2015 Group 3 Howard Ashton heats – free tips and betting preview
NAMED after an industry legend and AGRA Hall of Fame inductee, the Group 3 Howard Ashton is one of the most prestigious events on the SA greyhound racing calendar.
Open to SA bred chasers whelped between January 1, 2013, and June 30, 2015, this years series has attracted some talented types which will contest five heats at Angle Park on Wednesday over the 515-metre trip.
To help you snag some winners, Australian Racing Greyhound‘s expert tipster, Brad Bugeja, has studied the form to bring you his top four selections and a race preview of each qualifier.
If you fancy a wager on any of Brad’s top picks, open an account with William Hill for up to $700 in bonus bets.
1st: $1,050 2nd: $315 3rd: $155.
No.NameFormBestTrainer
Long Gully Magic has been a little disappointing of late but he is returning to his favourite track and I’m willing to give him another chance. He likes to scout wide in his races and with a slow beginner drawn directly outside he should be afforded all the breaks in the run to the first turn. He will be fairly short odds but he looks the goods and it might be worthwhile anchoring him upfront in your exotic bets.
Lucy Fergo is the clear and obvious danger, she is racing extremely well and she will be charging home at the end. The empty draw underneath is a big advantage and she should be afforded a clear passage early and she looks a great quinella prospect.
Eddy’s Pocket was solidly placed here last time and he is a great place prospect again.
Mojito Mayhem rounds out the chances, he has plenty of ability and he will just need some luck at the first bend as he is having his first look at the track.
Top Four: 7 – 6 – 4 – 8
1st: $1,050 2nd: $315 3rd: $155.
No.NameFormBestTrainer
Very tough race as there is a heap of speed drawn in four, six and eight. Last time out Lady Xanthe speared the lids and was never in doubt when scoring in 29.98, if she can display a similar amount of speed today that should be enough for her to hold the early lead and they shouldn’t be able to run her down.
Long Gully Stevie is the main danger, she is perfectly drawn in the pink and she has won six of her 17 tries over this track and trip. She races best when she can lead but if she can settle in the top three at worst she should be there at the end.
Rellim Allan has won two of his past three here and he appears to be improving with every start, the empty draw underneath will help but he will need to find the top early to win.
Trippin Trish is the only other chance, she can’t win the event but if she finds the rail early enough she could sneak into the placings.
Top Four: 4 – 8 – 6 – 7
1st: $1,050 2nd: $315 3rd: $155.
No.NameFormBestTrainer
Warrior Of Oz is a faultless beginner and he should be able to carve across and find the early lead. He was a tad disappointing here last week but I think if he can find the top again he should be able to get the cash. Outside of Aussie Noorumba this is a pretty weak lineup so he should be a good bet.
Aussie Noorumba has panels on this lineup but he can do a lot of things wrong in his races. If he is going to get a clear run he will win, however I am a little concerned about the speed drawn around him.
Brett’s Magic is a promising youngster and he will be hitting the line solidly, he is likely to settle a long way back early but he should be able to run home into the placings.
Yarramundi Hanna rounds out the chances, she has been placed in five of 10 starts here and she could be a good anchor for third and fourth in your exotics.
Top Four: 7 – 5 – 4 – 2
1st: $1,050 2nd: $315 3rd: $155.
No.NameFormBestTrainer
Check Yo Self loves racing over this track and trip and in recent weeks she appears to have gone to the next level. I’m expecting the red to lead and that should allow her to get a dream run through at the first turn. She is quite strong in the run home so she should prove too good.
Galactic Viper is the clear danger, he comes here with very strong Victorian form and he is a very fast chaser when given clear running. From the six draw he is going to need a lot of things to go his way but if he balances up in the top three he should be there at the end.
Magic Supreme is better than his form reads and he will be hitting the line solidly, he is a must for the exotics.
Long Gully Leila is expected to lead for a long way, she isn’t very strong in the run home but she could hang on for some minor money.
Top Four: 2 – 6 – 4 – 1
1st: $1,050 2nd: $315 3rd: $155.
No.NameFormBestTrainer
Mrs Bubbles has won five of her past eight starts and she should win with ease today. From the red I am expecting her to hold the early lead and as she will hug the rail she should be able to boot away mid race. This is a fairly weak lineup so she will be very short odds so it may be best to just anchor her upfront in your exotics.
Gelignite Jack is still a maiden chaser but he is getting very close to a win. He is going to settle back in the field again but he should get the breaks mid race and he should be able to run home into the quinella spot.
Future Past was a brilliant 25.48 Warrnambool winner three runs back and if he can reproduce that type of form he will play a major role. The only concern with him is that he likes to scout wide in his races and he is having his first look at the track, so he is going to need a lot of luck at the first bend.
Top Four: 1 – 2 – 3 – 6