Temlee, Rookie Rebel and Zoom Top


Tuesday 10th February, 2009

The three-week Australian Cup Carnival gets under way at The Meadows this Saturday night. Below is The Watchdog’s detailed analysis of the three feature events to be run this Saturday night – The Temlee, the Rookie Rebel and the Zoom Top.

GROUP 1 – THE TEMLEE (525 metres)
Time: 9.45pm
Prize money: 1 st - $50,000; 2 nd $15,000; 3 rd $7,500

The Watchdog Selections: 4 – 1 – 5 - 6

1. STONER BALE
(Stately Bird – Saffron Bale)
Stats: 48 starts. 21 – 10 – 1
Prizemoney: $95,445
Odds: $5.50
Trainer: K Hunt (Lara)
Group Race Honours:
Group Two Cranbourne Cup - Winner
Group Three Silver Bullet – Finalist
Fast Times:
Meadows – 29.90
Sandown Park – 29.73
Cranbourne – 29.92
Sale – 24.83
Bendigo – 24.16
Geelong – 25.61
Ballarat – 25.31
Warrnambool – 25.44
The Watchdog Says: Recently captured the Group Two Cranbourne Cup final in a sizzling 29.92 and then franked that form with a barnstorming come from behind win at Sandown Park last week in 29.94. Drawn to get a dream run through and should camp just behind the likely leaders in El Galo and Hanify’s Impact. If there is some jostling and bumping up front he should find himself in a winning position as they lengthen for the run to the line. Highly talented chaser who deserves to win a Group One Race.

2. SCULL MURPHY
(Big Daddy Cool - Thimble)
Stats: 67 starts. 37 – 15 – 3
Prizemoney: $116,750
Odds: $21
Trainer: R L Isaacson (Lewiston)
Group Race Honours:
Group One Adelaide Cup Final – 2nd
Group One Adelaide Cup Final – Finalist (2008)
Group One National Sprint Championship Final – Finalist
Group Two Temlee – 2nd
Group Three SA Sprint Championship – Winner
Group Three Anniversary Cup Final – 2 nd
Group Three Westend Anniversary Cup - Finalist
Fast Times:
Angle Park – 29.46
Gawler – 30.56
Hobart – 26.46
The Watchdog Says: Is the pride of South Australian greyhound racing and almost captured a fairly tale win when going down narrowly to El Galo in the Adelaide Cup final a month ago. Ran second in this race last year, however this year’s race seems to have a lot more early speed and greater depth. Unfavourably drawn in two and he would be hoping for plenty of trouble in the leading division to have any chance of winning. Definitely has the task ahead.

3. FEDEX
(Primo Uno – Tranquil Goddess)
Stats: 27 starts. 14 – 3 – 1
Prizemoney: $88,525
Odds: $12
Trainer: J Thompson (Pearcedale)
Group Race Honours:
Group One National Derby – 1 st
Group One Silver Chief Final – 1 st
Group One Paws Of Thunder – Finalist
Group Two Shepparton Cup - Finalist
Fast Times:
Meadows – 29.88
Sandown Park – 29.81
Cranbourne – 30.54
Ballarat – 25.22
Geelong – 25.39
The Watchdog Says: Group One Silver Chief winner here recently and is already a three time Group One finalist. Has a sizzling 29.88 PB over this trip, however he likes to lead in his races and it’s hard to see him possessing enough early speed to hold out the likes of El Galo and Hanify’s Impact in the run to the first turn. Definitely has the ability to win but with so much early speed in this race he is likely to find the going tough.

4. EL GALO
(Where’s Pedro – Roxy Reason)
Stats: 56 starts. 35 – 11 – 4
Prizemoney: $446,605
Odds: $2
Trainer: J Thompson (Pearcedale)
Group Race Honours:
Group One Adelaide Cup - Winner
Group One Brisbane Cup – Winner (08)
Group One Topgun - Winner
Group One Australian Cup – 2 nd
Group One Paws Of Thunder – 3rd
Group One Brisbane Cup – Finalist (07)
Group Two Bendigo Cup – Winner
Group Two Warrnambool Cup – Winner
Group Two Gold Coast Cup – Winner
Group Two Wangaratta Cup – 3 rd
Group Two Horsham Cup - Finalist
Group Three Bulli Gold Cup - Winner
Group Three WA Derby - Finalist
Fast Times:
Meadows – 29.75
Albion Park – 29.76
Wentworth Park – 29.60
Sandown Park – 29.75
Angle Park – 29.45
Ipswich – 30.51
Cannington – 30.45
Bendigo – 23.65 (TR)
Geelong – 25.48
Ballarat – 24.92
Warrnambool – 24.88
Bulli – 26.21
Wangaratta – 26.68
Horsham – 26.86
Gold Coast – 25.60
The Watchdog Says: One of the most exciting chasers to grace the track in recent times and he has started this year off with a bang having already scored a Group One win in Adelaide (Adelaide Cup). Has won four of seven starts over this trip and he currently holds the first and second split records and if he can repeat those splits he may give the track record a nudge.

