Anniversary Cup greyhound preview & top bets | Mandurah, 21/12/24

The 2024 Anniversary Cup Final, originally set for Saturday night at Cannington, has now been shifted to Mandurah; however, it still promises an electrifying contest as the state’s top greyhounds vie for the $20,000 first-place prize over 488 metres.

Bezzecchi, trained by Paul Stuart, enters as the bookmaker favourite following a strong heat performance where he finished a close second to his kennelmate, Starlight Panama, in 29.84. Known for his powerful finishes and consistency at the track, Bezzecchi boasts an impressive record of four wins and two placings from six starts over this distance. If he can navigate cleanly from Box 4, he’ll be hard to hold out.

Starlight Panama, also from Stuart’s kennel, showcased her speed in the heats with a wire-to-wire victory, clocking a sharp 29.80. Her explosive start, demonstrated by a 5.48 first sectional, gives her a chance to dictate the race from Box 3. Stuart himself acknowledged her capabilities, noting, “She’s as quick as all of them when she gets it right.”

Bagnaia, another Stuart runner, snapped a 12-race losing streak with a gritty heat win in 29.89. While inconsistent, his potential for brilliance makes him a wildcard in this final, although his draw in Box 5 adds an element of risk if all goes wrong in the inside boxes he is a great value at $21 with Neds.

Uncle Tommy, a seasoned competitor with multiple Group 1 wins, also warrants attention. Despite finishing fourth in his heat, his strong early pace and ideal draw in Box 2 could see him dictate terms early and challenge the Stuart trio.

Anniversary Cup final selections & top bets – Mandurah

The betting market reflects the race’s competitiveness, with Bezzecchi leading the pack, followed by Starlight Panama and Uncle Tommy.

For exotic bets, a trifecta featuring Bezzecchi, Starlight Panama, and Uncle Tommy, with Sunset Mirage or Bagnaia in for third, could deliver strong returns.

• 4

  BEZZECHI

  Odds at Neds

• 3

  STARLIGHT PANAMA

  Odds at Picklebet

• 2

  UNCLE TOMMY

  Odds at Blondebet

• 5

  BEZZECHI

  Odds at PlayUp

2024 Anniversary Cup Best Bet – Mandurah Race 6 – 21/12/24