What better way to close the curtain on AFL Grand Final day than with some Group racing over the half-mile at The Meadows.
$25,000 awaits the winner of the Group Three 2014 Top Cat Video final which features not only some of the best established stayers in the country, but also one very talented up and comer.
Many of the stars engaged did battle in the Chairman’s Cup at Wentworth Park final just a fortnight ago when youngster Zipping Maggie upset a quality field.
ARG Comments:A Group performed bitch who returned from a form slump in style last week to register a 42.58 heat win. She has finally drawn a decent box in a big race final and has an imposing record in the red vest. This week will be a good indication if she is back to her best or if it was a one off.
ARG Comments: A consistent dog who will keep coming. He is yet to break through and make his mark at the elite level and may find these just a little too hot. He looks a place chance at best.
ARG Comments:Flew home to go down narrowly to the two big guns (Xylia Allen and Zipping Maggie) last week in her heat. She is likely to go around at big odds and is a young improver. Should she get a few breaks in transit she will be rattling home and could jag a placing.
ARG Comments: Stepped up from sprints to finish fourth in his heat some 8 1/2 lengths behind Zipping Maggie. He is likely to struggle against the top class opposition in this event.
ARG Comments:Champion bitch who was mowed down in the last stride by Zipping Maggie in last Saturday’s heat. Is likely to be on the speed and is capable of anything. Her record is not overly flattering at The Meadows but she can never be under estimated.
ARG Comments: Triple Group One winner who puts her luck in the lap of the Gods as she tries to negotiate her way through a field. She has an exciting finishing style and will be flying home late. She is another with a record at The Meadows which is not as good as her results at other venues. If she is midfield halfway through the race, watch her mow them down.
ARG Comments: The most exciting staying prospect in the country at the moment. She has won her last six races in a row and defeated the best in the process. She won her heat and final of the Group Three Chairman’s Cup in Sydney before giving Xylia Allen a start and a beating here last week. She has to be considered a huge chance to continue on that form in this one.
ARG Comments: An emerging stayer who gets his first crack at a Group final in this race. He is risky at box rise and it would be preferable to see him on the speed. He might be a knock-out chance if things fall his way but he is likely to need luck.
ARG Comments: An old stager who does not win out of turn and looks tested in this class. He would be rougher than a pineapple if he managed to gain a start here.
ARG Comments: A reasonably consistent on pacer who bombed the start last week and snuck into the reserves for this. Would face a stiff task to be any hope of winning this should he get a start.
Best The Meadows Times
Best
Last
Sect. Best
Sect. Last
NBT
43.90
4.53
5.15
Early speed could play a big part to the chances of Xylia Allen (5) and Zipping Maggie (7). If either of them can find a prominent position early, then they are sure to be right in the finish.
Sweet It Is (6) will rely on room to move in transit to be a genuine winning hope.
If Dyna Willow (1) can make use of the favourable draw and reproduce last week’s effort, she will be in this up to her ears.
Bailey Rose (4) and Zipping Rory (2) are sure to be running on in and are minor place hopes.