5. NITRO BURST
(Bombastic Shiraz - Hotburst)
Stats: 26 starts. 11 – 4 – 4
Prizemoney: $105,390
Odds: $16
Group Race Honours:
Group One Vic Peters Classic – Winner
Group One Melbourne Cup – 3 rd
Fast Times:
Meadows – 30.38
Sandown – 29.99
Cranbourne – 30.26
Wentworth Park – 29.89
Bendigo – 23.97
Shepparton – 25.17
Ballarat – 25.31
The Watchdog Says: Explosive type who is blessed with an amazing mid race turn of foot. Has been very slow to begin in his most recent starts and in this race he can not afford to make too many mistakes. Has a slow beginner drawn directly outside and with El Galo drawn underneath he should be able to get a clear run across to the inside, which is were he wants to be. Has the ability to match it with the best sprinters in the land and he only needs an ounce of luck to figure in the finish.

6. QUEEN LAURYN
(Token Prince – Cheeky Sprite)
Stats: 26 starts. 16 – 5 – 1
Prizemoney: $130,770
Odds: $8
Group Race Honours:
Group One Sapphire Crown – 1st
Group One Winter Cup – 3rd
Group Two Queensland Futurity – Winner
Group Two Ladies Bracelet – 2 nd
Group Three Shootout – 2nd
Fast Times:
Ipswich – 30.01 (TR)
Wentworth Park – 29.44 (TR)
Sandown – 29.72
Albion Park – 29.72
The Watchdog Says: Possibly the fastest chaser in the land if not the world when at her peak, however her form appeared to taper off at the end of her last campaign. Will come into this race with one run from a spell and being fresh she shouldn’t get as far back as anticipated. Already has two track records too her name and if she has them within her sites off the back straight they will definitely know she is there.

7. HANIFY’S IMPACT
(Collision – Miss Hanify)
Stats: 21 starts. 12 – 2 – 0
Prizemoney: $101,545
Odds: $6
Group Race Honours:
Group One Melbourne Cup – 2 nd
Group Two Shepparton Cup – 1 st
Group Three Maitland Cup – 2nd
Fast Times:
Maitland – 25.24
Wentworth Park – 29.93
Geelong – 25.54
Shepparton – 25.08
Sandown Park – 29.89
Ballarat 25.06
The Watchdog Says: Brilliant beginner whose hopes hinge on her ability to cross El Galo in the run to the first turn. In the space of three weeks she captured the Group Two Shepparton Cup and led until the shadows of the post in the Group One Melbourne Cup (2 nd) in November. Obviously has the ability to match it with the best, but will need to lead clearly to win.

8. REGAL THYME
(Bombastic Shiraz – Thyme Travel)
Stats: 46 Starts. 18 – 9 – 3
Prizemoney: $158,030
Odds: $21
Group Race Honours:
Group One Silver Chief – 1 st
Group One Tab Topgun -2 nd
Group Two Temlee – Finalist
Group Three Silver Bullet – 1st
Fast Times:
Meadows – 29.92
Meadows – 34.60
Bendigo – 24.38
Bendigo – 30.92
Ballarat – 31.54
Shepparton – 25.54
Sandown Park – 30.03
Horsham – 27.26
The Watchdog Says: Track specialist who has beaten El Galo here before. Has the ability to be up in the firing line going into the first turn, however his lack of mid race pace may prove to be his undoing. Needs to be in the first two heading off the back straight to have any chance of winning.

