Thursday Preview - Murray Bridge - 10th June 2021
By The Shadow
I hope you followed last week as we had a terrific night on the punt and capped the night off with a handy 9/1 winner in Ackles. Tonight’s 12 event programme looks to be very even so we will mainly focus on a couple of good things that I like throughout the evening. As always all races are Trifecta and First Four events.
Race 1 - We kick off with a Maiden final over the short and I liked the run of Canya Razor here last week when winning in handy time, he has the pace to lead here and is our top pick. Came And Went has a good turn of early pace and is amongst the better chances. Box Up 2.4.7.8
Race 2 - This certainly is a toughie with the main chances being Lana Roads who has been racing well and is drawn to have every chance. Aston Achilles is another who hasn’t missed a cheque in her last five and will find this more to her liking. Zipping Cola is resuming and is very capable when on song. Box Up 2.4.5.8
Race 3 - How good is this event over the 680m, we only have the four runners and we see the return of Sir Truculent from a short stint in Victoria and the new kid on the block Fantastic Radley who is exciting to watch. Add in Aston Kipchoge who is handy along with Tapestry Tears who charged home here last start. First Four in order 1.5.7.3
Race 4 - Gary’s Miracle did another great job here last week, she is so versatile and led them here and hung on to win by the barest of margins in good time, again she looks the likely leader again in a quality line up. Spring Vinnie will be charging late as always, add in Max Voltage and Alfieri for the minors. Box Up 1.4.6.8
Race 5 - Maximum Jenny has been racing well at Gawler over the short ,she has been unplaced here at both her runs but is drawn to improve and this is certainly a wide-open affair. Reservation can be hit and miss on lid rise but the draw should bring him right into calculations. Springvale Slick can run into the placings. Box up 1.2.4.8
Race 6 - The inside brigade look amongst the better chances in this, Toby West was an eye catching effort here Monday when running on strongly from back in the field, he is drawn to have every chance. Anna's Spark has early pace and if able to lead clearly will be very hard to beat at each way odds. Deadly Mamba has been missing the start at his past couple but will be working home when it all counts. Box Up 2.3.6.7
Race 7 - How good is this event over the 455m, we certainly have plenty of chances with several of these all-in terrific form. Craggy Island has won his last four all in convincing fashion, he has the pace to lead and win. Fantastic Shell along with Golden Night are very smart with clear runs and are big chances. Woodside Zulu will be thundering home late and is capable of running time. Box Up 2.4.6.7
Race 8 - Jacks Knight has a good turn of early pace, he was nabbed on the line here last start and looks the one to beat in this. Ackles has been in good form winning his past two here and saluted for us at the juicy odds of 9/1 last week, he has the form on the board and is one of the better chance’s again. Safe Drop had no luck at Gawler last run and is capable of improving. Box Up 1.3.4.6
Race 9 - The Mathew Payne kennel look to have a big show again with Aston Thunder, he was a very good winner here last start when beating Jacks Knight and is drawn to have every chance. Shanlyn Charlott is working towards a win and is a must for the Trifecta. Box Up 1.2.4.5
Race 10 - This certainly is a toughie as they all have been struggling of late, the Rasmussen kennel have two runners in Cawbourne Snow and Cawbourne Cross, both are capable when on the lure. Ask Me Now is a strong type who will be running on and Bailey Rocks is drawn to improve. Box Up 1.2.4.6
Race 11 - Miss Cola has been impressive in recent starts, she has a good turn of early pace and was a last start winner here in handy time. He’s All Ours has been placed from this draw and his past two runs and the small field will help his chances. Victa Caleb found trouble here last start when trying to cross and his early pace will bring him right into the mix. Box Up 1.4.6.8
Race 12 - Terrific Keith can send us home on a winning note; he looks the leader here and the one to beat. Saint Candy has won four of her last five and is the big danger. Aston Bintang should improve with another look at the track, add Hali’s Girl who has a handy strike rate at this venue. Box Up 1.2.4.5
Best Bets
Race 1, No: 2 - Canya Razor
Race 12, No: 1 - Terrific Keith
Best Each-way
Race 6, No: 2 - Anna’s Spark
GRSA TEXT SERVICE
Participants are reminded, if they have not already done so, to provide GRSA with your mobile phone number to enable text messages to be sent updating you with the most current information in the industry.
