A Look To The Future In Vic Breeders Final Saturday Night
With all the hype surrounding the Group 1 Australian Cup and Superstayers finals, it should be pointed out that The Meadows will host the $25,000 to the winner GRV Vic Breeders Maiden Final Saturday night as well. Many greats of our sport have used this series to launch their careers, and any astute greyhound follower should keep an eye on this event.
The heats and semis of the three week series has been staged on the Wednesday meetings of February 13 and 20, and already we've seen the starts of what should be very promising careers. For those that have missed the daytime action leading up to this final, below are the details of the eight contenders left standing;
1) Vapour Tweet – (Vapour Whirl x Tweetert) – Wayne Wrout.
Was a much improved showing in the semi from this draw, after only scraping past the first round. Has only begun fairly in his two starts to date, but showed good track sense to avoid trouble to make the final. Will need to begin even better and get some luck to match it with some of these other youngsters.
2) Marcus Joe – (Velocette x Mojo Glory) – Barry Moloney
Crossed well in his heat from box eight to win smartly in 30.08 before taking three checks in his narrow defeat behind Jersey Jack. He should have won the semi, and the time in that race is irrelevant. One of the rare chasers that has some form before this series, however his best two runs are his last two. Looks a chance with a nice box and that bit of experience under his belt.
3) Phenomenal – (Collision x Tocsin) – Jason Thompson.
Instantly became the hot favourite for this final after a 29.77 heat run from the red. Went to the outside box for the semi and didn't step as well, hence found himself in traffic. Was still far too good on that occasion, despite the unclear passage and has too much ability for these given a clear run. Big name trainer too, which indicates a career of high profile racing. Also the youngest dog in the race at July 2011 – big future here.
4) Jersey Jack – (Surf Lorian x Sniveller) – Jan Zammit
Has showed good field sense in both runs to date, running second behind the speedy Dirty Rich before winning the semi in a rough house affair. Has drawn well on both occasions, and faces a tough task with the pace directly inside. Will be running on, but should start double-figure odds.
5) Leprechaun Macey – (Bombastic Shiraz x Betty's Angel) – Thomas O'Donovan.
Without a doubt has the best pedigree of any runner in this field. Likes to use the track and was helped by the wide draw in the early stages of the semi. Made up a tonne of ground to roll Dirty Rich in that race, and with natural improvement might be one to sneak a place at odds.
6) Dirty Rich – (Cosmic Chief x Flippin' Cool) – Sam Bonaccurso.
The genuine speedster, and looks likely to cross and head them up again. Run home times suggest it will be mowed down in this event, and looks a 30.50 type dog for the moment. Is bound to get a clear run, but if it does happen to get caught wide it will likely miss a place. Would be fitting to see Cosmic Chief, the sponsor of the race, sire the winner though.
7) Punch It – (Where's Pedro x Indigo Flame) – Jason Sharp.
Makes this final courtesy of the red box, where it held the lead in the semi-final, to ultimately be run down by Kaytown Lad. Had four unimpressive starts before the series, but was interfered with on most of those occasions. Would need a gift from above to cross the likes of the 2,3 and 5 and judging by times, early speed and box draw, it seems fairly safe to risk her here.
8) Kaytown Lad – (Premier Fantasy x Sionara Lady).
Very impressive semi-final win, where it was literally caught three-wide the entire event, and was still too strong for them in 30.56. That's pretty good when comparing to the other heats, and it's a shame he's drawn ugly again. Did win from this box in a gritty performance in the heat though, and definitely one to include in multiples. Worth following for when he draws an inside box, and should have a profitable career at city stakes.
RESERVES
9) Kid Maximus – (Where's Pedro x Aussie Belle) Peter Akathiotis.
Was a close third in the Kaytown Lad/Punch it race after being comfortably held the week prior. Got a lovely trail last week from box six, and does show some nice mid-race pace but most will prefer to see it in something a little easier.
10) Sweet Shadow – (College Causeway x Sweet About Me). A lot to like about his girl. Rails well, looks to run out 500m and was awfully unlucky to miss the final, when third behind Phenomenal and Vapour Tweet. Did win in 30.21 in the opening round, so has ability and looks to be a genuine city-class sprinter for the future. Most certainly a live chance with a good draw. Don't discount.
The GRV Vic Breeders Maiden final is scheduled to run at 7.57pm local time, being race three on the card.