RESERVES

VELOCETTE
(Bombastic Shiraz – Texan Lady)
Stats: 36 Starts. 13 – 7 – 2
Prizemoney: $65,735
Odds: $8
Group Race Honours:
Group One Melbourne Cup – Finalist
Group One Brisbane Cup - Finalist
Group Two Traralgon Cup – 2 nd
Group Two Young Star Classic – Finalist
Group Three Launching Pad – Finalist
Group Three Silver Bullet - Finalist
Fast Times:
Sandown – 29.54
Angle Park – 29.84
Geelong – 25.63
Cranbourne – 29.98
Wentworth Park – 30.00
Horsham – 27.08
Albion Park – 29.69
Meadows – 30.10
The Watchdog Says: Gifted chaser who is capable of reeling off breathtaking sectionals when given some clear galloping space. Has two sub 29.60 Sandown Park wins to his credit and recently broke the magical 30 second barrier when scoring at Cranbourne in 29.98. Would be among the leading hopes if he happened to draw well.

TURANZA BALE
(Primo Uno – Daishi Bale)
Stats: 34 Starts. 7 – 12 – 5
Prizemoney: $56,085
Odds: $7.50
Group Race Honours:
Group One Silver Chief - Finalist
Group Two SA Derby – Winner
Group Two Cranbourne Cup – 2nd
Group Three Silver Bullet – 3 rd
Group Two Ballarat Cup – Reserve
Fast Times:
Sandown – 29.79
Meadows – 29.84
Geelong – 25.44
Angle Park – 29.66
The Watchdog Says: Set tongues wagging when scoring here last week in a breathtaking 29.84. Amazingly found himself in front soon after the first bend and the clock was always going to be in trouble from there on. Has the ability to be competitive and must be respected if he gains a start from an inside draw.

The Watchdog’s Final Thought: It’s hard to go past the excitement machine in El Galo. He is a reliable beginner who can reel off sectionals only most of these finalists can dream of. The race is likely to pan out with the two brilliant beginners El Galo and Hanify’s Impact vying for the lead in the run to the first turn, pushing through a length behind the leaders will be Stoner Bale, with Fedex and Regal Thyme on his outside. The race will start to heat up off the back straight with El Galo likely to be lengthening his lead ahead of Hanify’s Impact and the backmarkers in Stoner Bale, Queen Lauryn and Nitro Burst all commencing their runs. As they round the home bend El Galo should straighten with a commanding lead, whilst Stoner Bale will be charging home along the inside into second place with Queen Lauryn and Nitro Burst fighting for third spot.

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GROUP 2 – THE ZOOM TOP (725 metres)
Time: 8.15pm
Prize money: 1 st - $30,000; 2 nd $8,500; 3 rd $4,200

Watchdog Selections: 3 – 6 – 5 - 2

1. IRINKA SAMUEL
(Most Awesome – Irinka Tahnee)
Stats: 26 starts. 8 – 3 – 5
Prizemoney: $22,905
Odds: $16
Group Race Honours:
-
Fast Times:
Wentworth Park – 42.54, 42.62
The Watchdog Says: Talented Sydneysider who scored two slick Wentworth Park wins in 42.54 and 42.62 in December/January. Appears well drawn, however he is facing a huge rise in class and he has been soundly beaten by NSW best stayer Lilley Criminal on two occasions which suggests he may be just short of this class.

KULU SPIRIT
(Token Prince – Spilt Ink)
Stats: 98 starts. 27 – 20 – 9
Prizemoney: $106,180
Odds: $8
Group Race Honours:
Group One Association Cup – 3 rd
Group One Sandown Cup – Finalist
Group One Gold Cup – Finalist (08)
Group One Gleeson & Tonta Stayers - Finalist
Group Two Gold Cup – Finalist (07)
Group Two Mckenna Memorial – Finalist
Group Two Hume Cup – Finalist
Group Two Bold Trease Carnival Cup - Finalist
Group Two Brisbane Derby – Finalist
Group Three Australian Stayers Invitation – 3rd
Group Three SA Distance Title - Finalist
Group Three Lizrene Classic – Finalist
Fast Times:
Meadows – 42.76
Sandown Park – 42.30
Lismore – 30.10
Lismore – 37.61
Albion Park – 30.19
Albion Park – 34.93
Albion Park – 41.76
Wentworth Park – 42.81
The Watchdog Says: Prolific Group Race finalist who recently returned to his best form with a brilliant 42.53 Sandown Park win. Has won here previously in a slick 42.76 and if he can settle in the leading division he can repeat his PB and figure prominently in the run to the line. Tends to do his best racing when he settle close to the speed so the start will be crucial to his chances.