KENNEL CAPERS ONCE A MONTH
The monthly Kennel Capers for June will be released next week so make sure you grab yourself a copy.
Remember to keep up to date with weekly updates and media releases using the GRSA website at www.grsa.com.au.
The Boy from the Bush gives his selections for tonight’s super night of racing at Murray Bridge.
First 4 selections –
Race 1: 2,4,8,7
Race 2: 2,8,7,1
Race 3: 1,5,3,7
Race 4: 1,6,4,8
Race 5: 1,2,4,7
Race 6: 7,8,1,3
Race 7: 2,4,7,6
Race 8: 8,1,6,2
Race 9: 4,2,5,8
Race 10: 1,6,2,4
Race 11: 8,6,4,1
Race 12: 1,5,2,4
Best Bets: Race 4, No: 1 - Max Voltage
Each-Way: Race 6, No: 7 - Aston Gypsy
Roughie: Race 9, No: 4 - Porridge Box
MURRAY BRIDGE THURSDAY (CITY A)
Next weeks Murray Bridge Thursday meeting features –
$5,120 Heats Shane McQueen Feature–530m (Best greyhounds. $8,580 Final 24/6/21)
$5,120 Free For All (N/P)– 680m
$2,985 Heats Grade 6 – 455m ($3,280 Final 24/6/21)
$4,715 Best 8 – 455m (Trainers nominate No Best 8 if don’t want to be considered)
$2,255 Open Maiden – 455m ******Standby Shortcourse only run if required******
Nominations close Friday 11th June with GRSA at 9.00am.
GAWLER SUNDAY (Prov 1)
Next weeks Gawler Sunday meeting features –
$1,700 Free For All – 400m (Grade 5 greyhounds must nominate for this event)
$1,310 Heats Grade 5 – 400m (Final 27/6/21)
$1,410 Grade 6 (1-3 wins) – 531m
Nominations close Wednesday 16th June with GRSA at 9.00am.
LOCAL NEWS
STOP PRESS
NOMINATIONS FOR MURRAY BRIDGE STRAIGHT TRACK WEDNESDAY & MURRAY BRIDGE CITY A THURSDAY NEXT WEEK CLOSE AT 9.00AM TOMORROW (11TH JUNE)
SHANE MCQUEEN HEATS AT MURRAY BRIDGE ON THURSDAY 17TH JUNE
– NOMINATIONS CLOSE TOMORROW
The $5,120 Heats of the Shane McQueen Feature will be held at Murray Bridge over the 530m on Thursday, 17th June with the $8,580 Final on Thursday, 24th June also at Murray Bridge.
• Nominations for the Heats close Friday, 11th June at 9.00am.
GAWLER FRIDAY KENNEL TIMES
Please be advised that the race times for Gawler have been changed by Sky Racing to fit in with their programming with the first race now at 2.05pm. Kenneling times are now 12.45pm to 1.30pm.
2021 GROUP 3 HOWARD ASHTON FINAL ON SUNDAY AT GAWLER
The semi-finals of the Group 3 Howard Ashton series were run last Sunday night at Gawler with two fantastic races won by littermates Fire Strike and Jack's Well.
Fire Strike took out the first semi for trainer Bosco Stamenkovic in 30.77 seconds ahead of Victa Grosso, Victa Daryl, and Victa Saige who all qualified for the Rasmussen kennel. Jack's Well was next up in the second semi and continued his great form for trainer Cameron Butcher winning in a time of 30.89 seconds with Bedrock Fred for Cherylee Barber, Dashing Wilma for Gavin Harris, and Victa Haydn for Tony Rasmussen filling the placings and qualifying for Sunday night's final.
The $37,500 Final will be race 8 on Sunday’s program due to start at 8.03pm on Sky 1 with a trophy and rug presentation after the event.
