Ryan’s A Rocket And Shooster Battle For Easter Cup
Ron Ball's Ryan's A Rocket may have run the quickest heat in last week's Easter Cup Heats but will have a challenge ahead to keep out consistent dog Shooster in tonight's final at Albion Park.
Ryan's A Rocket ran one of the quickest times on the rain-soaked Brisbane track, posting a time of 30.28, while Shooster won his heat in 30.35.
The box draw has also worked in favour for Ryan's A Rocket, drawing box one in the $7,600 final.
Shooster, who will jump from box three, has consistently run quick times at the Creek and boasts a best time from October last year of 30.11.
Other chances in the race also include Reg Hazelgrove's Strong Breeze, who comes off the back of a second placing behind Paddy Bell in his heat, and also won well on Monday night.
Aunty Joan from box two will also be one to keep an eye on after finishing second behind Shooster in his heat.
Paddy Bell in box four is also expected to be in the finish boasting a solid racing resume of two wins and two placings from five starts.
Another feature race on Thursday night at the Creek is Race Seven, the Best Eight Clem Jones Trophy over 600m.
The race will feature Brisbane's top middle-distance runners go head to head, including the 2008 Brisbane Greyhound of the Year Black Ruler (box three), Code (box five), Black Monty (box seven), and top 710m bitch, Bikini Beach.
Bookies should have Code as favourite in the betting after his first three starts in Brisbane have included two wins and one second.
But those who saw Black Ruler's second start back at the track last week would consider him a strong chance for trainer Reg Hazelgrove, showing glimpses of his dominant running style, which saw him collect seven straight wins.
Black Monty has also made a triumphant return to form after battling illness late last year, a year where he one convincingly over all distances at Albion Park.
Bikini Beach should also not be left out of this race, after a disappointing run in the wet last week, but prior to that showing her versatility over middle distance and over 710m.
The rest of the race card on Thursday night will feature several in-form greyhounds including Peter Roy's start Royston Renegade in the fourth grade Sky Channel 600m (Race Three).
Royston Renegade has shown impressive form after stepping up to 600m, including a best time of 35.15 two weeks ago.
His run last week should be forgiven in light of the wet wheather circumstances, and he is expected to come out firing from a favourable box eight.
Gypsy Indigo will make the return to 600m racing after several starts over 520m, which should have him out of the boxes quickly tonight.
Kathy's Recall will also be hoping to comeback to winning form after running into top performers Black Monty and Code in her previous starts.
The Margaret Quarrell-trained bitch should benefit from the tough competition and should be a top contender in this race.
A thrilling third grade is also on the card on Thursday night, the Give Me Five at Stud 520m (Race Five).
Lee Wylie's Group race contender Intelligence will make a return to Albion Park after an unlucky run at Wentworth Park two weeks ago.
Jumping from box five, Intelligence will need to start as quick as he did to win on February 5, which saw him burst out a first sectional of 5.69. With Whirly Storm on his inside in box two and Gnaraloo on his outside in box seven, a good jump will be crucial.
Gnaraloo will benefit from a freshen up run at Ipswich last Wednesday, while Whirly Storm's favourable box draw should have him hit the first turn in front.
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Andy Albion's Best Bets :
- Race 1 Number 3 Run Kodie Run
- Race 3 Number 8 Royston Renegade
- Race 6 Number 3 Rattle And Hum
- Race 10 Number 1 Bake A Cake
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