GUNNADOO MAGIC
(Token Prince – Go Shoopa)
Stats: 64 starts. 26 – 15 – 3
Prizemoney: $230,825
Odds: $2.60
Group Race Honours:
Group One Gleeson & Tonta Stayers – 2 nd
Group One Galaxy – 2 nd
Group One Sandown Cup - Finalist
Group Two Maidment Memorial – 1 st (08 & 09)
Group Two Mckenna Memorial – 2 nd
Group Two Sir John Dillon Memorial – 2 nd
Group Two Hume Cup - Finalist
Group Two AMW Distance Title – Finalist
Group Two Sydney Cup - Finalist
Group Two Zoom Top - Finalist
Group Three Lizrene Classic – 2nd
Group Three Dapto Leagues Club Final – Finalist
Group Three Australian Stayers Invitation - Finalist
Fast Times:
Sandown Park – 42.05
Meadows – 42.77
Albion Park – 41.78
Cannington – 41.70
Wentworth Park – 42.71
Angle Park – 43.15
Maitland – 25.41
Maitland – 32.13
The Watchdog Says: 2008 Victorian Greyhound of the Year finalist who has been racing in career best form of late having won her past five starts in brilliant fashion. She has already captured a Group Two (Maidment Memorial) and Group Three final (SA Distance Challenge) in the New Year. Has the ability to lead or come from off the pace in her races and she always seems to do just enough to get over the line. With not a lot of early speed drawn either side of her, she should be able to settle in the first two and as they turn for home she should have Vintage Octane’s measure.

DANA LOU LOU
(Go Wild Teddy – Runaway Tiger)
Stats: 46 starts. 15 – 7 – 8
Prizemoney: $33,790
Odds: $12
Group Race Honours:
Group One Association Cup – Finalist
Group Two Maidment Memorial - Finalist
Fast Times:
Wentworth Park – 42.62
Wentworth Park – 30.35
Dapto – 34.73
Richmond – 30.98
Nowra – 37.20
Bathurst – 36.90
The Watchdog Says: Brilliant NSW stayer who has found the going tough against the strong crop of Victorian stayers in her two Sandown Park runs recently. Got a long way out of her ground in both of those races and she can ill afford to do the same here as this field seems to have a lot more depth. Will need to settle much closer to the speed to take home a cheque here.

FALLEN ZORRO
(Lilli Pilli Lad – Chinatown Babe)
Stats: 48 Starts. 18 – 11 – 9
Prizemoney: $222,260
Odds: $3
Group Race Honours:
Group One Sandown Cup – 2 nd
Group One Gold Cup – 2 nd
Group One National Distance Championship – 3 rd
Group One Association Cup - Finalist
Group Two Mckenna Memorial – Winner
Group Two Sir John Dillon Memorial – Winner
Group Two Hume Cup – Winner
Group Two Bold Trease Carnival Cup - Winner
Group Two AMW Distance Title – 2 nd
Group Two Sydney Cup – 3 rd
Group Three Australian Stayers Invitation - Winner
Group Three Chairman’s Cup – 3 rd
Fast Times:
Meadows – 42.54
Sandown Park – 42.04
Cannington – 36.91 (TR)
Cannington – 41.70
Hobart – 26.25
Hobart – 34.89
Devonport – 33.98
Launceston – 29.87
Launceston – 42.43
The Watchdog Says: Arguably the most dominant and consistent stayer of 2008 who put in an uncharacteristic poor performance at Sandown Park three weeks ago. Like Gunnadoo Magic, she has the ability to race forward or take a sit in her races and she seems to know exactly where the finish line is. Has won four of her eight tries from this draw and if she can repeat her sizzling 42.54 PB here she will definitely be fighting out the finish.

VINTAGE OCTANE
(Pure Octane – My Girl Georgina)
Stats: 25 Starts. 15 – 4 – 1
Prizemoney: $67,670
Odds: $5.50
Group Race Honours:
Group Two Sale Cup – Winner
Group Two Cranbourne Cup – 3 rd
Fast Times:
Meadows – 43.06
Sandown Park – 29.58
Geelong – 25.53
Meadows – 34.32
Geelong – 34.32
Sale – 37.34
Horsham – 32.63
The Watchdog Says: Up and coming stayer who put his paw on the gas in the early stages here last week when scoring a smart 43.06 debut win over this trip. Captured the Group Two Sale Cup in December and with his ability to reel off ridiculously fast sectionals he should be in this race for a long way.

