Mepunga Tully betting favourite for Australian Cup after box draw

The stage is officially set for the 2025 Group 1 Australian Cup Final, with the box draw confirmed and betting markets now open ahead of the $300,000-to-the-winner showdown at The Meadows this Saturday, February 22.

After eight massive heats were run on February 8 and four thrilling semi-finals last weekend, an elite field has been assembled, with many calling it one of the strongest Australian Cup line-ups in years.

Fastest qualifier Mepunga Tully ($3.40) has been installed as the favourite with the top online bookmakers after a dominant semi-final performance. Drawn in Box 4, she will need to overcome the middle alley to claim victory.

Right beside her in Box 5 is Excavation ($3.80), the leading hope for Jason Thompson, currently sitting as the second favourite.

Vincent Bale ($6.00) has drawn Box 3, a prime spot for his early speed, while reigning champion Tim Zoo ($7.00) faces a tough challenge from Box 8.

Having already won The Temlee and his Australian Cup Semi-Final from wide draws, he has the chance to make history as only the second greyhound to win back-to-back Australian Cups—the first being China Trip in 1992 and 1993.

On the inside, Zipping Hopkins ($13.00) has landed Box 1, a draw that could give him a chance to stay in touch with the leaders early. Trainer Brooke Ennis will be hoping her runner can capitalise on the inside advantage.

Next to him, Canya All Class ($8.00) in Box 2 is expected to push up early and try to hold the rail as he steps back from staying races to sprint distance.

One of the pre-race favourites, Flying Zulu ($8.00), has drawn the tricky Box 7, which could make his job much tougher.

Meanwhile, Deadly Avenger ($10.00) will start from Box 6 and will need to navigate early traffic to be a factor.

If a greyhound like Vincent Bale or Mepunga Tully finds the lead early, they will be incredibly tough to catch. However, if Tim Zoo gets across from the wide draw, he could produce another stunning finish to defend his crown.

As always, Australian Racing Greyhound will have our runner-by-runner Australian Cup tips available for you on Friday, February 21.

The Meadows Australian Cup Final Box Draw And Odds

2025 Australian Cup Final Box Draw & Field The Meadows 525m Group 1 $300,000 to-the-winner Saturday, February 22, 2025
	1 Zipping Hopkins T: Brooke EnnisF: 13412Career: 40: 14-12-5Prizemoney: $101,615 +1200
	2 Canya All Class T: Jessica HopkinsF: 64F12Career: 30: 17-4-3Prizemoney: $187,730 +700
	3 Vincent Bale T: Samantha GrenfellF: 11261Career: 45: 19-11-4Prizemoney: $228,708 +500
	4 Mepunga Tully T: Jeffrey BrittonF: 21711Career: 34: 14-4-3Prizemoney: $103,550 +240
	5 Excavation T: Jason ThompsonF: 38231Career: 35: 14-5-6Prizemoney: $445,315 +280
	6 Deadly Avenger T: George BorgF: 11812Career: 26: 10-5-3Prizemoney: $91,065 +900
	7 Flying Zulu T: Jason ThompsonF: 21122Career: 45: 25-8-2Prizemoney: $877,290 +700
	8 Tim Zoo T: Jason ThompsonF: 11111Career: 46: 22-8-4Prizemoney: $610,660 +600
Reserves
	9 Smooth Plane T: Thomas DaillyF: 12473Career: 66: 22-16-4Prizemoney: $515,180 +700
	10 Amron Tiger T: Brooke EnnisF: 24223Career: 52: 12-15-10Prizemoney: $114,215 +3000