All eyes will be on Dapto tonight with the running of the Group One Megastar final. A star-studded line up of greyhounds will take their place in the boxes at 9.40pm, with one group of connections walking away with $75,000.
After a superb 29.69 performance in last week’s prelude, Shoulders is likely to start the favourite from box one, just ahead of Jason Mackay’s superstar Zipping Willow, who will be looking for her tenth consecutive win in tonight’s final.
Londonderry trainer Anthony Azzopardi had the opportunity to select his box last week and certainly gave plenty of hope to Shoulder’s breeders and owners Brett and Deborah May, who will make the trip from the Hunter Valley today to be trackside.
Recent National Sprint winner Chica Destacada has also drawn well in box two and can never be underestimated in these big affairs. Trainer Doreen Drynan is having a dream run with her at present and will be looking to notch up her second Group One victory for the year.
“Shoulders is drawn ideally from the cherry and is entitled to be favourite after winning last Friday‘s Prelude in smart time,” Sportingbet’s Andrew Brown said.
“Chica Destacada will make things interesting from Box 2 though and if she finds the lead early you can bet she’ll take some running down.”
Comment (Brett May – Owner): “I am really happy with the draw and if he steps well and gets some room to move on the rail that would be great. He loves Dapto and hopefully things can go his way.”
Comment (Kerry Drynan – Kennel Representative): “It’s a hard race and she will definitely have to do everything right to be competitive. Her trial last Friday was a little disappointing, but the conditions weren’t the best so it is hard to get a guide on that run. What I can tell you though is that she is sound and well so we are just hoping for a good start and a little luck.”
Comment (Steven White – Trainer): “I think he’s well boxed, very hard race as it should be for a group one. He’s fit and healthy just needs luck in running through the first corner.”
Comment (Tony Brett – Trainer): “I was really happy with how well he trialled last week, given it was his first look at the track. Obviously the box isn’t ideal, but I’m hoping he can get away well and have some luck at the first turn.”
Best Dapto Times
Best
Last
Sect. Best
Sect. Last
NBT
NBT
NBT
NBT
Box 5
Race Odds
$61.00
Heat Replay
Woods
Trainer
Marie Burton
Owner
Kevin Maloney
Prizemoney
$53,305.00
Last 10 Starts
4871757736
42 Months
Black
Dog
by
Goodesy
–
Ominous Spirit
Start
Average
Running
Rail
Finish
Average
Prizemoney Rating
$683.40
Rating
80
Career Record
Starts
1st
2nd
3rd
78
15
13
7
Strike Rates
Win %
Place %
19%
45%
Track & Dist.
Starts
1st
2nd
3rd
1
0
0
1
Box 5 Record
Starts
1st
2nd
3rd
10
2
2
1
ARG Comment: Found a lot of trouble before getting a run through in the megastar prelude won by Shoulders. Is drawn badly once again and will really need to lift to challenge this field.
ARG Comment: Returns from a four month spell and trialled 30.26 at this track last week. Faces a tough task from box six, however if she jumps and is given some clear room to move is capable of winning this final.
Best Dapto Times
Best
Last
Sect. Best
Sect. Last
29.59
30.07
5.43
5.47
Box 7
Race Odds
$4.20
Heat Replay
Zipping Willow
Trainer
Jason Mackay
Owner
M & F Hallinan
Prizemoney
$157,410.00
Last 10 Starts
2111111111
39 Months
Black
Bitch
by
Goodesy
–
Sirocco Lass
Start
Fast
Running
Rail
Finish
Strong
Prizemoney Rating
$3,935.25
Rating
100
Career Record
Starts
1st
2nd
3rd
40
28
6
2
Strike Rates
Win %
Place %
70%
90%
Track & Dist.
Starts
1st
2nd
3rd
2
2
0
0
Box 7 Record
Starts
1st
2nd
3rd
3
2
0
1
ARG Comment: Absolute superstar who is unbeaten at this track and will be looking for her tenth consecutive win tonight. Faces a tough test crossing from a wide draw, however only needs to be up the front early on to test this field.
Comment (Adele Powell – Part-Owner): “I know she will be competitive and if there’s any trouble with the inside division she may get the fly. She is well and will be a little fitter for the run last week, I’m looking forward to Friday.”
