’s star-studded Group 1 Ubet Adelaide Cup (515m).
The local star jumps from box one in tonight’s $75,000-to-the-winner final (race eight) aiming to complete a remarkable Group 1 race double on his home track.
Worm Burner faces a high-class field tonight which includes Weekend Binge (box four) as well as Victorians Dyna Boomer (box two), Aqua Cheetah (box three) and Shima Song (box six).
Worm Burner has been a brilliant performer since debuting 14 months ago, with last week’s cup heat win following on from his terrific win in the Group 1 National Sprint Championship in August.
While owner-trainer Butcher agreed that Weekend Binge was the biggest threat to Worm Burner, he believed his greyhound’s powerful engine gave him the edge.
“Weekend Binge is a wonderful greyhound and very quick early,” Butcher said.
“Worm Burner is sometimes not the quickest out, so the key will be whether he can come out near the pacesetters.
“If he hits trouble before that first bend then his chances will be gone, but if he comes round there near the front, he’s got the motor to challenge.
“I would have preferred him drawn wider but he’s in great shape and there’s no excuses if he doesn’t perform.”
Worm Burner clocked 30.31 while winning from box seven in soggy conditions at Angle Park last week. Previously, Worm Burner recorded a sizzling best of 29.17 at the track when the National Sprint Championship.
“It would be wonderful to ‘double up’,” Butcher said.
“You dream of winning Group 1 titles like this. Winning the Nationals was fantastic, but I think this would be the ultimate achievement for us.
“I’m never confident – this is greyhound racing – but if he’s got a chance.”
Dyna Boomer, from the gun Andrea Dailly kennel, was the fastest qualifier in 29.92 and from this draw looks a big threat.
Meanwhile, former NSW based greyhound Benteke (box eight), now with Victorian trainer Brett Bravo, clocked 29.97 last week and looms as the best roughie chance.
Likely outsiders One For Me (box five) and Mrs Bubbles (box seven) complete the field.
The final headlines a top 11-race card at Angle Park with some terrific action in store.
The brilliant Fabregal (box four), one of the country’s most consistent greyhounds in recent years, looks capable of scoring another win in the Ubet Download The App Mixed Stakes (race one, 515m).
A winner of 24 of her 43 starts, Fabregal has won four out of six starts from this box and can win in this company.
Eduardo (box two) is another terrific SA greyhound and looks the best bet in the Ubet – The New Tab Mixed Stakes (race six, 600m).
The Kirin Corby-trained greyhound has won his last two starts and clocked a strong 34.70 while saluting at Angle Park two starts back.
Rockstar Billy (box two) has found his best form recently with two wins in his last two starts and looks the best bet in the #Ubet Thrills Stakes (race 11, 515m).
The Tony Rasmussen-trained greyhound clocked 30.02 two starts back and a repeat would make it hard to beat in this.
For Angle Park Friday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