TAYZA
(Stately Bird – Crazy Habit)
Stats: 50 Starts. 19 – 4 – 4
Prizemoney: $86,505
Odds: $16
Group Race Honours:
Group One Galaxy – Finalist
Group One National Distance Final - Finalist
Fast Times:
Cannington – 41.53, 41.60, 41.68, 41.74, 41.75, 41.79, 41.84
Cannington – 37.19, 37.22, 37.30
The Watchdog Says: Explosive WA chaser who has scored some scorching wins on her home turf at Cannington, however she has failed miserably when she has ventured interstate. If she can reproduce her Cannington form she can definitely take it up to this field. Keep safe.

ABBI TAYLAH
(History Lesson – Lady Kero)
Stats: 30 Starts. 11 – 3 – 6
Prizemoney: $26,500
Odds: $21
Group Race Honours:
Group one Association Cup – 3rd
Fast Times:
Wentworth Park – 42.64
Gardens – 29.95
Gardens – 35.50
Gosford – 35.08
Gosford – 43.63
Richmond – 35.74
The Watchdog says: Rose to prominence with a smart 3 rd placing in the Group One Association Cup final at Wentworth Park recently. Her recent results suggest that she must be out in front setting the pace in order for her to perform at her best, this may be unlikely to happen with the early speed of Vintage Octane and Gunnadoo Magic likely to be a hindrance. May just fall short of this class.

IMA DRIFTER
(Typhoon Tide – Kerry Louise)
Stats: 66 Starts. 17 – 10 – 7
Prizemoney: $51,260
Odds: $33
Group Race Honours:
Group Two Maidment Memorial - Finalist
Group Two Mckenna Memorial – Finalist
Group Three New Years Trophy - Finalist
Fast Times:
Meadows – 43.33
Meadows – 34.42
Meadows – 30.17
Warragul – 41.21
Geelong – 34.29
Geelong – 25.84
Sandown Park – 30.12
Sandown Park – 42.60
Horsham – 27.67
Ballarat – 31.59
The Watchdog Says: Turned in a strong performance to score here recently in a steady 43.36. Is never far away in his races, however he is meeting the best stayers in training and he can not afford to make any mistakes.

FRANKLIN DARKY
(Token Prince – Franklin Shiraz)
Stats: 39 Starts. 12 – 8 – 5
Prizemoney: $42,070
Odds: $6
Group Race Honours:
Group Two Maidment Memorial – 2 nd
Fast Times:
Meadows - 42.85
Geelong – 40.50 (TR)
Geelong – 34.27
Geelong – 25.82
Sandown Park – 42.27
Bendigo – 39.88
Horsham – 33.00
Shepparton – 37.76
The Watchdog Says: Has finally lived upto the potential he showed as a youngster with a brilliant 2 nd placing in the Maidment Memorial final (Group Two) at Sandown and he then followed it up with an electrifying 42.27 win there the following week. Would be a huge chance if he happened to draw an outside box as he likes and needs plenty of room to move in his races.

Watchdog’s Final Thought: In such an open affair, Gunnadoo Magic just looks to have the edge based on her most recent efforts. Vintage Octane looks the likely leader whilst Gunnadoo Magic will be looking to take a sit just behind him as they head through the first turn. As they past the post the first time, Vintage Octane should be 3 to 4 lengths in front, with Gunnadoo Magic, Fallen Zorro and Kulu Spirit all starting to warm up and begin working into the race. As they round the final bend, Vintage Octane will be shortening stride and as Gunnadoo Magic shoots along the inside he will find it too hard to hold her out. Fallen Zorro and Kulu Spirit should be fighting for third spot just behind the first two placegetters.

