Queensland Platinum Paws Contender To Be Decided
Albion Park is sure to set the tone for cross Tasman rivalries in Brisbane this week with the Queensland Platinum Paws Qualifier on Thursday night.
Seven of Queensland's finest will fight it out over 520m in race three to earn their spot on the card for the first semi-final of New Zealand's richest race, the Platinum Paws.
The semi-final will take place in Christchurch on October 10 with the winner of that getting a shot at the October 17 final, which features a prize purse of $250,000.
Sure to start at short odds in this Thursday's qualifier will be the David Irwin-trained Coulta Bomber, which is in career-best form after an impressive last start win at Wentworth Park after wins at The Gardens and Albion Park.
The main danger appears to be Overflow Breaker, who will exit the favourable red box.
The Paul Felgate-trained performer won convincingly in its last start at Albion Park on August 28, running in 30.14 from box eight.
Witheren's Girl cannot be dismissed, making a return to an inside box at number 2 and coming off the back of a third place on Monday night behind kennel-mate, Gozo Tess.
The quality racing card of the night will continue on to race seven, with the Winning Edge third and fourth grade, 520m at 8.44pm.
In what is probably the most open race of the night, it will also be the battle ground of an Albion Park-grown rivalry. Gozo Tess is coming off a Monday night best eight win, beating solid performers Stone Cold Sober and Berella Diva, who will be looking for revenge.
Not to be dismissed on recent form, Iron Steed will have the opportunity to make a return to the winning circle in this race, dropping back from high class rivals in the Queensland Rapidvite Nationals on August 7 and 14.
Early Thursday night racing at The Creek will also sport a tightly contested 710m event.
The Pretty Fearless Stand Race 1, which is for greyhounds of any grade that have not won a class one event beyond 700, will see Aunty Vick have her chance to breakthrough for a distance win.
Trained by John Dart, and jumping from box two, Aunty Vick, who is coming off a Monday night fourth in a mixed final over 600m and her form prior was excellent with a third over 710m and two wins and a second over 600m at Albion Park. It is definitely the one to beat.
The only dangers in this race may come late from Cartello, jumping from box four and Irish Fantasy in the pink.
Best bet of the night goes to Queen Lauren's litter-sister, Sassy Sprite, in the Cartwright Property Group 710m (Race 2).
Its record of two starts for two wins over the distance has been thoroughly impressive and its last win on August 28 was a stellar performance by six-lengths.
Andy Albion's best for Thursday :
- Race 1 Number 2 Aunty Vick
- Race 2 Number 4 Sassy Sprite
- Race 3 Numbers 1 and 7 Overflow Breaker, Coulta Bomber
- Race 5 Number 6 Cayman Bale
- Race 10 Numbers 1 and 2 Strong Breeze, Bogie Power