Murray Bridge Straight Track Cup Final Preview
Tomorrow in race 8 we have the running of the 2020 Murray Bridge Straight Track Cup Final. We have 2 former and 1 current Murray Bridge track record holders across both 300m and 350m distances in tomorrow’s final, along with an Adelaide Cup finalist, multiple open grade runners and a few very smart dogs you wouldn’t mind owning a share in!
Here is a quick rundown of each of the runners from our resident tipster Todd Gray to help you pick a winner:
Box 1 – Lavish Pedro
Lavish Pedro will start your favourite and rightfully so. At around $1.85 currently, he will be aided by Zulu Zulu in box 2 who likes to cut hard to the outside straight away, giving him plenty of cover to do his thing. After breaking the track record in the heats last week in 18.76 after some slick trials, he has blistering pace and very nice interstate form around the provisional tracks. Lavish Pedro is the on top selection and you don’t need to be a genius to work that one out!
Box 2 – Zulu Zulu
This is my smokey for the race who will go around at double figure odds, but shouldn't be! A former track record holder over the 300m trip at Murray Bridge, Zulu Zulu had a very nice run in the heats running second behind Lavish Pedro and posting a slick 18.94 qualifying him for the final. That run in the heats was Zulu Zulu’s first run after a few weeks back and he will be fitter and better for it. Zulu Zulu hits the line well and will make it very tough for a few of the other finalists, especially the #3 Sweet On Me.
Box 3 – Sweet on Me
Sweet On Me broke the track record in her heat last week, but only for long enough to have a cup of coffee, with Lavish Pedro taking the track record the very next race! Sweet On Me is a massive danger in this race however she will have to avoid Zulu Zulu drawn right beside her. Recording 18.78 in her heat, she would be close to the favourite for me if you had reversed the draw with Lavish Pedro.
Box 4 – Fly For Fun
One of the enigma's of this race. Last year Fly For Fun tested Hooked on Scotch in the State of Origin Match Race series at Angle Park. He was leading the race for a good while which is a feat in itself against arguably the fastest greyhound on the planet. When 100% on song, Fly for Fun is a lightening beginner but he has been slightly inconsistent over the last few months. Ignore the 19.04 heat win time, Fly For Fun can go much quicker than that and you’ll know your fate here early. Sink or swim early – not the silliest middle pinner to consider.
Box 5 – Dayno’s Wylie
Kennel mate of Fly for Fun and one of the two Lauren Harris runners, Dayno’s Wylie will go around the roughy of the field. However you still would love a share in this dog as he has some very fast times over the 388m at Angle Park. Shifts off a little for mine and the box draw has done him no favours. I can’t have him for this race, but that only speaks for the strength of this field and not the dog itself.
Box 6 – Spring Vinnie
Another enigma here. A mad railer on the circle track but he didn’t have any dramas in box 8 up the straight track. He jumped very nicely and is a very strong dog. I can’t see how he can get into the race early with what is drawn around him but he seems to race completely different up the straight – was it a once off? If not, he will make sure the front runners have to be on song.
Box 7 – Call Me Billy
Call Me Billy will be at big odds, but that didn’t stop him in the heat causing a boil over after getting a big drift in the market; $14 out to $41 fixed. One of the two Rawlings dogs in the race, having completed his heat in 19:03 and having two typically slow starters drawn either side of him, this dog has a good chance and has value for the multiples for me.
Box 8 – Cawbourne Terry
A former Adelaide Cup finalist and well-seasoned runner, Cawbourne Terry has won over all the distances and is in the smart Rasmussen kennel. He will definitely be finishing on well and won’t mind the draw as he does stay wide. Cawbourne Terry is only moderate away but is the most consistent run on type over the last 100 metres in this race - he just may not be able to keep up that first 50 metres.
Reserves - Danyo’s Sarah & Naja Naja
Both these runners look out-classed against this company but they are both young and have plenty of upside to watch.
Todd’s Summary:
This is going to be a top race with the 1 looking like the dog to beat, which is mostly thanks to the draw and I think he will go well around the circle track too.
Selections:
1-2-8-7
Good luck to all involved and as always make sure to gamble responsibly!