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Author: Editor BOAY
Youth sets ‘course’ for bright future
Amid the excitement of the first meeting of the new season being held at Lang Lang this Sunday, the future of coursing in Victoria appears to be in the best and brightest of hands. Each of the three coursing clubs, Benalla, Lang Lang and Longwood, has appointed a Young Trainer Representative to their committees, with the aim of providing a sounding board for the National Coursing Association of Victoria (NCA) Executive and to assist with promoting coursing, especially among other young trainers. “During the off-season we tried to involve as…
Superstar Simon Told Helen passes away
It was to be a ‘comeback’ to rival Dame Nellie Melba but, tragically, it never eventuated. Superstar Simon Told Helen was on the verge of a sensational return to racing. The reigning Australian Greyhound of the Year hadn’t raced since finishing third to Ebby Infrared in the Listed ‘The Collerson’ (520m) at Wentworth Park on January 23, just three days shy of his third birthday. Simon Told Helen was retired to stud, but fertility issues paved the way for an unexpected comeback. He was recently sent ‘north’ by his owners,…
Tonk’s “nasty” Perth Cup draw
It’s been said – and proven – on countless occasions that box draws are absolutely everything in big races. Nobody is more aware of that fact than young Anakie trainer Correy Grenfell, 27, who has his fingers crossed star sprinter Tiggerlong Tonk can overcome another nightmare draw in Saturday night’s Perth Cup final to break his Group 1 hoodoo. Tiggerlong Tonk is lining up in his 10th G1 event, having finished in the minor placings on five occasions, but his horror run of feature race alleys has continued, with the…
‘Titan’ tackles Geelong Gold Cup ‘mountain’
Champion trainer Anthony Azzopardi has scaled greyhound racing’s highest summits several times – particularly with litter brothers Whiskey Riot (G1 Melbourne Cup) and Fernando’s Riot (G1 Australian Cup). The ascent isn’t nearly as steep with his rising star Aston Titan – but, regardless, Azzopardi is enjoying the ‘climb’! Aston Titan (Box 1) lines up in Heat 5 (Race 8, 9.27pm) of the G2 Geelong Gold Cup (460m) on Friday night and Azzopardi is cautiously optimistic. “He’s no world-beater… He’s a nice city dog who might pinch a good race if…
Did you hear about the greyhound that won his 101st race and went into a bar?
David Warburton, Tatura based hobby greyhound trainer, could not be happier with his homebred greyhound Tat Warby (Banjo Boy x Fire Stricker). At the greyhound’s very first start, in February 2018, he was a winner, and more recently a winner at start number 100. And, winning again, at start number 101, more than three years later on March 22. But don’t expect the ‘evergreen’ Tat Warby – known about the house as ‘Warbo’ – to be venturing to tracks other than Shepparton any time soon. According to David, “I love…
CANINE ‘CYCLOTRON’
Has The Watchdog been hit by ‘cosmic rays’? Well, he has ‘extreme energy’ on the chances of Zevatron who has an ability to ‘accelerate particles’. Astrophysics puns aside, Zevatron is ideally drawn in the ‘pink’ alley. “Zevatron likes to use plenty of the track, and he’s armed with breathtaking pace once he balances up. So, from a good draw, there should be no excuses,” The Watchdog said. He’s also won 10 races from 30 starts and has a respectable 25.16sec PB over 450m at Shepparton. But the expert form analyst…
QUERY ON QWARA?
Two potential superstars and a faultless beginner engage in a ‘battle of speed’ over 390m. And The Watchdog has given the nod to the Andrea Dailly trained Qwara Bale – albeit with a few reservations. The expert form analyst says she’s “probably better suited over a slightly longer journey” and “runs into her gifted kennelmate”. Qwara Bale has won eight races from 15 starts, including three of her past four. Back in February, she was a Lil Dickie Oaks finalist. However, Quintana Bale – also trained by Dailly – has won…
Geelong Gold Cup heats Friday night
Some of the most exciting prospects in the land are set to line up in Friday night’s Geelong Gold Cup heats (520m), and none more so than Shima Classic – who will kick off proceedings in Heat 1 at 8.08pm. At 24 months old, Shima Classic has won eight from 14, and will be looking to bounce back from her defeat in the Ballarat Cup when she blew the start after being the fastest heat winner. Others to look out for include Kuro Kismet, winner of the Launching Pad, and…
Tiggerlong hot in Perth Cup heats
Young Anakie trainer Correy Grenfell, 27, will take aim at his second Group 1 Perth Cup (520m) victory in three years after Tiggerlong Tonk returned to his brilliant best in Saturday night’s heats at Cannington. Grenfell celebrated his first G1 victory when Orson Allen reigned supreme in Perth in 2019 and Tiggerlong Tonk has an excellent chance of breaking a frustrating G1 hoodoo next weekend at what will be his 10th attempt! He elected to bypass the Golden Easter Egg series to target Perth and Tiggerlong Tonk made his Cannington…