2024 Hobart Thousand final field confirmed after exciting heats
The stage is set for the 2024 Group 1 Hobart Thousand Final following a thrilling night of heats at Hobart on Thursday, December 5.
The prestigious 461-metre event showcased a mix of local and interstate stars battling for a place in next week’s $100,000 decider with five victorian trained greyhounds and three local Tasmanian dogs making the cut.
Headlining the night was Hotel Whisky One, whose brilliant 25.54-second win in heat four cemented him as the greyhound to beat. Trained by Anthony Azzopardi, the recent Goulburn Cup winner dominated his heat and leads a strong Victorian contingent into the final.
The heats produced several standout performances, with tight finishes and impressive times highlighting the competitive nature of the series.
Here’s a race-by-race breakdown of the seven heats:
Hobart Thousand Heat 1 race replay – Inconspicuous (25.60)
The opening heat saw Inconspicuous deliver a determined performance to secure his place in the final. Jumping from box seven, the Million Dollar Chase finalist navigated a tricky start before surging along the rails to clinch the win by a length over Bernie Burrow, the $1.40 favourtie with the top greyhound bookmakers.
Bernie Burrow finished second in 25.68 seconds, the fastest runner-up time of the night, securing himself the eighth spot in the final, with Gravitational rounding out the placings.
Inconspicuous’s strong finish and proven ability to handle pressure make him a key player in the final.
Hobart Thousand Heat 2 race replay – Ducati Roy (25.71)
Local star Ducati Roy showcased his class with a determined victory in the second heat, paying $3.80 with Picklebet. Jumping cleanly from box four, he took control early and maintained a steady lead throughout.
Despite a late challenge from Vincent Bale, Ducati Roy held on comfortably, finishing two lengths ahead in 25.71 seconds. Aston Western completed the placings in third.
As a finalist in last year’s Hobart Thousand, Ducati Roy’s experience and steady improvement position him as a strong contender for the decider. The win not only secures his place in the final but also cements his reputation as one of Tasmania’s most consistent greyhounds.
Hobart Thousand Heat 3 race replay – Aston Smokey (25.73)
Aston Smokey showed resilience in heat three, fending off Dealer in a close finish. Jumping well from box three, he led throughout, holding his advantage despite strong challenges in the latter stages. Pass the Buck, the heat favorite, had to settle for third after encountering interference. Aston Smokey’s ability to maintain his lead under pressure bodes well for his chances in the final.
Aston Smokey displayed tenacity and composure to claim victory in the third heat, earning a place in the Hobart Thousand Final for trainer Debbie Cannan.
Starting from box three, Aston Smokey showed sharp early speed to take the lead heading into the first turn. Despite facing pressure from Dealer, who loomed large in the latter stages, Aston Smokey held firm, crossing the line a neck ahead in 25.73 seconds.
The $1.75 Neds favorite, Pass the Buck, was caught in traffic early and struggled to find clear running, managing only a third-place finish.
Aston Smokey capitalised on his clean start and ability to handle mid-race challenges, a quality that will be vital in next week’s final.
Hobart Thousand Heat 4 race replay – Hotel Whiskey One (25.54)
Hotel Whisky One produced a dazzling performance in heat four, delivering the fastest time of the night and solidifying his status as the greyhound to beat in the Hobart Thousand Final.
Starting from box five, the recent Goulburn Cup winner displayed blistering early speed, clocking a sharp first split of 4.88 seconds to seize control of the race.
Racing with confidence and precision, Hotel Whisky One extended his lead heading into the final straight, crossing the line two and a half lengths ahead of Mile A Minute in 25.54 seconds.
Seattle finished third, but it was clear that Hotel Whisky One was in a league of his own with PlayUp offering $2.40 before jumping.
Trainer Anthony Azzopardi, who also qualified Inconspicuous earlier in the night, will take great confidence from this run as he chases his first Hobart Thousand title.
Hotel Whisky One’s flawless execution and raw speed make him the standout contender for the $100,000 prize.
Hobart Thousand Heat 5 race replay – Trefusis (25.74)
The night’s biggest upset came in heat five, where Trefusis delivered an all-the-way win from box seven. Outsprinting race favorite Zipping Gryllis, Trefusis held on strongly to claim victory, with Gas Lock finishing third. The result underscored the depth of talent in this year’s series, and Trefusis’s early speed will be a major asset in the final.
Trefusis delivered a surprising yet commanding performance in heat five, overcoming strong opposition to secure a spot in the Hobart Thousand Final. Jumping brilliantly from box seven, Trefusis led the field into the first turn and never looked back, dictating terms throughout the 461-metre journey as a $13 BlondeBet outsider.
Race favorite Zipping Gryllis mounted a late challenge but could not bridge the gap, finishing two lengths adrift in second. Gas Lock secured third, rounding out the placings in a highly competitive heat.
Trainer Debbie Cannan, who also qualified Aston Smokey in heat three, will be thrilled with Trefusis’s effort. Despite being underestimated in the betting, Trefusis showcased excellent early speed and determination, qualities that will serve him well in next week’s final.
Hobart Thousand Heat 6 race replay – Serial Sticker (25.84)
Serial Sticker showed grit and determination to prevail in a tightly contested sixth heat, securing his place in the Hobart Thousand Final. Breaking well from box five, Serial Sticker was immediately challenged by Aston Fantastic, with the pair racing stride for stride through the early sections.
As they approached the final turn, Serial Sticker dug deep to gain a slight edge, holding off Aston Fantastic by one and a half lengths to stop the clock at 25.84 seconds. Stomping finished third, showing late pace but unable to close the gap on the leading duo.
Hobart Thousand Heat 7 race replay – Flying Zulu (25.65)
The final heat of the night saw the $1.35 Dabble favourite Flying Zulu assert his dominance, justifying favouritism with a polished performance. After a moderate start, he quickly hit his stride, overcoming early pressure to secure victory. Orli Bale finished second, with Highgate Alsie in third. A Group 1 Brisbane Cup winner, Flying Zulu’s experience and consistency make him a top contender for next week’s final.
The final heat of the night saw the $1.35 Dabble favourite Flying Zulu cap off the night with a powerful performance, confirming his place in the Hobart Thousand Final.
Starting from box three, the Group 1 Brisbane Cup winner overcame a moderate jump to quickly find his stride, settling just behind early leader Highgate Alsie.
As the race progressed, Flying Zulu surged to the front, displaying his trademark finishing burst to cross the line comfortably in 25.65 seconds. Orli Bale finished second, 1.5 lengths behind, with Highgate Alsie holding on for third.
Trainer Jason Thompson will be delighted with Flying Zulu’s effort, as the greyhound handled the Hobart circuit with ease and proved his ability to perform under pressure.
Final Field for the Group 1 Hobart Thousand
The final on December 12 will feature five Victorian and three Tasmanian stars, with the box draw to take place on Saturday night at Ladbrokes Park Elwick during the Tasmanian Greyhound Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Hobart Thousand Finalists (not in box draw order):
Reserves:
The 2024 Hobart Thousand Final promises to be a captivating showdown, with the likes of Hotel Whisky One and Flying Zulu set to lead the betting markets.
All eyes will be on Saturday’s box draw as the contenders prepare for the ultimate test on Tasmania’s premier stage.