The day has finally arrived when the first two semi-finalists for the GRNSW + Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase will be determined.
After a week of heats across the State, tonight Bathurst will host the first Regional Final of the series, and what an intriguing affair it is.
Four competitive heats were held last Monday, and, combined with an interesting box draw, the final looks set to be a thriller.
Fastest heat winner was Miss Splendamiro, who gave little else a chance, leading from box rise to win in 29.68s, the best of the day. She has also won here in 29.40s, has four wins from four starts over this trip, and has four wins and two placings when drawn out in the pink.
NSW National Sprint Championships representative Sky Wave was second fastest last Monday clocking 29.86s, and has drawn alongside Miss Splendamiro in the seven, and looks like she will give her a cart across.
Sky Wave also led throughout in the heat, and has four wins from six starts at this trip, and has won four out of five when exiting the seven box.
Caitlyn Keeping (pictured) – who won the Group 2 Black Top at LADBROKES GARDENS three days before the heats, - was yet another all the way heat winner, clocking 29.94s,and taking her record at Bathurst to three starts for three wins over 450m. She too has good form out of this box.
The first section times of the trio were: Caitlyn Keeping 4.22s, Miss Splendamiro 4.27s, and Sky Wave 4.31s. Tell me this isn’t going to be a thriller to the first turn.
Miss Splendamiro doesn’t have to lead to win and won at Wentworth Park the start before sitting off the pace. I’m going with her, to beat Sky Wave and Caitlyn Keeping.
Away from the main event, it’s a good card at Bathurst, with the best bet arriving in race nine, the Fifty 8 George Stakes over 450m.
Miss Duggie has won two of her first four starts and was new to the track last week when she posted a 26.10s win off this draw. Same draw today, same trip, and hopefully the same result.
While Bathurst has the spotlight, there are two other meetings in NSW today – Grafton and Nowra.
At Grafton, the best of the night comes up in race three, the Ladbrokes Greyhound Previews Stake over 305m in the shape of Sulzanti’s Girl (6).
The talented youngster has plenty of upside and goes well here. She can handle a wide draw and only needs a safe start to win this.
Another with strong claims at Grafton is Visigoth in race eight, the Ladbrokes Odds Boost Stakes over 610m.
Placed at his past three starts, Visigoth is due for a change of fortune and he looks suited this trip coming back from two 710m run at Albion Park. Has won three of six over this trip, and looks hard to beat.
The best on the 10 race Nowra card appears in race 9, the GRNSW Masters Stakes over 520m.
Willie Blues (7) has three wins and four placings from his past 9 starts, and led throughout to win over 620m here back in July. Last start he won over 440m at Goulburn in best of the day figures. He can handle the draw and looks very well placed here.
Also on the Nowra program in race five, the Premium Tyre Service Nowra Stakes over 520m, Takahi Storm looks a strong chance.
He won two in a row here back in August and last start was a solid 22.59s winner at Bulli. Is upin distance here but can handle it easily and looks a great hope.
