Sky Racing's Tim Newbold - the voice of greyhound racing in NSW - takes us through the card on TAB Million Dollar Chase semi-final night at Wentworth Park, dissecting each of the eight semi-finals, plus the three heats of the Group 1 Sydney Cup.
Wentworth Park FORM SUMMARY
Friday 11th October
RACE 1
Opening heat of the Sydney Cup. Blue Moon Rising is one of the most consistent and versatile dogs we’ve had in NSW for the past decade or so. Adept over the sprint as he is over the ‘longs’. Gallant when placed in his first run over ‘700’ in 8 weeks last start and strips much fitter now. Ready to peak. JUST TERMS is a progressive stayer who continues to aim up. Came through her strongest test with flying colours last week. Huge chance. The ‘old girl’ Ebby Ripper can never be treated lightly. She’ll launch late.
TIPS – 6/3/4/2
RACE 2
The champ TORNADO TEARS returns to the Harbour City and will go to the boxes a skinny favourite. Multiple Group 1 winner and track record holder and set new figures here winning a heat of the G1 Association Cup in April. Arrives in Sydney after tasting defeat at The Meadows last start but set to bounce back. SHE WILL BLOOM was massive when placed on debut at Wentworth Park last week. She’s a serious threat. The Queenslander RADAR GUNN must be treated with the utmost respect.
TIPS - 4/1/3/2
RACE 3
Former NSW resident Boom Down has been a revelation since relocating to Western Australia. Always shown above-average ability but the penny seems to have really dropped in the new surrounds. He’ll drop out in the early and mid-part but unleash a barnstorming finish. The Kiwi DYNA WESLYN debuts in Sydney with an imposing resume having won 25 of 37 starts across the ditch. She’s a major player. Expecting Blue Shadows to improve following his debut run at the track last start. Rajasthan is the 2019 Sandown Cup winner. Respect.
TIPS – 1/8/5/7
RACE 4
Crackerjack first semi-final of the TAB Million Dollar Chase. Flying Victorian WESTERN ENVOY arrives in Sydney in ripping form. Clocked blistering figures winning consecutive races down South before bombing the jump last start, but his effort to finish 3rd was huge. Ideally drawn. One to beat. Black Signature despite drawing awkwardly is the value runner. He’s got a mix of speed and strength and just needs an ounce of luck to run a big race. The Group 1 bridesmaid BLACK OPIUM oozes class and has to be respected. Reigning champ Mystic Riot draws her favourite alley but needs to lift on recent runs.
TIPS – 2/5/3/6
RACE 5
Arguably the race of the night with cult hero Feral Franky and rising star Curt Lee clashing, and just for good measure, throw in seasoned campaigner Slingshot Hammer from a perfect draw. In the corner of Curt Lee, he’s a dashing front-runner with faultless box manners and carved out scintillating early splits on his way to an all-the-way win in a fast 29.83 last week. He’s the leader on sectionals and has that sense of timing about him. ‘The Feral’ has a ‘Houdini-like’ racing style where he gets himself out of impossible positions and storms to victory. The danger. Slingshot Hammer will get every chance from the cherry.
TIPS – 3/4/1/2
RACE 6
Series’ favourite Good Odds Harada steps out in semi-final 3. Love the fact he had a freshen-up after claiming the Bathurst heat and final in near record figures before coming back to the city to continue the winning streak last week. Strips fitter, perfectly drawn wide-out where he wants to be and risky beginners drawn on either side are all assets. Gets the nod. The danger is Federal Lilly, she’s on an upward curve and Ready to peak being 4th-up from a spell. Great box manners and early speed. Nangar Jack could lead if he fires out of the machine. The best roughie.
TIPS – 7/1/4/6
RACE 7
BUCK’S FUTURE’S greatest triumph was winning the Group 1 Paws Of Thunder at Wentworth Park in January and here he is sitting up in the cherry with a golden chance to qualify for another big one. Faultess at box-rise when in the red, was outstanding last start when beaten in the last stride by Feral Franky. Ripping record at HQ. Ticks a lot of boxes. Good Odds Buddy continues to fly under the radar of his more illustrious brothers (Feral Franky/Good Odds Harada) but he’s just a fast as both. Huge chance. The new kid on the block Shima Shine could be the best in the land in six months. But can he get across the speed underneath here?
TIPS – 1/3/8/6
RACE 8
The 5th semi is a real belter. A number high profile dogs come together. National Sprint champion Premium Share is the deserved favourite following a fast trial at Wentworth Park last weekend and can only be improved. But I’m in the corner of last year’s runner-up Jamella Jet. Put away after qualifying at Gosford and arrives here on fresh legs. Loves the joint and well boxed in the centre of the track. Good value. Jaro Bale is another at odds I’m confident will run a mighty race with a fraction of luck. Pindari Express is a complete weapon but a risk on a 2-turn track due to his poor box manners in a quality field like this.
TIPS – 4/6/7/2
RACE 9
The underrated Nangar Kash (pictured) represents tremendous value at double-figures in early betting. I’ll concede he beat a much easier field last start and needs to improve on the clock but certainly capable of doing so. Suited with steady beginners drawn on either side so can lead. Got to have a throw at the stumps at the price. Immediate is a talented Victorian, loved his recent trial at Wentworth Park and has scope for improvement. Has the speed to offset the tricky alley. Zipping Norton got all the favours when the marbles fell his way with the box draw.
TIPS – 3/5/1/4
RACE 10
Awesome Catch is a huge player. Was fantastic through the Nowra qualifiers and rounded out his preparation with a ripping 29.71 trial at Wentworth Park a couple of weeks ago. Not possessed with blistering speed but has enough tactical pace to hold a spot through the first bend and super strong at the end. GET IT GIZMO is a serious race dog. Set near track record figures winning The Gardens final before impressing in his city debut last weekend. He’s on an upward spiral and deserved favourite. Furious Not Fast has a big motor. A real ‘knockout’ hope.
TIPS – 3/8/6/1
RACE 11
Double Back is a promising, lightly-raced sprinter in the Lagogiane yard and the camp knows what’s required to claim the big one. Always had good box manners and early speed but has got stronger with maturity, therefore adding another string to his bow. Handles middle draws. Can cause a mini-upset over the favourite Flying Bazza. He’d be a major risk from any other box but ideally drawn on the rails where he’ll play a stalking role early and then let loose mid-race. Hard to hold out. Ultimate Speed goes about his business in a tradesman-like style. Genuine contender.
TIPS – 5/1/8/6
