Two race series steeped in greyhound history to be run at Wentworth Park Saturday night
With the stage set for a thrilling spectacle, the Group 1 races make a grand return to New South Wales (NSW) Wentworth Park this Saturday night.
The spotlight will be on the revered Vic Peters Classic (520m) and the Peter Mosman Opal (520m), both steeped in tradition and history, promising a thrilling night of greyhound racing.
The Vic Peters Classic, once the most coveted trophy for restricted-age greyhounds, is set to entertain the crowds with some of the sport's most vibrant new talents.
This event, known initially as the Harold Park Classic, began in 1951 and quickly rose to prominence, becoming the richest race in the country by 1954.
The race has produced several wide-margin winners, with Bobniak (1997) leading the pack with an impressive eight and three-quarter length victory.
Notably, Stan Cleverley, one of Australia's greatest trainers, has three victories to his name in this event.
In the heats for the prestigious event, the spotlight falls on the National Derby runner-up, Starline Express, taking his position in heat two under the supervision of veteran northern rivers trainer Reg Gardoll.
Starline Express, fresh from a victory at Grafton, is anticipated to lock horns with the exciting Victorian contender; Al's Entity, who prepped for the series with a blistering 29.50 trial at Wentworth Park last weekend.
Other top prospects for the $75,000-to-the-winner series include pre-post favourite Zipping Remus, the promising Royal Nangar, and the high-priced purchase, Group 3 Magic Maiden winner One Hot Bandit.
Turning to the Peter Mosman Opal, a race named in honour of the late chairman of the Greyhound Breeders Owners and Trainers Association (NSW GBOTA), Peter Mosman.
Established as the Bi-Annual Classic in 1952, this race has seen victories from some of Australia's finest sprinters, including Brother Fox (1985), How's The Fort (1992), Xylia Allen (2013), Fernando Bale (2015), and Mister Twister (2017).
In 2019, the race transitioned into an age event for bitches and was renamed the Peter Mosman Opal.
In the Peter Mosman Opal heats, early betting indicates a three-way contest between Miss McGraw, Nangar Lucy, and Zipping Rousey, each at +400 greyhound odds to claim the July decider.
Nangar Lucy, in particular, stands out, having won four out of her five career starts.
She is set to debut at Wentworth Park, having already made a name for herself at Dubbo with stellar performances.
As we look forward to an electrifying night of racing, let's remember the rich histories of the Vic Peters Classic and the Peter Mosman Opal, which have seen victories from some of the greatest sprinters in Australian greyhound racing.
With new talents emerging and seasoned runners returning, the anticipation for the races continues to grow.
Saturday night at Wentworth Park will undoubtedly be a night to remember in the annals of Australian greyhound racing.
For further help finding winners on the program, be sure to check out Jaycin Campbell's expert greyhound racing tips for the Vic Peters Classic and the Peter Mosman Opal heats meeting at Wentworth Park.