2023 Group 3 Albion Park Superstayers Invitational field named
The Brisbane Greyhound Racing Club has formally unveiled the four illustrious invitees for the 2023 edition of the Superstayers Invitational, a prestigious Group 3 race slated for the evening of Thursday, 22 June at Albion Park.
The selection panel meticulously dissected performances from greyhounds partaking in Group race events all over Australia, culminating in a line-up of contenders hailing from New South Wales and Victoria.
The quartet of esteemed invitees, listed alphabetically, comprises First Picked (trained by Robert Britton), Korda (Jeffrey Britton), Palawa King (Raymond Smith), and Zipping Orlando (John Finn).
As an added security, Queensland's own stayer, Days Of Thunder (Warren Nicholls), has been elected as the sole reserve for the forthcoming event.
These four superb canine athletes, combined, boast of a staggering 58 victories and have collectively amassed a prize money exceeding $1.6 million.
First Picked, the aptly designated first invitee, is a seasoned Victorian stayer who first grabbed the spotlight with a triumphant Group 3 performance at The Meadows back in September 2022.
The prodigy of Benali and Erelda Bale soon followed up with a string of victories across Victoria and New South Wales, capping off her rise to the top with a win in the Group 1 Sky Galaxy (715m) at Cannington in March.
2023 Group 1 Sky Galaxy (Cannington, 715m) – First Picked (41.83) T: Chris Halse
Notably, First Picked's Superstayers invitation was sealed following back-to-back Free For All triumphs at Albion Park.
Korda, a veteran runner in the field, flaunts an impressive track record, most notably her crowning achievement in the 2023 Group 1 Sandown Cup in May 2023.
2023 Group 1 Sandown Cup (715m) – Korda (41.83) T: Jeff Britton
This Jeff Britton-trained chaser has accumulated over $325,000 in prize money, a testament to her impressive career as a five-time Group 1 finalist across New South Wales and Victoria.
Palawa King, under the guidance of Ray Smith, is the third invitee to the Superstayers.
This versatile sprinter and stayer has proven his mettle against the country's top chasers.
A lethal finisher, Palawa King has made it to five Group finals in 2023 alone, most recently winning the 2023 Group 3 State Of Origin Distance at Albion Park.
2023 Group 3 State Of Origin Distance (Albion Park, 720m) – Palawa King (41.73) T: Ray Smith
Rounding out the invitees is the New South Wales sensation, Zipping Orlando, trained by John Finn.
Zipping Orlando has made a successful transition from sprint to staying racing, highlighted by his Group 1 Association Cup victory over 720m at Wentworth Park.
Zipping Orlando recently won the 2023 Group 3 Carnival Chase at Albion Park over 600m, after gaining a start in the final as a reserve.
2023 Group 3 Carnival Chase (Albion Park, 600m) – Zipping Orlando (34.91) T: John Finn
Luke Gatehouse, the CEO of the Brisbane Greyhound Racing Club, praised the quality and intrigue of this year's Superstayers Invitational, attributing it to the newly boosted $3.3 million Queensland Winter Carnival.