THE Group Two Cranbourne Cup field has been obliterated by the scratchings of leading contenders Luca Neveelk and Hostile. The Neveelk kennel has been rocked by a severe illness and ARG wishes Luca Neveelk and the rest of the kennel all the best for a quick and safe return to the track.
The scratching of these two star chasers has opened up the field and gives Avondale Porche an enormous chance of leading throughout. It will also mean multiple group winner Oakvale Destiny can position herself into the race from her tricky box six draw.
As Australian Racing Greyhound's Brad Bugeja observed, prior to the scratching's it was hard to see her being able to find an early position, but that has changed with a lot of the early speed underneath her being removed.
Wind Whistler is another that will be at a massive advantage. There was a huge risk of the speedsters chopping him out in the run to the first turn, but you would now assume there will be less early pressure from the outside. If he can position well early, look out.
Although the depth of the race has been sorely tested, there is still plenty of quality in the race at the top end. Whodat Knockin' also comes into calculations now, but you feel he would need to lead clearly to win. Zambora Magic could be the knockout chance at massive odds for Graham Whitford.
The race is set to jump at 9.08pm AEST and connections will be hoping for luck as their chasers charge towards a huge $45,000 winners cheque and Group Two glory.
Angela Langton (Trainer) – Hopefully he can get a bit of luck early. He is a slow beginner, but is drawn where he wants to be. It's not a perfect box at Cranbourne but if he can position well early he is probably as good a chance as any in the race.
ARG Opinion – Showed enormous courage in his heat after being clearly headed. Biggest race of this chasers career and he will need a lot of luck to trouble his more fancied rivals.
ARG Opinion – Brilliant chaser when on song. The scratchings of Hostile and Luca Neveelk gives this bitch a genuine chance of leading the race and from there she will be enormously hard to run down.
Angela Langton (Kennel Rep) – She is a super race bitch and if she can find a spot early she can run over them. She is an extremely smart bitch that can use any box to advantage through her sensational field sense. The only concern is she is a slow starter.
Graham Whitford (Trainer) – He's a very talented dog that has won in 29.40s at Wenty. He needs a bit of room, but I think he might get that tomorrow night. The scratchings take the speed out of the middle and he's not without some chance in the race.
ARG Opinion – Struggled in the run to the line last week. Will need to cross and hope that the stronger dogs such and Wind Whistler and Oakvale Destiny don't position up in striking distance. Needs a bit of luck.
Steven Collins (Trainer) – The dog is really well and has seen the track now. It all comes down to the start and if he brought his Wentworth Park form he would be a huge chance.
Steven Clarke (Trainer) – He's a very consistent dog and I think he deserves his place in the field. He can run a place because he is such an honest chaser. He's been racing against top quality dogs and I won't be surprised if he runs a massive race with a bit of luck.