The box draw for the 2021 Group 3 Howard Ashton final on Sunday 13th June at Gawler:
- Fire Strike Bosco Stamenkovic
- Victa Grosso Tony Rasmussen
- Victa Haydn Tony Rasmussen
- Dashing Wilma Gavin Harris
- Victa Daryl Lisa Rasmussen
- Victa Saige Lisa Rasmussen
- Jack’s Well Cameron Butcher
- Bedrock Fred Cherylee Barber
- Victa Reid (1st Res) Lisa Rasmussen
- Victa Maggie (2nd Res) Tony Rasmussen
RACES REDRAWN AT GAWLER ON SUNDAY NIGHT
GRSA advise that due to a grading error where trainers comments were not available at the time of grading yesterday races 2, 3 and 6 have changed and been redrawn.
GRSA apologises for this error however felt compelled to make these changes to ensure trainers specific comments were taken into account.
NO TRIALS AT VIRGINIA ON SUNDAY
Please be advised that there will be NO TRIALS this Sunday 13th June at Virginia Coursing.
UPCOMING GOTBA RACING DATES
The Coursing at Virginia continues with 4 dog events programmed.
Upcoming dates are –
Sunday 6th June
Sunday 20th June
Sunday 4th July
Sunday 18th July
Sunday 15th August
Sunday 29th August
CROSS BORDER FOR MOUNT GAMBIER
With the current border restrictions in place the only Victorian Interstate trainers able to attend are those with cross border exceptions.
GRSA reminds cross border participants attending our race meetings that they abide by SAPOL guidelines if they have physically travelled outside the cross border direction in the last week deeper into Victoria that they cannot attend any Mt Gambier race meeting at this time. Please refer to the SA Government website to ensure no direction is breached.
BORDER CHALLENGE (MOUNT GAMBIER V WARRNAMBOOL) HEATS ON SUNDAY 20TH JUNE
There will be a maximum of 2 Heats run over 512m at Mount Gambier. If there is 1 Heat the first 4, or if there are 2 Heats the first 2 greyhounds will go through to the $5,800 Final on Sunday, 27th June.
Special Conditions apply –
Trainer must have had starters at 15 Mount Gambier meetings in the past 12 months.
Trainer must have trained the greyhound nominated for the previous three months.
Greyhound must have started at least four times in the past 12 months at Tara Raceway.
• Nominations for the Heats close Wednesday, 16th June at 9.00am.
CATEGORY 2 PRIZEMONEY FOR MOUNT GAMBIER FROM JULY 1
It is confirmed that the increase to Category 2 prizemoney will be for the Mount Gambier’s Sunday meeting from 1st July, 2021 and will be the same breakdown as Gawler and Murray Bridge.
This meeting will be considered a Provincial 1 meeting for Grading and the grades that the greyhounds currently have for Provincial 2 will carry over to Provincial 1. This was the same process when Gawler split into Provincial 1 and Provincial 2 meetings a number of years ago. Thursday meetings will remain Time Grading under the current format as it has proven to be quite successful over the years over the impact of Category 2 will be monitored by GRSA.
SATURDAY MORNING MEETINGS ONCE A FORTNIGHT AT GAWLER
The next meeting will be this Saturday, 12th June at Gawler with the first race at 7.57am and the last of 10 at 10.22am.
The next meeting will be this Saturday, 26th June at Gawler which will be a Timed Graded Meeting - “Worst to Best” rating. 1-4 AND 5+ WIN RACES WILL HAVE FIRST PREFERENCE - Greyhounds graded into 3 categories. Maidens, 1-4 wins & 5 or more wins. Specific grades of greyhounds are not considered except for Maidens. Races–N/P with Pathway Prizemoney. Reserves will be determined by Grader. There will be No Guarding. Refer to “Time Based Grading” published conditions.
• Nominations close Tuesday, 22nd June at 9.00am.
GRSA FAX MACHINES
Greyhound Racing SA has two fax machines in operation at present, however, they will be gradually phased out.
The Graders Fax Machine (8243 1964) which is used for nominations is still in use, however, we are gradually transitioning trainers to the easy Online format.
The administration Fax Machine (8268 2870) which does not receive many outgoing faxes and GRSA will cease the operation of this Fax line in the coming week. Please use other means of contacting GRSA moving forward.
