The Meadows play host this Saturday night to arguably one of the best nights of racing. Eight extraordinary heats of the Group 1 $355,000 Australian Cup (525m) and four fantastic heats of the Group 1 $145,000 Australian Stayers Cup (725m), we look set to be treated to a supreme night of elite greyhound racing.

Xtreme Knocka (pictured) has drawn box four in the opening race at 7.13pm. This greyhound just continues to gain respect with such a consistent record spanning just under 100 starts. He was desperately unlucky in the Group 1 $108,000 Rookie Rebel (600m) last outing (Replay) and I think he’s drawn a winnable heat of the Australian Cup (Form Guide).

Many would have had Lithgow Panther engaged in the staying heats (Form Guide) but trainer Rob Britton has elected to drop this middle distance expert back to the sprint. Pop The Cork who has drawn on his outside, clearly looks the one to beat. He appears to have enough pace to contest the lead and from there he should be hard to hold out. Pop The Cork produced a superb performance at Sandown a few weeks back (Replay) with the dominant win last outing, and he should be full of confidence and ready to strike again.

No Donuts has drawn another very winnable race in the fifth event of the night, heat two for Group 1 Superstayers (Form Guide). After winning the Group 1 $108,000 Zoom Top (725m) last week he is coming into the Group 1 heats as the number one stayer of the moment (Replay). Drawn out wide he looks set to sail to the lead early, although I will be expecting a bold showing from Kilkee Flex, who has drawn well in box two.

Dalgetty came up with the seven alley in race six (Form Guide) of the night and if he can repeat his slashing 29.42 Group 1 Temlee victory (Replay), there won’t be a greyhound in the nation that can roll him.

A short stint at the middle distance had the mighty Dyna Double One breaking both metro track records and acquiring the Group 1 $108,000 Rookie Rebel (600m). It would have to be the greatest start to a 600m career in a long time, if not ever. So with that in mind many eyes will be watching the stunning greyhound as he endeavours to win his fourth Group 1 event.

So many of the elite will be throwing everything at Group 1 glory over the next fortnight so there’s no doubt we are going to be treated to some memorable races. It all begins this Saturday night at The Meadows, so be there and make history.

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James’ Quaddie (Race 5-8)

2,7/7/1,4,8/2

James’ $20 to spend
Transport to The Meadows.