Todd Gray Previews the SA National Finals
TODD GRAY SAYS -
NATIONAL SPRINT CHAMPIONSHIP SA FINAL
Well after getting the raw end of the deal in the box draw for last month’s Champion Puppy Final the Murray Kennel got blessed by this box draw this week with Kalden Gambino for father Ray drawing the red which he loves and Real Flash for son Troy who LOVES the pink rug. Real Flash has already tasted Group success by winning the Group 2 WA Oaks however they have got plenty of opposition in tonight’s cracking field. I’ve always had time for Young Gun McBain and he is flying at the moment. His best qualities are that he can do it at both ends, he can lead or come from behind, although will need to be 100% on song to do the latter. Alderley Reform is as honest as they come but could get cluttered up early trying to get to the rails, he is the hardest railer in SA and will finish on if a clear run presents itself. There is plenty of early speed here and though I don’t think dogs like Margret Keeping and Emerley Senorita (who won her heat) can win here, they sure can dish it up early and maybe cause a little hustle and bustle looking for the lead on the first turn here. Alex’s Entity has a ton of ability but is becoming very hit or miss at the start and can’t afford to miss it here. Of course I have to mention the 2014 Greyhound of the year Wild Soul, he is carrying more injuries then the entire AFL league but yet still finds a way to be completive with the top grade types. I definitely can see him running into the multiples. Father versus son for the Murrays and the good draws to boot but a field full of depth.
I’m going for the upset with Young Gun McBain and would love to see the old timer Wild Soul filling a First 4 spot.
Selections 2-8-1-6
NATIONAL DISTANCE CHAMPIONSHIP SA FINAL
We have the best of the best here, our best stayers in the State who have been sharing the wins between them every time they meet. Luna Jinx can jump and of course storm home when she’s in the right mood; she will be favourite but has loads of opposition. Her draw isn’t good but this has never affected her before as she is a multiple group race winner and is the one to beat. Psychotic Gold proved too strong for Placid Planet winning her heat after a lengthy spell, she got through the field well and with a clear run will give them a massive shake. Grifter Bale is drawn perfectly, he loves it out wide but could get hit early as Zipping Bart in the 8 box loves to rail and they could clean each other up in the first 100 metres. Placid Planet will be your early leader but against this opposition will need to be a good way in front and on song to hold them out. I think Springvale Clint is the best of the roughies, a good honest railing type and can definite feature on the multiple tickets. Here Comes Henry is a smart type but a little out of his depth here and Allen Warlock is outside chance for the exotics.
Which one of the three favourites will be the first to get a crack at the early leader Placid Planet, I think it’ll be Luna Jinx.
Good luck to all connections in two fantastic finals with the winner of each final representing SA at Wentworth Park later this month for the Group 1 National finals.
Selections 4-7-2-5