CLASSIC AND BREEDERS FUTURITY PAYMENTS – DUE FRIDAY 18th JUNE
Owners of SA Bred greyhounds are reminded that the next batch of Futurity payments are due on Friday, 18th June 2021. The payments due are:
Classic 2021 – Final Payment (Pups born July 19 to December 19)
This payment is for greyhounds for which the combined First and Second Sustaining Payment was made. The Final Payment is $121 per greyhound.
Breeders 2022 – Second Payment (Pups born January 20 to June 20)
This payment is for greyhounds for which the First Sustaining Payment was made last December. The Second Sustaining Payment is $55 per pup or a Final Payment of $121 can be made at this stage.
Classic 2022 – First Payment (Pups born July 20 to December 20)
This First Payment is due for Classic 2022. All SA Bred greyhounds born in the above period are eligible to make this payment. The First Payment is $27.50 per pup or a “one-off” Final Payment of $121 can be made at this stage.
To assist all owners of Futurity eligible pups, reminders have been sent out a few weeks ago. It is perhaps a good idea to make the payment as soon as you can, so it does not slip your mind and the closing date passes. If you have sold a pup/s we would ask if you can forward on the information to the new owner. If you have not received a reminder by the end of this month and you think you should have, contact Caralyn Fielden as soon as possible.
GAWLER PRODUCE SERIES TO KICK OFF ON FRIDAY 2ND JULY
The Gawler Produce series will kick off with the Heats on Friday, 2nd July.
With the changes to feature races due to the Angle Park redevelopment the Gawler Produce series has been pushed back a few weeks to allow greyhounds to compete in the Howard Ashton and Shane McQueen and then be ready for the Produce. GRSA has also tried to fit in with the City A programming where possible.
Gawler Produce Stake 531m
Special Event – No Penalties Apply HEATS @ $TBA Friday 02.07.21 (Prov1)
Unraced greyhounds are eligible SEMI-FINALS @ $2,700 Sunday 11.07.21 (City A)
For greyhounds whelped in 2019 – Special Conditions FINAL @ $22,000 Sunday 18.07.21 (Prov 1)
(Final guaranteed at $22,000. Consolation on Final night - $2,700)
CHAMPION PUPPY MOVED TO AUGUST AND CONDUCTED AT ANGLE PARK
The Champion Puppy series for greyhounds whelped on or after 1st July, 2019 will be conducted in August.
This series is normally conducted in July, however, with changes to feature events it has been moved to August (dates TBC) and run at Angle Park (TBC).
GAWLER MORNING TRIALS
With the Gawler trial sessions currently on Mondays and Thursdays starting at 7am, staff are finding that at times that they are waiting for trainers to arrive and trial.
This means there are extended periods where there is no activity. Staff have been advised that if there is an extended period where no one has arrived to trial for them to cease the session. GRSA currently do not take bookings for Gawler but may have to in the future if trainers do not arrive in a timely manner for these sessions.
CITY A MEETINGS FOR PRIZEMONEY AND GRADING AT THE VENUE
Gawler Sunday 13th June
Murray Bridge Thursday 17th June
Murray Bridge Thursday 24th June
Gawler Sunday 4th July
Gawler Sunday 11th July
Murray Bridge Thursday 15th July
Murray Bridge Thursday 22nd July
TIME GRADING RATING AVAILABLE ONLINE
Time Ratings for greyhounds are now displayed online when trainers go to nominate a greyhound.
It is displayed in the area the grades of the dogs are displayed. This will allow trainers a clear understanding of their greyhounds rating prior to nominating for a Time Graded meeting.
TRIAL SCHEDULE DURING ANGLE PARK REDEVELOPMENT - effective Monday 12th April
Monday – Gawler (Morning) – no bookings required
Tuesday – Murray Bridge (Night) – book with Trialbooker from Monday 11.30am to Tuesday 3pm
Wednesday – Gawler (Night) – book with Trialbooker from Tuesday 11.30am to Wednesday 3pm
Thursday – Gawler (Morning) – no bookings required
Friday – Murray Bridge & Murray Bridge Straight (Morning) – book with Trialbooker for one turn only from Wednesday 11.30am to Thursday 3pm
Saturday – No Trials
Sunday - Murray Bridge & Murray Bridge Straight (Morning) – book with Trialbooker for one turn only from Thursday 11.30am to Friday 3pm.