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GROUP 2 – THE ROOKIE REBEL (600 metres)
Time: 8.45pm
Prize money: 1 st - $25,000; 2 nd $7,100; 3 rd $3,550

Watchdog Selections: 1 – 3 – 6 - 4

1. MANTRA LAD
(Pure Octane – Al Fresco)
Trainer: Graeme Jose
Career: 27 Starts. 11-6-2
Prizemoney: $135,985
Odds : $1.80
Group Race Honours:
Group One National Distance Championship – Winner
Group One Paws Of Thunder – 2 nd
Group One Topgun – Finalist
Group Three Shootout - Winner
Fast Times:
Meadows – 34.19
Meadows – 42.28
Sandown – 29.86
Wentworth Park – 29.73
Wentworth Park – 42.30
Geelong – 34.15
The Watchdog Says: This highly versatile chaser registered prestigious wins in the 2008 National Distance Championship and The Shootout. He cemented his position as favourite in this race after registering a record smashing 33.97 trial win over this trip between races last Saturday night. He is superbly drawn here and he has the ability to roll to the front and set up a dominant position in running. Should he miss the start he possesses high mid race pace and top field sense to stay away from trouble. He is the one to beat.

2. SANDY ON TARGET
(Bombastic Shiraz – Jessica’s Hope)
Trainer: Tina Womann
Career: 33 Starts. 7-5-6
Prizemoney: $40,905
Odds : $7.50
Group Race Honours:
Group Three New Year’s Cup – Reserve
Fast Times:
Meadows – 29.70
Meadows – 34.37, 34.75
The Watchdog Says: Sandy On Target is a smart middle distance chaser who has loads of ability, but he is troubled by his inconsistency. His draw has helped him as he will be looking to crash to the fence where he can set himself into a forward position. His breathtaking 29.70 win over 525m shows his ability around this venue and he only needs luck to feature in this.

3. BLACK RULER
(Token Prince – Cyclone Chrissy)
Trainer: Reg Hazelgrove
Career: 53 Starts. 19-9-7
Prizemoney: $72,275
Odds : $12.00
Group Race Honours:
-
Fast Times:
Albion Park – 42.22
Albion Park – 34.78, 34.93, 34.97
Albion Park – 30.04
The Watchdog Says: This talented Queensland racer has been a highly dominant force around his Albion Park home track and he gets to test his ability against some of Australia’s best middle distance runners. There is no doubting this dog’s ability and he gets his chance here to register his first Group race victory. He is a powerhouse front runner who does his best racing when setting up a margin on his rivals. He will need to lead all the way to win in this.

4. SPECIAL SIGN
(Exceptional – Semaphore)
Trainer: Russell McRae
Career: 16 Starts. 11-2-0
Prizemoney: $34,655
Odds : $10.00
Group Race Honours:
Group One Laurels – Finalist
Fast Times:
Sandown – 29.81, 29.81, 29.96,
Warragul – 24.09
Healesville – 18.64
Sale – 24.97
Sale – 29.47
The Watchdog Says: The freakish local talent Special Sign has a brilliant career record to date and she unfortunately ended her seven race winning streak over this trip recently. She has the ability to reel off sizzling sectionals but with the pressure of these forward running competitors, she may find this class difficult. Her personal best of 34.87 over this trip may see her fall short of testing this field and she will have to improve on her 34.70 trial effort here last weekend.

5. SMASHING AMY
(Collide – Amy Grace)
Trainer: Majella Ferguson
Career: 32 Starts. 11-3-3
Prizemoney: $20,700
Odds : $16.00
Group Race Honours:
Group Three Canberra Cup – Finalist
Fast Times:
Gosford – 35.64
Dapto – 35.52, 34.73
Richmond – 30.77, 30.77
Richmond – 35.60
Canberra – 30.35
Wentworth Park – 30.02
The Watchdog Says: A finalist in the Canberra Cup in September this talented New South Wales stayer has been testing quality fields in the months since. She travelled to Melbourne for the Group One Laurels at Sandown Park in July and had little luck in that series. Her draw has not helped as she needs plenty of room initially to get into full stride. She may get too far back in this and struggle to pick up the front runners.

6. ELUTHRA
(Most Awesome – Buena Sarah)
Trainer: Doreen Drynan
Career: 58 Starts. 18-12-11
Prizemoney: $68,745
Odds : $10.00
Group Race Honours:
Group One National Futurity – Finalist
Group Three Potential Stakes - Winner
Group Three Canberra Cup – Finalist
Fast Times:
Wentworth Park – 29.95, 29.97, 30.00
Richmond – 35.86
Gosford – 29.81, 29.95, 29.98
Gosford – 34.96
Lithgow – 29.72
The Watchdog Says: She is a consistent top flight sprinter who is never far away in her races. Matching motors with the classiest at Wentworth Park she should be able to set up a forward running position as she steps up in distance here. She has the strength to run out this trip but if she burns too early she will be in the sights of the strong flyers setting up behind her. Yet to be successful over this trip after three starts but she cannot be discounted in this.

