Silver Collar 2023 runner-by-runner preview & best bets
The Group 1 Silver Collar (779m) is the headline act at Manukau this Sunday, featuring some of the very best stayers in New Zealand greyhound racing. We've had a good look at every runner in the $80,000 feature and picked out our best bets.
Box 1: Goldstar Carlito (Riley Evans)
Well known to those who follow the Addington greyhounds on a Thursday and has now shown Northern fans just what he is capable of when putting up a big effort to win his heat by coming off the pace and wearing down the tearaway leader to win going away. He has landed the coveted ace box draw and all the early money is saying the Group 1 is his for the taking.
Best Bet
Goldstar Carlito (1)
Form: 1121 | Career: 66: 24-10-5 | Trainer: Riley Evans
Box 2: Opawa Gina (Jean & Dave Fahey)
Set the pace in her heat and it took last years winner Know Keeper the full length of the home straight to wear her down in what was a very brave performance. She will be better for that run in what was only her second start around this circuit. The key today is her having a better draw and with her usual good box manners she could take them all the way today.
Opawa Gina (2)Box 3: Nighthawk Style (Matt Roberts)
Did not get the best of runs in her heat but once in the clear she made up many lengths to secure her spot in the final. She has a superior draw today and is an experienced stayer who could have a say in the finish.
Box 4: Big Time Epic (Lisa Cole)
Looked all over the winner in her heat until Goldstar Carlito ran by her in the shadow of the post. That was her first run over a distance over 700 metres and it probably told in the end. She will need to fly the traps early and if that last start effort hasn't drained her, then she can play her part again.
Box 5: Raja Bale (Craig Roberts)
Finished third in his heat after racing wide for most of the way and was still closing of nicely at the finish. He has been a consistent dog over ground for some time but might just lack the class these days and he will be doing well to run into the money here.
Box 6: Know Keeper (Garry Cleeve)
The defending champ has hit form at the right time again, winning his last two starts. He was an impressive win over Goldstar Carlito two starts back at Addington and then proved again why he is one of New Zealand's best ever stayers, winning his Silver Collar heat by a length. He will be looking to stay out of trouble early and then work into it down the back for the last time from where he can produce that fast finish that we all know he possesses.
Box 7: Sweet Buddy (Sam Lozell)
Is a promising distance greyhound who did so well to qualify but may just struggle at this extreme trip at the moment. This experience will stand by him for next year.
Box 8: Know Valour (Garry Cleeve)
Is the kennel mate of the champ Know Keeper and made up plenty of late ground when finishing fourth in his qualifier. That was his first run on this track and he will be better for it. He has placed form over 732 metres and even with his slow starts he could run into a first-four spot if there is any trouble into the first bend.