Thursday Preview - Murray Bridge - 20th May, 2021
By The Shadow
Tonight, here at Murray Bridge we have three heats of the SA 2021 Distance Championships over the 680m which are races 2 – 4 on the programme. We have a sprinkle of interstate visitors engaged which will make for interesting racing on the 12-event card. As always, all races are Trifecta and First Four events.
Race 1 - The Johnstone kennel can kick start the night with a winner with Sandave Vision down in box 1, she has early pace and her recent form here has been handy. Lana Roads has been placed at both her runs at this venue, she can be hit and miss but is amongst the better chances. Box Up 1.2.4.8
Race 2 - Burn Time looks very hard to beat in the 1st of the three heats of the Distance Championship, he has won 19 from 53 and was 3rd behind Zack Monelli at Sandown last run, he is drawn to win. Shadow Burner along with Springvale Shine can run into the placings but have a task ahead of them. 1 From 4.5.7 boxed.
Race 3 - Fantastic Radley is now based in SA and has very good credentials, he has only had the 12 starts and looks to have a bright future ahead of him, he looks hard to beat. Bedrock Fred has early pace and is a chance of leading here, he has been racing well and is a sneaky chance of pinching this with luck. Barbados Express is another who can skip to the front and must be included. Box Up 1.2.4.5
Race 4 - This is heat 3 of the Championships and Gary’s Miracle has been in terrific form at this circuit, she is drawn to lead and is our top pick. New Year Tears won here last start at handy odds for us and is another who has been in form and looks amongst the better chances again. Add Just Wins Boss who has handy WA form. Box Up 2.4.5.7
Race 5 - Agent Hamish continues to win, he has won four of his last five and is a smart type when out in front, he can carve out some slick times and looks very hard to beat again. Right Way’s form is more than handy and can run into the money again. Finniss Reign and Blakes Crossing for the minors. Box Up 3 from 1.7.8
Race 6 - This certainly is a quality event over the 455m and Danyo’s Wylie continues on his winning way, he has saluted at his last 5 runs here and can win from any draw and should make it six tonight. Woodside Zulu will be charging late, add Springvale Vinnie along with Stiff Wind for the First Four. Box Up 1.5.6.7
Race 7 - Max Voltage has won his last four here all from wide draws, he is drawn to win again on recent form. Coco Nova has won her past two at Warrnambool both in quick times, she has a handy strike rate and is the danger. Beatific was a last Gawler winner in quick time and is a threat from the draw. Box Up 2.3.4.8
Race 8 - There certainly are a few chances in this high-quality affair, Air Marshall was never in the hunt last start at Gawler, he was racing well prior and loves this venue. He is drawn to rebound and looks the testing material. Threaten was a very good winner at Gawler last run-in quick time, he has early pace and is right in the mix. Bulleteer has handy Victorian form with wins at Shepparton and Warrnambool in his last four runs, must be included. Box Up 2.3.7.8
Race 9 - The Ben Rawlings kennel rarely leave the track without a winner and they have a very good chance with Snakebite Me here, he has been racing well with recent wins at Gawler in quick times and his early pace will enhance his hopes in this. Boundin Baby hasn’t missed a cheque at her last five runs here and is well drawn. Blazing Strings and Weblec Rebel can run into the First Four. Box Up 2.5.7.8
Race 10 - The book ends here look the main chances in Alfieri (1) and Diorite Fire (8) both are very smart when on the lure they can run quick times and are hard to separate so we will Quinella them. Shanlyn Charlott and Cyclone Arrow can run into the First Four. Box Up 1.2.4.8
Race 11 - Straight Blaze has the form on the board and goes very well at this venue, he can handle the middle draw and will be right in the finish again. Jacks Knight has won here in the past and is drawn to have every chance. Naja Naja will be doing his best work late. Box Up 1.2.4.5
Race 12 - Terrific Keith can send us home on a winning note after a big night of racing, he was beaten here last start when unplaced but can bounce back in this. Time Striker has early pace and is drawn to run another bold race. Raging Redline was a last start winner here when backed off the map and is the danger. Box Up 1.2.4.7
Best Bets
Race 1 No: 1 - Sandave Vision
Race 9 No: 5 - Snakebite Me
Race 10 No: 1 - Alfieri
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 May was released last 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: 8,2,10,5
Race 2: 1,5,7,2
Race 3: 5,2,4,1
Race 4: 2,7,4,1
Race 5: 3,7,1,8
Race 6: 6,4,7,5
Race 7: 1,3,2,7
Race 8: 3,2,4,7
Race 9: 5,7,2,4
Race 10: 2,1,8,5
Race 11: 7,4,1,5
Race 12: 2,4,5,1
Best Bets: Race 12, No. 2 - Terrific Keith
Each-Way: Race 1, No. 1 - Rushes
Roughie: Race 11, No. 7 - Blazin’ Chevy
MURRAY BRIDGE THURSDAY (CITY A)
Next weeks Murray Bridge Thursday meeting features –
$11,460 Final SA Distance Championship – 680m (Heats 20/5/21)
$4,715 Mix 4/5 Final – 455m (Heats 20/5/21)
$4,715 Best 8 – 455m (Trainers need to nominate “No Best 8” if do not want to be considered)
$2,985 Bitches Grade 6 – 455m
$2,255 Open Maiden – 455m
$5,120 Special Event (N/P) – 530m (All grades considered)
******Standby Shortcourse only run if required******
Nominations close Monday 24th May with GRSA at 9.00am.
