2020 Shane McQueen Preview
The Shane McQueen is one of the most anticipated feature finals on the South Australian greyhound racing calendar always attracting strong fields and giving punters a thrill watching the best contest over the middle distance.
Past winners of the event include Kalden Mayhem, Strictly Mambo and race record holder So Busy at 34.68 which shows just some of the quality of greyhounds that have been successful in the race and this year's field is again very competitive.
Holy Reign has been a solid contributor for trainer Robyn Mackellar and was very good again when claiming last week's first heat in 35.20s from box 5. She has drawn box 1 where she has won 5 out of 6 starts which will help her to be right on the pace and in the mix at the line.
Two Times Twice has been an ultra-consistent performer for Ben Rawlings since coming to his kennels towards the end of 2019, only finishing out of the placings twice for his trainer. He runs home strongly and with a good start from box 2 should be right there at the finish.
Ask Me Now is another who has been a consistent performer for trainer Damien Bates. Jumping well from box 3, he led them all for a long way before getting run down and finishing third in last week's second heat. Has drawn the 3 again and will give them plenty to chase if he gets out well.
Bates' other finalist, West On Bamboo is more than capable of running a big race when it counts as evident in her Easter Cup win in April against another top field. An all-round performer, she is competitive over the longer trip as well, will run-on strong and with some room coming home can cause another upset win.
Couture is Ben Rawling's second runner in the final and will jump from box 5. Missed the start in last week's first heat before bursting from last to fourth late to qualify for the final. Can run the longer distance and finishes strongly so connections will have their fingers crossed for a better start.
The third runner for Ben Rawlings in the final is Rev Fred Sloy in box 6 and after stepping up to the 600m in the past 3 starts is finding form at the distance. Finished in third place in last week's first heat and with another good start can give the field some cheek.
Velocity Dory jumps from box 7 for trainer Kim Johnstone and has a record of a win and 5 placings from 8 starts from this draw. A consistent placegetter over the distance, will need to find another gear against this field but can certainly find the placings with a good start.
And lastly, in box 8 we have Sir Truculent for Wally Harkins who has been chalking up the wins over the 731m distance since the end of 2019. Tends to find himself at the back before finishing strongly and running over the top of the field. The step back in distance caused no problems last week and as long as he doesn't find trouble early will be swooping and hitting the line fast.
The final is race 8 on the program and jumps at 9:09pm. Good luck to all connections.