Dapto Megastar heats preview & betting tips | August 31, 2023
The chase for the $75,000-to-the-winner Group 1 Dapto Megastar begins this Thursday night. The four heats will headline the 12-race Dapto program that kicks off at 6:57pm local time. The Megastar has attracted some of the country's best canine athletes over the last few years and was taken out by Good Odds Emma for Jodie Lord in 2022. Read on to see our top tips for each of the four heats.
Dapto Megastar Heat 1: One Hot Bandit (1)
One Hot Bandit is nine from 14, and while he has never had a start at Dapto, you can be sure the Lord kennel has trialled him around here a few times. He has never drawn the red rug, which is a minor concern, but he has the ability to use it well and win this race. Mortified hasn't has a start since April, but if she is at her best, she can certainly worry the red. Has a 29.5 personal best which is quick. Zipping Novak has a ton of ability but will be giving up a start, which may be problematic.
Best Bet
Race 5 – 
One Hot Bandit (1)
Form: 1611 | Career: 14: 9-0-2 | Trainer: Anthony Lord
Dapto Megastar Heat 2: Umberto (8)
Umberto loves racing off the track, and box eight will suit him beautifully on his Dapto debut. He has 11 wins and nine minors from 23 starts and is five from seven from the pink. He does go quickly early, which is also a big plus, and there isn't an abundance of early pace in this field, which is unusual in a Group 1 heat. Leg Speed almost broke the record here in July and is three from three on the track, although he is a moderate beginner who will need luck. Modern Swinger, the NSW state sprint champion, has to be given a chance the way he is racing of late, and if Bailey Bear brings his Gosford form to Dapto, he may be a rough hope.
Best Bet
Race 6 – 
Umberto (8)
Form: 1161 | Career: 23: 11-4-5 | Trainer: Jason Thompson
Dapto Megastar Heat 3: Afire (8)
Afire has been flying down in Victoria and draws possibly the weakest of the four heats. He has had nine wins and 10 minors from his 28 starts and has only had box eight twice for two minor placings. His early pace in his last couple of Sandown wins was exhilarating, and being off the track on his Dapto debut should suit him nicely. Remember This won in under 30 seconds at Wentworth Park last time out and will be hard to beat, while Oscar Boaz will appreciate drawing back on his favoured side of the track and might be the value runner.
Dapto Megastar Heat 4: Zippy Tesla (7)
This is the most open of the four heats, with maybe five genuine winning chances. Zippy Tesla ran fourth in the Victorian National Sprint Championship and then went best of the night next start at The Meadows. He is a model of consistency, with 19 wins and 25 placings from his 65 starts, and has two wins from seven goes from box seven. He should get some room early and will be there for a long way. Stealth comes up from Victoria in fine form and can motor early; Embrace is a Group 1 winner who has found her mojo again; Nangar Lucy already has a Group 1 to her name too; and while Quantifiable steps up in class, the box will help.
Best Bet
Race 8 – 
Zippy Tesla (7)
Form: 2411 | Career: 65: 19-18-7 | Trainer: Shayne Stiff