Nitro Favoured To Make Vic Proud
29 October 2008

Australia’s next big things of greyhound racing vie for Group One glory when they chase $50,000 in the time honoured Schweppes Vic Peters Classic Final at Wentworth Park on Saturday night.

Nitro Burst has drawn the much coveted red rug and has been hailed all but the winner as he heads early pre-post betting on TAB Sportsbet ($2.70). The Victorian blitzed his rivals last week and being in the kennels of trainer Jason Thompson, who prepared last week’s Top Gun winner El Galo, only enhances his credentials to taste his first group one success.

His main rivals look to be Snozz, an experienced dog who made the National Sprint Championship Final, and Snell To Excell, who has brilliant early toe that could make him a tough proposition to catch if he pinches a break.

Racing starts at 7.25pm with the Group One Schweppes Vic Peters Classic Final at 9.53pm.


Expert Form Guide and Selections for the Schweppes Vic Peters Classic Final.


BOX 1 Nitro Burst $3.00
Semi Final: 1st running 29.96, beating Tenacious Ted by 4 lengths

Exciting Victorian trained youngster in the hands of arguably Australia’s premier trainer of the minute and he overcame a fair start to break 30 seconds in the quickest semi final time. Boxes win big finals and there can be no disputing his right to be a favourite here.

BOX 2 Wonderous $9.00
Semi Final: 2nd running 30.45, beaten by Snell To Excel

South Coast bitch that overcame early interference to sneak into the final behind Snell To Excel who simply landed on the bunny and gave nothing else a chance. Inside draw may not be ideal as she does get wide but she has run a quick time here so dismiss her at your own peril.

BOX 3 Intelligence $26.00
Semi Final: 2nd running 30.57, beaten by Vivaldi Star

Had every chance to win his semi final when he hit the lead before being overrun by Vivaldi Star in slow time. Hailing from the Northern Rivers, he faces an uphill battle to be competitive here.

BOX 4 Snozz $3.50
Semi Final: 2nd running 30.31, beaten by Dazzle You

A Jason Mackay trained dog who was one of NSW’s representatives in the National Sprint Championship final and has raced in the big time on several occasions. His inability to choose the right path to pass Dazzle You last week cost him victory and he should be kept ultra safe.




BOX 5 Snell To Excel $3.25
Semi Final: 1st running 30.13, beating Wonderous by 4.5 lengths

Flying machine that Anthony Azzopardi has managed to turn from a promising talent to a greyhound that is delivering the goods. Began like a bullet in his semi final and gapped his rivals to win easy. Will need to step the same again from this box but he is one of the main players.

BOX 6 Dazzle You $15.00
Semi Final: 1st running 30.29, beating Snozz by a head

Majella Ferguson had the Vic Peters Classic highlighted as the target for her kennel star Irreplaceable but after she injured her hock, it was left to number two Dazzle You to fly the flag for the Ferguson’s. Away cleanly she picked up Perfect Molly for a great semi final win but may be tested in this hot group one field, especially from this box.

BOX 7 Tenacious Ted $9.00
Semi Final: 2nd running 30.24, beaten by Nitro Burst

Another Victorian invader who was chasing the tail of his fellow statesman Nitro Burst when they gave the Big V strong representation in the quickest semi final last week. Still learning his craft, the wide box will test him and he will need to do everything right to figure.

BOX 8 Vivaldi Star $15.00
Semi Final: 1st running 30.50, beating Intelligence by 1 length

Brother of star Snozz, the underrated Vivaldi Star gave Jason Mackay an unexpected bonus when he stormed home late to win his semi final, giving the trainer dual options in the final. Record from out wide is patchy and in this hot field he might just struggle to run a few of these down.

BOX 9 Bluey Tadmore $15.00
Semi Final: 3rd running 30.37, beaten by Nitro Burst and Tenacious Ted

Jumped from the squeeze last week and was denied a clear passage early, in effect costing him a finals spot. Trainer has high opinion of this pup but he needs to begin well to have any chance.

BOX 10 Mandingo $21.00
Semi Final: 3rd running 30.56, beating Snell To Excel and Wonderous

The hulk of the field at over 38 kilograms, this giant dog needs the rails and he was brave but couldn’t hold off Wonderous to qualify for the final and I doubt he is quite up to this lot.

Johnny Aitken’s Selections
1. Snozz
2. Snell To Excel
3. Nitro Burst