The Group 1 Ladbrokes Peter Mosman Classic may be the headline act at Wentworth Park tonight, but it has a terrific supporting act in the form of the two lucrative Ladbrokes Up For The Challenge finals.
Greyhounds qualified for the finals – one for sprinters and one for stayers - by accumulating points at heats throughout NSW over the past month.
Winners of both finals will take home $20,000 in prizemoney, with the majority of the money contributed by Ladbrokes.
In the sprinters final (race six, 520m), Goulburn trainer Denice Warren has two greyhounds competing – Something New (box one) and Quoted Dynasty (box two) – with Warren leaning towards Something New as having the stronger winning chance.
“Quoted Dynasty is the quicker of the two, but Something New is the better racing greyhound,” Warren said. “If you put them in solo then Quoted Dynasty would run a quicker time (but) Something New is a stronger greyhound.
“Something New has generally been a faultless beginner, while Quoted Dynasty can miss the start - especially at Wentworth Park. Box one should really help Something New as well as long as Quoted Dynasty doesn’t come out firing and cut her off.
“It’s such a tough race – I honestly think all the others have a good chance – so for me it will come down to whoever gets out and leads.”
Something New scored three successive victories prior to her last start fifth place finish over the 516m at Dubbo on May 25, including a smart 30.18 victory at Wentworth Park on May 3.
Quoted Dynasty has won 13 of his 20 starts so far but finished seventh at his last visit to Wentworth Park back on May 3.
Quoted Dynasty will be backed by a hefty group of supporters, including a syndicate of first-time owners from the tiny town of Taralga in the NSW Southern Tablelands.
Photos of Quoted Dynasty’s wins are plastered on the local sports club and it could be party time if the greyhound wins on Saturday night.
“I think there’s 17 of them involved and they’re having a wonderful time,” Warren said. “One of them is so nervous for Saturday, I’ve said he should get the Valium.
“Quoted Dynasty is their first greyhound and this is a dream for them. They love cheering him on and patting him after races.
“As a trainer, that’s what you love seeing – owners have a lovely time and enjoying the ride with their greyhounds. If Quoted Dynasty wins then I think there’ll be some sore heads come Sunday morning.”
Tonight also features the $20,000-to-the-winner Ladbrokes Up For The Challenge Distance Final (race three, 720m).
This year’s Group 1 National Derby winner Big Daddy Bee (box three) has stepped up in distance superbly in recent weeks and looks the top pick.
The Ray Smith-trained greyhound clocked 42.27 over the 720m at Wentworth Park last Saturday night in preparation for this race.
Kennelmate Midnight Treat, who ran 42.41 in the same race as Big Daddy Bee last Saturday night, looks the next best.
For Wentworth Park fields, form and expert picks, click here.
