2016 Group 2 Ipswich Auction series – best semi-final tips
TWO semi-finals of the Group 2 Auction series (520m) will be run and won at Ipswich on Saturday night, with this year's series another wide open affair.
Four heats of the series were run last weekend at the Ipswich Showgrounds, the fastest winner being Bronster which clocked 30.97 on a rain affected track. The other victors were Magical Yessam (31.08), Vegas Bound (31.09) and Hypnotized (31.27).
Open for greyhounds purchased from the 2014 Ipswich Puppy Auction, the first four from each semi-final this week will progress through to the $40,000-to-the-winner final which is set to be run on Saturday May 9, 2016.
There are not currently any fixed odds prices available, however by opening an account with our recommended online bookmakers you will be able to shop around for the best price prior to the jump on Saturday night.
Many of our bookies also offer mid tote for greyhound racing punters which is often packed with value, so if you are not happy with any of the fixed odds on offer it can pay to hold off and back your chosen runner with the parimutuel market.
With numerous chances in each event, Australian Racing Greyhound has analysed each semi-final to help you find the winners and make it a winning weekend.
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Group 2 Ipswich Auction series – semi-final one – 7:51pm AEDT
They don't get any more impressive than Vegas Bound's heat win last weekend. The white and black dog stumbled out of the boxes and was a clear last at the winning post on the first occasion before weaving his way through the field and unleashing a powerful finishing burst to assume the lead in the home straight. Don't be fooled by the fair time of 31.09, with last week's track an absolute bog, and the style of the win simply outstanding. He has clocked a fast 30.39 over the track and trip in the past – he would only need to get somewhat close to that time to see him winning this race off box eight.
Royal Prize was far from disgraced when finishing second in his heat. The son of El Grand Señor and Perfect Thrill began brilliantly and had a big gap on his rivals down the back, but struggled on the heavy track in the run to the line, beaten two lengths by Bronster in 30.97. Should get every chance to lead again off box one and will prove hard to catch.
Legacy Chief only has one win from 24 starts but it wasn't a bad run when finishing second to Vegas Bound last week. Can position up well from box three and sneak into the placings.
Suite Alexis and Hypnotised have both broken 31 here in the past, but both are drawn awkwardly in boxes five and six and will need a lot of luck.
Suggested bet: WIN bet on Vegas Bound
Group 2 Ipswich Auction series – semi-final two – 8:09pm AEDT
Magical Yessam showed good early dash when leading all the way off box five in his heat, with the son of Magic Sprite and Kiewa Show will be aiming to go back to back from box seven this week. The black chaser is one of the better performed dogs in the series, having won 12 races from 30 starts, but the main concern is the wide draw which he is yet to salute from in three attempts. If he can overcome the draw he will only need to get near his 30.42PB to be winning.
Under Advice is very inexperienced compared to some of his more seasoned rivals, but he has shown promise in his three starts to date. While he is yet to win, the son of Superman and Hayley Boo has run some nice placings including finishing one length second to Hypnotized in his heat. Should be able to hold his spot from the fence and run a cheeky race.
If Bronster begins like he did three starts back then he will probably lead this race and steal the prize, however he is too risky to tip with confidence and poorly drawn in the six.
Houdini Hi is out of form but has gone 30.66 here before and a repeat of that would see her in contention here.
Suggested bet: WIN bet on Magical Yessam