Birthday Cup Group 2 greyhound tips & top bets | Mandurah, Race 5
The Group 2 Birthday Cup Final at Mandurah this Friday night is set to deliver a thrilling showdown over the short-course 400m distance. With $60,000 on offer to the winner, a field of elite WA sprinters will battle it out in what promises to be a fiercely contested race.
Aston Costello heads into the final at lovely odds of $4 odds with PlayUp. The three-year-old looks to be the one to beat after posting the equal fastest heat time of 22.18. Trained by Kody Charles, Aston Costello demonstrated remarkable mid-race acceleration in his heat, powering over the top of Curious Georgia in the home straight to secure his second consecutive win. With three wins from four starts out of Box 3, he has the perfect draw to execute another powerful finish, making him a top contender to secure the Birthday Cup crown on January 10.
Sunset Nightjar, a reliable performer for David Hobby, enters the final from Box 1 after a solid heat win in 22.50 and as the bookmaker favourite. With seven wins from 17 attempts at the track and distance, Sunset Nightjar’s strong affinity for the Mandurah circuit makes him a consistent threat. Despite his slight tendency to run wide, the rails draw gives him every opportunity to contest the lead early, making him a key player.
Breaking out from Box 4, Curious Georgia boasts a lightning-fast 22.16 personal best at this trip and has been in stellar form, winning three of her past six starts. Known for her explosive starts, she rockets to the lead early but will need to maintain her stamina late to hold off the chasers. Her impeccable record from this box (3: 3-0-0) adds to her credentials as a genuine winning chance.
Uncle Tommy, starting from the pink rug, cannot be overlooked after a tidy heat win in 22.30. With five victories from eight runs at the track and distance, the Steve Withers-trained runner is a proven performer in the wide alley. His ability to stay out of early traffic could see him sweep into contention late, making him a value pick for exotics.
Birthday Cup final 2025 Selections & Betting Tips
With the Birthday Cup shaping as a four-dog race. Aston Costello’s mid-race strength and ideal draw in Box 3 position him as the one to beat, while Sunset Nightjar’s consistency and rail draw make him a strong contender. Curious Georgia’s explosive early speed gives her a solid placing chance, while Uncle Tommy’s wide draw offers value at Unibet for a bold late charge.
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3
ASTON COSTELLO
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1
SUNSET NIGHTJAR
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4
CURIOUS GEORGIA
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8
UNCLE TOMMY
2025 Birthday Cup Best Bet – Mandurah Race 5 – 10/1/25
Birthday Cup Best Bet
Race 5 – 
Aston Costello (3)
Form: 43211 | Career: 62 19-15-9 | Trainer: Kody Charles