Pink Diamond graduate Mepunga Ruby may have only had nine starts (five wins), but she is the greyhound to beat in tonight’s main event, the $15,250 Winter Cup Final (660m) at Bendigo.
However, she’ll need to overcome some well-credentialled opposition including SA star Shadow Mist (27 wins). Read more
Another big name racing at Bendigo tonight is Blackpool Flash (23 from 42), who made it four straight wins in last Sunday’s Puppy Championship Final at Healesville.
Speaking of the Yarra Valley straight – a great battle will take place there today between Chop Scotch (12 from 23) v Slingshot Hammer (37 wins), while at Sale tonight the impressive Massimo (11 from 24) will be looking to return to the winner’s list.
Finally, at Geelong tonight, a couple of speed demons – Benchester v Fortuna Bale – are set to face off, while other big names on the card include Gypsy Yankee (Pink Diamond Champion Sprinter Finalist) and Speed Star (46 wins), the latter being the headline act in a Veterans event.
Here’s an extensive analysis of today’s Must Watch Race, and be sure to scroll down further for ? The Watchdog’s $10 spend…
? MUST-WATCH RACE: Winter Cup Final Mixed 4/5
BOUNCE BACK ? MEPUNGA RUBY ? SHADOW MIST ? DRUMROLL PLEASE
? Bendigo ? Race 8 ? 660m ⏱ 5:39pm
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/565960242/race/8
The Watchdog says ?: Rich final and the Bendigo GRA could not have asked for a stronger line-up. New-kid-on-the-block MEPUNGA RUBY (3) captured the Pink Diamond Rookie Distance Final here last week. She is three from three since stepping up in distance and she appears to be getting stronger with every run, so she should be ready to tackle 700m soon and has the potential to be one of the best stayers in the land. BOUNCE BACK (1) is the obvious danger, and he has been taking on and beating some elite chasers in recent months. From the red draw, he is expected to hold a prominent spot at the bend, and he can run a dazzling 600m, however the last 40 to 60m is a slight concern, so he will need to turn with a solid lead. SHADOW MIST (6) is a star SA chaser and he returned to form with a dynamic 34.38sec Meadows win and should have no trouble running out the extra 60m. The only concern is the awkward draw, as he will need some room to move soon after box rise. DRUMROLL PLEASE (7) is a prolific winner who likes to scout wide in his races. He should settle in the top four and can run a cheeky race. The value runner appears to be ALL INN DUNGEE (8). He can make mistakes in his races, but he has a v12 motor and he will get plenty of room to balance up early on.
Selections: 3 – 1 – 8 – 4
