Listed 2014 Northern Districts Cup Heats Preview
Victorian feature racing moves to the banks of the Goulburn River this Monday evening when five heats of the Group Listed Northern Districts Cup take place at Shepparton.
The race is restricted to Victorian bred greyhounds who have not had a city win or won in excess of $25,000 and who have had at least two starts at the Shepparton track.
The heats take place on Monday 2nd June with the $25,000 to-the-winner final just five days later on Saturday 7th June.
Some very smart greyhounds have assembled for the heats including the newest sensation in the country Dewana Result, who broke the Warragul track record at just his third start last time out.
Here is a look at the main chances in each of the five heats;
Race 5 – Northern Districts Cup Heat 1 – 8:30pm
The up-and-comer Dewana Result headlines the first heat from box six. From just three starts he has registered two wins and fell in his other outing. The son of Cosmic Rumble and Wildcard Lass (Primo Uno – Pauline) stopped the clock at 25.38 in his win here and looks as though he may be able to improve on that with a clear run in this one. He does have to overcome a tricky box which may be the biggest hurdle for him.
Sienna's Dream (7) has a plethora of early zip and could well be the early lamp-lighter in this race. The Kelly Bravo trained speedster is a winner of eight from 28 and has never missed a place in three outings over the 450 metres at Shepparton. She has a personal best of 25.38 and could lead from start to finish.
Magnum Oasis (3) is a winner of four from 10 including a very slick 25.30 over this trip in April. He is in the astute hands of Peter Dapiran and could be a knockout chance.
Everlasting Gaze (5) has saluted in four of her 11 career outings and has stopped the clock at 25.39 in the past over this trip. She has won two from four here and could be one for multiples at big odds.
Race 6 – Northern Districts Cup Heat 2 – 8:51pm
The second heat looks to have a few chances. Hekate Belle (7) speared the lids and flew around this circuit last week, stopping the clock at 25.27. She may have only won three from 13 but looks to love the track and a repeat of that run would see her near unbeatable in this race.
Grand Legacy (3) does not win out of turn but has won his only start over this journey in a rapid 25.32. It would be no surprise to see him improve on his last two outings in this one.
Coup D'état (8) has won five of his 13 starts at Shepparton and looks well drawn out wide. His recent form is a little below his best, but this race is one that he may be competitive in if he did find his best.
Race 7 – Northern Districts Cup Heat 3 – 9:09pm
Xtreme Knocka (7) looks a big hope for Pearcedale mentor Jason Thompson in heat three. The youngster, who is just 19-months-old, has won three from eight and registered a zippy 25.23 here three starts back. The son of Knocka Norris and Misty Fields (Droopys Kewell – Barbie's Shiraz) looks to have a future ahead of him and this could be the start of it.
Overdrive (4) is another youngster who looks well placed in this heat. He has won three of his six career starts and has gone 25.28 here in the past. If there is any concern, it may be the fact that his last two outings have looked a little below his early form. He will get his chance to atone here.
Michu (8) has a good overall career record with 11 wins from 25 starts and has the tendency to leave the boxes in a hurry. Her record at Shepparton may leave a little to be desired, but she has won here in 25.64. Her early pace may put her in the picture.
Race 8 – Northern Districts Cup Heat 4 – 9:30pm
The Troy Iwanyk trained Bridgeson (3) looks to have this race at her mercy if she can produce her best. The daughter of Knocka Norris and Pepe's Colour (Bombastic Shiraz – Jems Fancy) has won two of her five starts at Shepparton including a very fast 25.17 effort in late March. She is the one they have to beat here.
Serengeti Oasis (1) is an improver who should be suited by the inside box and may vie for the early lead. She has won one from two over this journey with a best of 25.52. She should be at each-way odds and presents some sort of value.
Be Up (4) has been placed in his last three starts here over both 450 and 390 metres. He has plenty of experience over this trip with four wins from 15 attempts and a best of 25.62. Should be in the firing line early and has to be considered one of the chances.
Race 9 – Northern Districts Cup Heat 5 – 9:50pm
Fearsome Warrior (7) looks the main hope in a tricky last heat. He is coming off a best on night 25.60 win at Ballarat and as registered a swift 25.31 here in the past. The main worry would be his form leading up to last start but he does have some ability.
Youngster Kraken Concord (2) is not yet two-years-old but has already won three races including a 25.54 effort at this track. If he can get out of the boxes in the top couple he may be a big chance but he has been tardy at his last two outings, something that he can ill afford here.
Quick Hitch (1) should enjoy the rails alley and has won two from seven here, highlighted by a best of 25.48
Dark Saga (4) is yet to do anything special time-wise at this track, but he has won two from three with a placing to boot. He looks to have a penchant for the track and may go close here.