7. COULTA SKY
(Most Awesome – Coulta Bandit)
Trainer: Robert Britton
Career: 53 Starts. 10-10-8
Prizemoney: $52,490
Odds : $21.00
Group Race Honours:
Group Three New Year’s Cup – Winner
Fast Times:
Meadows – 34.64, 34.80
Meadows – 30.11
Sandown – 29.84, 30.06
Horsham – 33.08
The Watchdog Says: This city class galloper has recently struck a rich vein of form including a handy 30.41 win over 525m here last weekend. She showed plenty of ability recently at Cranbourne when she led against the talented Vellocette and Mantra Lad over 520m. She will need to cross and lead this field early as she does not have the strength to charge home over the top against the top rivals, but she may be able to hold on for a placing.

8. BO FRAZIER
(Spiral Nikita – Leprechaun Yap)
Trainer: David Geall
Career: 58 Starts. 22-12-10
Prizemoney: $107,705
Odds : $6.00
Group Race Honours:
Group Two Richmond Derby – 2 nd
Group Three New Year’s Cup – 3 rd
Group Three Silver Bullet – 2 nd
Fast Times:
Meadows – 34.48, 34.55
Meadows – 29.82, 29.94
Canberra – 34.80
Albion Park – 35.13
Cranbourne – 30.38
Warrnambool – 32.70
Richmond – 30.54
Sandown – 29.73, 29.96
The Watchdog Says: A highly experienced chaser who is yet to salute in a Group race but he has been placed in 44 of his 58 career starts to date. He does his best racing when he can find the early lead and set the pace up front. He had absolutely no luck in his last start over this trip but he has been racing in consistent fashion of late. This draw has done him no favours with the amount of depth and he will need plenty of luck to feature.

9. PURPLE RANGE
(Pure Octane – Al Fresco)
Trainer: Graeme Rounds
Career: 29 Starts. 11-10-2
Prizemoney: $25,460
Odds : $10.00
Group Race Honours:
Group Two Sale Cup – 3 rd
Fast Times:
Sale – 37.52
Ballarat 31.24
Horsham – 32.47
Geelong – 34.35, 34.36
Cranbourne – 30.22
Sandown – 30.07, 30.13
The Watchdog Says: Placegetter in the highly competitive Group Three Sale Cup in December, this brother of Mantra Lad has just as much ability as his litter brother. He has a brilliant career record to date and his slick 34.35 and 34.36 wins at Geelong over 600m suggest he can challenge this field with an ounce of luck.

10. MENADO
(Premier Fantasy – Trendy La Maze)
Trainer: Maxwell Wintle
Career: 28 Starts. 9-7-6
Prizemoney: $21,235
Odds : $16.00
Group Race Honours:
-
Fast Times:
Geelong – 41.49
Warrnambool – 37.41, 37.58, 37.59
Cranbourne – 42.13
Horsham – 32.53
Horsham – 27.27
The Watchdog Says: Menado is an upcoming provincial stayer who gets her chance to test her ability with the big guns in a Group race event. She has the ability to lead all the way or come from off the pace with a big burst of mid race energy. She will need to draw well but has beaten some of Victoria’s best in her short career to date. May not be out of her depth in this.

The Watchdog’s Final Thought: The mighty Mantra Lad gets his chance to score another Group race victory in this event. Across the boxes there is a load of early pace and the race to the first turn should be exciting. Expect to see Sandy On Target, Black Ruler, Special Sign, Eluthra and Coulta Sky in a mad dash to establish a break on the rest of the field. Should Mantra Lad explode from the boxes and find the early lead he will tear away from this field after his recent trial win over this trip. The gruelling turn out of the front straight may test the interstate chasers who have not competed here before and there may be some early trouble there. The back straight will be where this race is won. If Mantra Lad is not out in front look out for Black Ruler, Special Sign and Eluthra to be competing but the strength of Mantra Lad may prove too much for his rivals in the fight for the line.

IMAGE ABOVE: Fedex (1) defeats Austin Bale in the Group 1 Silver Chief at The Meadows in May. The Jason Thompson-trained star will exit Box 3 in The Temlee this Saturday night.