GAWLER SUNDAY (Prov 1)
Next weeks Gawler Sunday meeting features –
$2,000 Heats 2021 Howard Ashton–Group 3-531m (Classic Event. No penalties or awards apply. SA Bred greyhounds whelp Jan 19-Jun 19 & paid up for Breeders 2021. Semis 6/6/21, Final 13/6/21)
$1,310 Grade 6 Final – 400m (Heats 23/5/21)
$1,310 Masters Grade 5 - 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)
Nominations close Wednesday 26th May with GRSA at 9.00am.
LOCAL NEWS
2021 MURRAY BRIDGE STRAIGHT TRACK CUP QUALIFIERS
Heats were conducted yesterday for the Murray Bridge Straight Track Cup for next weeks final on Wednesday 26th May with qualifiers listed below.
The box draw for this final will be conducted oncourse tonight at Murray Bridge:
Qualifiers –
1st Miss Cola - Bec Romyn 19.08
2nd Braemar Prince – Mark Strahan 19.16
1st Aston Olenna – David Peckham 18.90
2nd Max Hombre – Lauren Harris 19.16
1st Shavano - Bec Romyn 18.90
2nd Lavish Pedro – Richard Stasiak 19.07
1st Ransom’s Pride - Bec Romyn 19.08
2nd Aston Hayato – David Peckham 19.11
Reserves
3rd Max Amigo – Lauren Harris 19.11
3rd Sweet On Me – David Peckham 19.18
3rd Bango Lizzy – Bec Romyn 19.18
(both Sweet On Me and Bango Lizzy will need to be separated to three decimal points to confirm the order of entry)
SA DISTANCE CHAMPIONSHIP HEATS TONIGHT
We have 3 fantastic heats of the SA Distance Championship tonight at Murray Bridge Greyhound Racing Club with the first heat being race 2 on the program and jumping at 7:04pm.
It's one not to miss with the State's best stayers competing over the new 680m distance at The Bridge.
SIR TRUCULENT AT SANDOWN FOR GROUP 1 HEATS TONIGHT
SA star Sir Truculent returns to Victoria in Heat 3 of the Group 1 Sandown Cup tonight at Sandown Greyhounds where he has drawn box 4.
It's the Truck's first start at Sandown since his 2nd placing in the Group 1 Bold Trease Final in November and based on his win at Murray Bridge last Thursday night he looks to have found some handy form to give this one a shake too. Good luck to luck to Sir Truculent and trainer Wally Harkins.
SATURDAY MORNING MEETINGS ONCE A FORTNIGHT AT GAWLER
The next meeting will be on Saturday, 29th May at Gawler which will be a Timed Graded Meeting - “Worst to Best” rating. Maiden and 5+ win races will have first preference. Greyhounds will be graded into 3 categories, Maidens, 1-4 wins and 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, 25th May at 9.00am.
2021 GROUP 3 HOWARD ASHTON HEATS ON 30TH MAY – NOMINATIONS CLOSE ON WEDNESDAY
The major race for Breeders 2021 is the Group 3 Howard Ashton which will be run at Gawler over the 531m journey this year.
Trainers are reminded that the $2,000 Heats will be run on Sunday, 30th May. These will be followed by the $4,000 Semi-Finals on 6th June and the $37,500 Final on 13th June.
The race is for greyhounds that are eligible for Breeders 2021. Greyhounds didn't have to have compete in the Preludes to run in the Group 3 Howard Ashton.
• Nominations for the Heats close on Wednesday, 26th May with GRSA at 9.00am
CHANGE TO SHANE MCQUEEN FEATURE DUE TO ANGLE PARK SHUTDOWN
The Shane Mcqueen Feature will now be run at Murray Bridge over 530m.
For the best greyhounds nominated
Heats @ $5,120 – Thursday 17.06.21
Final @ $8,580 – Thursday 24.06.21
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).
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. N
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.
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
Murray Bridge Thursday 20th May
Murray Bridge Thursday 27th May
Gawler Sunday 6th June
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
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.
UPCOMING GOTBA RACING DATES
The Coursing at Virginia continues with 4 dog events programmed.
Upcoming dates are –
Sunday 23rd May
Sunday 6th June
Sunday 20th June