Satisfactory and Qualifying trials at Gawler on Wednesday night each week. Nominations close 12.30pm Wednesday (for online nominations 11.59pm Tuesday) Qualifying for the following Friday.
Satisfactory and Qualifying trials at Murray Bridge for both tracks are now on Friday mornings once a week – effective immediately.
During the Angle Park shutdown we will move this away from the monthly Tuesday night during this period, which was difficult to staff and didn’t provide enough opportunity for trainers to clear or qualify greyhounds whilst Angle Park is out of action.
These Satisfactory and Qualifying trials will be conducted between 8.50am and 9.15am fitting in the middle of the One Turn track finishing and the Straight track starting, however, please fit in with staff on the day. Nominations close 12.30pm Thursday, Qualifying for the following Monday on the One Turn and the Wednesday week on the Straight.
CANCELLING TRIALS
If Trainers have booked trials for a session and decide not to come with all their booked greyhounds it would be appreciated if they could notify GRSA so amendments can be made.
If this is at short notice then there is not much that could be done however if trainers know their confirmed numbers during normal business hours then please advise GRSA.
GRADING OF CITY A MEETINGS WHEN ANGLE PARK SHUTDOWN –
When Angle Park is redeveloped in mid April the below outcomes have been listed below -
- When Angle Park is shutdown for redevelopment that the City A meetings will be shared with Murray Bridge and Gawler. Murray Bridge will conduct back to back Thursday meetings allowing for Heats and Finals of normal and feature races. Gawler will then run back to back Sundays again allowing for Heats and Finals of normal and feature races. This will mean that there is one Metropolitan (CITY A) meeting per week.
- Feature 515m races will be run at Gawler over the 531m and any 731m feature races will be run at Murray Bridge over the 680m.
- There will be a 680m City A prizemoney at Murray Bridge each Thursday every week whether City A or Prov 1 to support these stayers during this period.
- These meetings will be considered as if the greyhounds have never raced at the venue. This will mean greyhounds will be grades Maiden, Grade 6 and Grade 5 to start with unless new into the State and regraded higher.
- With all grades starting from new (no higher than Grade 5 effectively) there will not be as higher prizemoney races per meeting initially with no high grade races being conducted. There will be a Best 8 each meeting over the 455m, 530m, 680m at Murray Bridge and a 531m and 643m at Gawler for this high grade money. (GRSA will just make up these races). Trainers need to write “No Best 8” on the nomination if they do not want to be in this event. If there are insufficient nominations for a Best 8 the Grader will make up normally graded events based on current policy.
- The Racing Department intends to run Grade 5 Heats on a regular basis but may have to run Mixed 4/5 Heats to ensure there are races for these dogs. The Finals of these races will pay the normal stakemoney for Finals (Grade 5 or Open depending on grade of Heats).
- The Grader will give preference to 455m or higher at both Murray Bridge City A and Gawler City A meetings with the intent that no short course races will be conducted. However, if there was a need to run some short course this would be under “standby” conditions.
- When a greyhound wins a Grade 5 or above over any distance at the Gawler City A and Murray Bridge City A meetings they will NOT lose any Grade 6’s at other venues. The normal rule has been suspended.
- If a greyhound has already won a Grade 6 (City A) it should be eligible for Murray Bridge City A and Gawler City A Grade 6 if they have more Grade’s to win as these are considered different tracks. They will still only be able to win one City A at each of these meetings if they do not win more races than allowed.
- There will be NO retrospectivity for Grading.
“BEAT THE GRADER” DURING REDEVELOPMENT
Our normal race schedule generally doesn’t allow for any “Beat the Grader “scenario’s, however, with the changes to both Murray Bride Prov 1 and Gawler Prov 1 this is likely to happen which is an added benefit to owners and trainers.
It will be available for the Murray Bridge Monday Prov 1 to Murray Bridge Thursday Prov 1 and then the Murray Bridge Thursday Prov 1 to Murray Bridge Monday Prov 1.
For Gawler the Friday Prov 1 to Sunday Prov 1 could happen, however, there is only a few days between meetings.
Please contact the Grader for clarification around the “Beat The Grader” policy.