Golden Ticket final 2025: Albion Park betting preview & tips
The Golden Ticket Final at Albion Park promises a thrilling night of greyhound racing this Thursday, January 16, with $86,250 in prize money and a direct entry into the $250,000 Group 1 Gold Bullion Final at stake.
The unique format of four two-dog match races ensures that only the fastest time on the night will claim the coveted Golden Ticket. Let’s break down the key match-ups and betting insights.
Golden Ticket Match Race 1: Danger Zone (1) vs Blue Kermaro (3)
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1 Danger Zone
T: Travis ElsonF: 11232Career: 56: 16-13-7Prizemoney: $107,405
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2 Blue Kermaro
T: Joshua FormosaF: 32112Career: 32: 11-6-6Prizemoney: $1,181,490
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Blue Kermaro ($5) enters as the clear favourite, boasting elite credentials, including a victory in the Million Dollar Chase. Though his heat time of 30.29 was uncharacteristically slow, the wet conditions offer an excuse. Danger Zone ($35), while a strong beginner, struggles to sustain his pace over 520m in top company. Expect Blue Kermaro to prove too strong in the closing stages.
Golden Ticket Match Race 2: La Sagrada (1) vs Wreck James (3)
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3 La Sagrada
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4 Wreck James
T: Darren RussellF: 22184Career: 11: 6-2-1Prizemoney: $45,850
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Queensland Futurity vs Queensland Derby match, La Sagrada ($6) has shown her class with a 29.65 personal best at Albion Park and a victory in the Bogie Leigh Futurity Final. Meanwhile, Queensland Derby contender Wreck James ($21) has displayed promise with a PB of 29.70 but remains an outsider in this match-up. La Sagrada’s early speed and proven track record make her the likely victor.
Golden Ticket Match Race 3: Warm Cockles (1) vs Lakeview Emily (3)
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5 Warm Cockles
T: David BurnettF: 72411Career: 33: 9-7-3Prizemoney: $64,895
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6 Lakeview Emily
T: Harley WhelanF: 16112Career: 43: 18-10-3Prizemoney: $338,760
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This head-to-head features two heavyweights. Lakeview Emily ($5), a Brisbane Cup runner-up with a PB of 29.62, thrives at this track and distance. Warm Cockles ($16) is capable of late bursts but lacks the early speed to pressure his rival. Expect Lakeview Emily to dominate with her explosive start and strong middle section.
Golden Ticket Match Race 4: Smooth Plane (1) vs Good Odds Cobber (3)
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7 Smooth Plane
T: Thomas DaillyF: 41121Career: 62: 22-15-3Prizemoney: $277,010
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8 Good Odds Cobber
T: Frank HurstF: 81511Career: 52: 30-7-4Prizemoney: $416,955
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Smooth Plane ($3), the overall favourite, is coming off an effortless heat win in 29.99. His consistency at the top level, including a second-place finish in The Phoenix, cements his status as a front-runner. Good Odds Cobber ($7), a three-time Albion Park winner, is known for his tenacity and strength. This match is closer than the odds suggest, but Smooth Plane holds the edge with his all-around ability.
2025 Golden Ticket betting predictions & top bets
The Group 2 Golden Ticket Final at Albion Park features four match races, with the fastest overall time determining the winner.
With this race being a genuine dart throw Blue Kermaro (4) looks to be the top pick at $5 with the top online bookmakers, boasting impressive form, including a victory in the Million Dollar Chase and a second-place finish in his heat on a wet track.
Good Odds Cobber (8) is another strong contender at $7, with a remarkable 57.69% win rate and excellent box stats, including seven wins from 10 starts.
La Sagrada (3), priced at $6, is a reliable placer with a 50% win rate and a 29.65 PB at Albion Park, while Lakeview Emily (6) offers excellent value at $5, with consistent performances at this track and a PB of 29.62.
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4
Blue Kermaro
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8
GOOD ODDS COBBER
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3
LA SAGRADA
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6
LAKEVIEW EMILY
2025 Golden Ticket Best Bet – Albion Park Race 9 – 16/1/25
Golden Ticket Best Bet
Race 9 – 
Blue Kermaro (4)
Form: 32112 | Career: 40 23-5-2 | Trainer: Joshua Formosa