When the lids fly for the Group Two AWM Victorian Distance Final at The Meadows on Saturday night, eight greyhounds will not only vie for the $40,000 first prize and the tag of Victoria's champion stayer.
Comments: ARG opinion is – The champion sprinter/stayer who looks to surpass Miata as Australia's greatest stakes earner of all time in this race. She was dominant in her heat win and is drawn to take this race out. She will take a power of beating here.
Comments: ARG opinion is – A youngster who pushed Mepunga Tiara all the way in her heat placing. She is an up-and-comer who could well be a top-line stayer of the future but looks graded up to her ears here. Her place claims look best.
Comments: ARG opinion is – She is a seasoned top-class campaigner who ran home well in her heat placing behind Xylia Allen and looms as a rough chance in the final. She will need to be even better to salute here and is likely to need a little bit of luck at the first turn.
Comments: Tammy Collins (Kennel Representative) – “She will definitely be better for the run after last week. She has pulled up well. It is a bad box again for her. Xylia Allen will be the one to beat.”
Comments: ARG opinion is – He is very strong conveyance that is likely to need to find a little bit of room early to allow him to unleash his withering run home. He overcame a slight inconvenience early to still score last week in his heat but will need to be quicker to win this one.
Comments: Jeff Britton (Trainer) – “She is going to have her work cut out. You used to think Xylia Allen could be beaten if she had to come from behind but now Xylia Allen is coming from behind and winning. The dog outside mine loves the fence and crashes to the fence. She will have to get out well to beat him out. We would be really happy if she could run a place.”
Comments: ARG opinion is – He is a reliable beginner who has a good record from outside draws. The key to his race will be where he finds himself after the first turn. He looks to be a genuine outsider here.
Comments: ARG opinion is – He can fly the lids at his best and carve out some very rapid times. If he is in front early he may take a power of catching. He is still learning what the game is all about and faces a tough test here but could be the knockout at big odds.
Comments: She led easily before struggling over the concluding stages in her heat placing. She will need luck to feature if she jags a start in this final.
Comments: She looks to be a little out of her depth in this final if she gains a start. I would prefer to see her in something easier at this stage of her career.
Best The Meadows Times
Best
Last
Sect. Best
Sect. Last
NBT
43.16
5.11
5.11
Champion bitch Xylia Allen (1) looks to have the race at her mercy if she can produce her best. If she is parked anywhere near the speed or afforded a good run in transit she should be winning.
Mepunga Tiara (6) looks to be back to her devastating best and will be a force to be reckoned with if she pinches a break in front.
Dyna Willow (4) found trouble in her heat and is second up since April. If she is in the top couple early she could blow this field away at her best.
Zipping Rory (8) has ran time at The Meadows before and could be a rough chance if he can find the front.
Lethal Three (3) is always thereabouts in races like this. She may not be the genuine Group Two winning type but will keep them honest and is one for the exotics.