Thursday Preview - Murray Bridge - 17th June 2021
By The Shadow
Tonight, here at Murray Bridge we have a 12-event programme which includes three heats of the 2021 Shane McQueen, races (3-5) over the 530m, all three heats are very strong so it will make for a terrific final next week. We have racing over 3 distances tonight and we kick start the night with a 680m where we see the exciting youngster Fantastic Radley engaged. As always, all races are Trifecta and First Four events.
Race 1 - We start the night over the 680m and Fantastic Radley will start a very short price favourite in this, he ran down Sir Truculent here last week and looks far too good for these once again. Aston Kipchoge along with New year Tears for the minors. 1 from 4 and 8.
Race 2 - With several scratching’s in this event we are down to three runners, we will go with Ferocious Steve out in box 8, he has had 6 starts for 4 placings and the other two runners are litter mates both in the Greg Board kennel making their debut. 8 from 4 and 6
Race 3 - This is the first of the McQueen heats and we will go with Jacks Well who was very unlucky at Gawler last start, he is drawn to be right on the heels of the leader and is very strong. Spring Vinnie will be running on and looks a strong hope along with Fantastic Shell. Box Up 2.3.6.7
Race 4 - Zipping Sultan has been racing well at Gawler winning two runs back in quick time and is drawn to run a cheeky race here at the Bridge tonight. Gary’s Miracle loves this venue, she has early pace and is drawn to lead and will be high balling in front and is the danger. Bomb Proof is making his SA debut and must be kept safe along with Fantastic Pippa. Box Up 1.2.6.7
Race 5 - This is the last of the three heats and it’s certainly a wide-open affair, we will go with Zipping Benson who is in the Ken Gill kennel, he has won his last four including a BON win at Gawler he handles a wide draw and is our top pick. Max Voltage is well drawn as is Rushes. Box Up 1.4.7.8
Race 6 - The Murray kennel rarely leave without a winner and the have a strong chance with Agent Swan here, she has been in terrific form winning her last four and looks one of the better bets on the programme. Terrific Keith is another who has been in the winner’s circle and is the main danger. Box Up 1.2.7.8
Race 7 - This is a wide open affair so it makes for a terrific first four bet, Snakebite Me is my top pick he has the form on the board winning his last three but there is a heap of pace around him so he will need to ping the lids. Like A Librarian is very capable when on song and has been well supported at his past two runs. Meet Joe Black along with Sudden Force both are chances. Box Up 2.3.5.8
Race 8 - Zipping Cola resumed from a spell and was a strong winner from this draw last week, he looks very hard to beat again from out here. Aston Achilles has been in the money at his last five at this venue and is very close to breaking through. Toby West has found form and is our top 3. Box Up 2.3.4.8
Race 9 - I like the inside three here with Cold Esky being my top pick, his past two wins here have been very good, and he should have the pace to find the front again. Hot Rocks has been racing at Gawler and is drawn to have every chance. Gemtree Apollo is a must for the Trifecta. Box Up 1.2.3.9
Race 10 - Spring Crossing has been in fine form and is always a chance along with Naja Naja and Forte Nero who both will be doing their best work late in a wide open affair. Box Up 1.6.7.9
Race 11 - Kelly’s Missile has been racing well and can handle the wide draw. Rock It Barcia has won her past two at the Mount and is drawn for a forward showing. Steal The Prize is lightly raced and shows ability. Box Up 3.4.6.7
Race 12 - There is a bit of early pace in this so let’s hope Halis Girl can skip to the front and pinch this in the last, she is a chance of leading the inside brigade. Spofforth will be rattling home along with Classic McLaren, add Aston Thunder for the First Four. Box Up 1.4.5.8
Best Bets
Race 3, No: 2 - Jack’s Well
Race 6, No: 2 - Agent Swan
Best Each-Way
Race 12, No: 4 - Hali’s Girl
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 was released today 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 fantastic night of racing at Murray Bridge.
First 4 selections –
Race 1: 1,4,8,6
Race 2: 4,6,8
Race 3: 2,7,6,1
Race 4: 6,1,2,4
Race 5: 1,8,7,3
Race 6: 7,8,2,6
Race 7: 1,5,8,7\
Race 8: 8,6,3,1
Race 9: 1,2,8,3
Race 10: 7,2,1,5
Race 11: 10,3,4,7
Race 12: 2,8,4,1
Best Bets: Race 5, No. 1 - Max Voltage
Each-Way: Race 9, No. 1 - Hot Rocks
Roughie: Race 11, No. 10 - Weblec Rebel
MURRAY BRIDGE THURSDAY (CITY A)
Next weeks Murray Bridge Thursday meeting features –
$8,580 Shane McQueen Final – 530m (Best greyhounds nominated. Heats 17/6/21)
$5,120 Free For All (N/P)– 680m
$3,280 Grade 6 Final – 455m (Heats 17/6/21)
$2,255 Open Maiden – 455m
$3,585 Mixed – 455m
$3,280 Bitches Grade 5 – 455m
******Standby Shortcourse only run if required******
Nominations close Monday 21st June with GRSA at 9.00am.
