NSW has named a very strong team to tackle the Queenslanders in the TAB Origin Greyhound Series at Albion Park next Thursday night.
Selectors from both states whittled their squads down to teams on Friday, with four runners and a reserve named for both the 520m sprint, and the 710m staying event, and one runner and a reserve named for 520m match-race.
NSW selectors have come up with a powerful line-up in the sprint. Ladbrokes Golden Easter Egg Winner Zipping Bailey has overcome a minor injury sustained in the Group 1 Sapphire Crown last week at Sandown, and will lead the NSW sprinters. Joining her will be Million Dollar Chase winner Mystic Riot, Jamella Jet, the recent winner of the Group 3 Ambrosoli at Wentworth Park, and the runner-up to Mystic Riot in the MDC grand final last October, and perhaps the in-form NSW sprinter at the moment, the Frank Hurst-trained Good Odds Harada. Reserve for the NSW Sprint event will be Group 1 Paws Of Thunder winner Buck’s Future.
Queensland has named a handy line-up, led by Dam Slippery, with Maurice Minor, this week’s Rockhampton Cup winner and runner-up, Regal Recall and Regal Topaz. Their reserve will be Silver Stunner.
In the staying event, NSW will have three siblings – Poco Dorado, Blue Moon Rising and Velcoe Nero – representing the State, along with Ray Smith’s Little Digger who was impressive winning at Albion Park on Thursday in 42.31s. Reserve for the event is Two Time Twice, a brother to the other staying trio.
The Maroons have selected Bago Bluff, Bago Bye Bye, last year’s Origin staying event winner Double Gee and Infrared Lad. Their reserve is Hara’s Dazza
And in the match-race, the only event NSW won in last year’s inaugural Origin Series, NSW will be represented by flying Feral Franky, who comes into the series having won the Group 3 New Sensation last month at Wentworth Park, and last week’s Richmond Riches Final.
Feral Franky stamped his match-racing quality when he defeated the promising Midnight Dare in the Speed Star series in Melbourne recently, and finished second overall in that event.
And to cap it off, he trialled solo at Albion Park on Thursday and was brilliant, clocking a sizzling 29.57s.
“He’s the perfect dog for a match race,” Smith said. “He’s already been and done it. He’ll go well.”
Queensland have named Infrared Star as their match-race runner. The two reserves are Fernando Blaster (NSW) and Dynamite Lucy (Queensland).
Box draws will be conducted on Monday morning.
