We’re treated to a great card tonight with the second series of Sportsbet Melbourne Cup Preludes. Greyhounds are aiming to win their Prelude and lock away a spot in heats of the Cup on Saturday November 21.

Dan Hibberd’s take
Race 3, Ayden’s Warrior (3) – “Speed all around him, he can drop to the rail and pounce late.”
Race 2, Lil Rex (4) – “Good last week at The Meadows. Step back up to ‘700’ metres suits.”
Race 9, Mepunga Turbo (7) – “There’s no reason he shouldn’t be winning.”

George Farrugia’s attack
Race 8, Aston Machine (1) – “Good draw and should be going well.”
Race 12, Dewana Missile (1) – “I think he’ll be hard to beat.”

And scroll down for my take on the card. Plus hear my thoughts before every race at Sandown Park tonight on Sky Racing 1.

And for a wrap of it all, tune in to tomorrow’s edition of Grey Areas live from midday on the Watchdog App.

BEST
Race 7, Shows Promise (1)
I was impressed by her win last week and despite this being an astronomical rise in class, box 1 counters that a fair bit. She used it last week and there’s no reason to think she can’t replicate the run, or even go better with more experience under her belt. She’ll get room to move and could upstage some of these far bigger names.

VALUE
Race 3, Mepunga Express (7)
It’s a good field but it’s nothing he’s not used to. He can begin quickly and he enjoys being out wide so the draw is no major issue. The rise in distance is somewhat of an unknown but I’ve got faith that he’ll run out the journey fine. In my eyes he’s a chance of leading for a long way, therefore represents value at a decent quote.

ANOTHER VALUE
Race 8, Mi Amigo Diablo (7)
His reputation has somewhat lost shine since his career began but we can’t forget what his ceiling is, it’s pretty high. He has Bold Thruster (6) inside of him who will charge to the rail and Kiwi Evoca (8) won’t give him any grief. He gets opportunity and at north of double figure odds worth a throw at the pegs.

WORTH THE RISK/TAKE ON
Race 5, Black Star Riot (4)
He’s a seriously fast dog but I’m not convinced two-turn track racing in the city suits him best. He’s unlikely to fire out from the boxes and those drawn wide will be cutting down on him. For one of his ability, his form at the track is only fair and at around even money I think there’s good reason to be taking him on.

QUADDIE
Race 5: 1,4,7,8
Race 6: 1
Race 7: 1,2,3,8
Race 8: 1,3,6,7