GAWLER SUNDAY (Prov 1)
Next weeks Gawler Sunday meeting features –
$1,700 Grade 5 Final – 400m (Heats 20/6/21)
$1,395 Mixed Masters - 400m (For greyhounds 3¾yo or over at time of nom - must have raced previous 6 months or qualy trialled in that time. 4yo and higher will have preference. N/P)
$2,075 Maiden/Graded 6 – 643m
$1,230 Juvenile – 400m
Nominations close Wednesday 23rd June with GRSA at 9.00am.
LOCAL NEWS
2021 SHANE MCQUEEN HEATS TONIGHT AT MURRAY BRIDGE
There are three $5,120 Heats of the Shane McQueen Feature tonight at Murray Bridge over the 530m with some of the best sprinter/middle distance greyhounds in the State competing. The likes of Jack’s Well, Spring Vinnie, Gary’s Miracle, Zipping Sultan, Max Voltage and Rushes will all do battle.
The first 2 and two fastest thirds from each heat will qualify the $8,580 Final on Thursday 24th June with the box draw to be conducted oncourse after the running of race 6 tonight.
CLASSIC AND BREEDERS FUTURITY PAYMENTS – DUE TOMORROW (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.
GOTBA COURSING CANCELLED THIS WEEKEND
The GOTBA Coursing programmed for this Sunday has been cancelled due to a lack of nominations. The clubs next meeting will be on Sunday 4th July.
UPCOMING GOTBA RACING DATES
The Coursing at Virginia continues with 4 dog events programmed.
Upcoming dates are –
Sunday 4th July
Sunday 18th July
Sunday 15th August
Sunday 29th August
PROV 1 PRIZEMONEY FOR MOUNT GAMBIER FROM JULY 1
It is confirmed that the increase to Provincial 1 will be from Mount Gambier’s Sunday meeting on 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, however, the impact of these changes will be monitored by GRSA.
BORDER CHALLENGE (MT GAMBIER V WARNAMBOOL) SERIES POSTPONED TO AUGUST
After consultation with the Mt Gambier GRC and Warrnambool GRC the Border Challenge series between the two Clubs has been postponed.
The Mt Gambier series was to be run on the 20th and 27th June, however, due to ongoing SA and VIC border restrictions both Clubs felt it should be postponed to ensure the series viability. The Clubs are looking at reprogramming sometime in August.
The Conditions for the series are:
Maximum of 2 Heats. If 1 Heat first 4 through, if 2 Heats first two through to $5,800 Final over 512m at Mt Gambier.
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 3 months.
Greyhound must have started at least four times in the past 12 months at Tara Raceway.
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 -
For greyhounds whelped in 2019 – special conditions apply. Special Event – No Penalties Apply – unraced greyhounds are eligible.
Heats @ $2,000 Friday, 2nd July (Prov1)
Semi-Finals @ $3,500* Sunday, 11th July (City A) *for this year it will be higher prizemoney due to being run at a City A meeting
Final @ $22,000 Sunday, 18th July (Prov1)
Consolation @ $3,500 Sunday, 18th July (Prov1)
• Nominations close Tuesday, 29th June at 9.00am.
50th ANNIVERSARY AT GAWLER IN JULY
In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Gawler Greyhound Racing Club there will be a Feature Open Event run on Sunday, 18th July worth a total of $10,000.
The race will be run over the 531m and will be run on the Gawler Produce Final night.
• Nominations close with GRSA at 9am on Wednesday, 14th July
CHAMPION PUPPY MOVED TO AUGUST AND CONDUCTED AT GAWLER
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 with the Heats on Sunday, 1st August and the Final on Sunday, 8th August. GRSA has committed to running this series in this timeslot and with Angle Park not being ready at this time the series will be run at Gawler and will coincide with the City A meetings.
The Heats will be worth $5,595 with the Final now worth $14,275.
• Nominations for the Heats close with GRSA at 9am on Wednesday, 28th Jul
CITY A MEETINGS FOR PRIZEMONEY AND GRADING AT THE VENUE
Murray Bridge Thursday 24th June
Gawler Sunday 4th July
Gawler Sunday 11th July
Murray Bridge Thursday 15th July
Murray Bridge Thursday 22nd July
Gawler Sunday 1st August
Gawler Sunday 8th August
Murray Bridge Thursday 12th August
Murray Bridge Thursday 19th August
License expiry
GRSA licenses expire on 30th June which is less than two weeks away. All Trainers, Breeders, Attendants and Owner/Attendants licenses will expire on that date.
If you have not renewed your license, you will not be able to participate. In order to have nominations accepted for the Murray Bridge meeting on Thursday 1st July you must be re-registered by close of business Friday 25th June. Please keep in mind that staff need time to process licenses so do yourself a favour and get it organised NOW!
Some Owners’ licenses will be due to expire on June 30th as well, please remind your Owners (including syndicate members) to check their license expiry date as their greyhounds will not be able to be nominated if their license has expired.
If you have any questions please call Lauren at GRSA Licencing on 8243 7100 or email Lauren.O'[email protected].
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 shut down 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.
CANCELLING TRIALS
If Trainers have booked trials for a session and decide not to come with all of 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.