The McKenna Memorial final headlines tonight’s racing at Sandown Park but it isn’t the only thing to be excited by – the quaddie legs are packed with attractions.
Here’s when to set your alarms and why.
Race 5 (7.40pm) – Quaddie begins with a cracker
– One of the fastest greyhounds on the planet Aston Rupee (7) returns to Sandown Park for the first time since he dominated at Speed Star.
– Ferdinand Boy (6) steps up to the plate. He’s won two country cups, saluted in 23 of 41 starts and tonight makes his city debut. A dissapointing trial at Geelong last Tuesday and a record breaking win at Shepparton on Monday has been his lead up. Opened at $10, now $4.20!
– Australian Cup and Sapphire Crown finalist Shima Classic (5) is due to bounce back. She’s been unplaced in her past three, she’s better than that and could remind us so tonight.
Race 6 (8.02pm) – McKenna Memorial final
– Class act Christo Bale (2) is shooting for back-to-back McKennas. He’s one of the most consistent operators in the business having finished on the podium in 49 of his 64 starts. He’s been $3 into $2.50 to win with TAB.
– Shadow Mist (1) has been the move of the morning. The Million Dollar Chase finalist of 2020 has been $6.50 into $4.60 with many taking confidence from his perfect box 1 draw.
– What about Jarick? Jarick Bale (8) was sensational as the fastest heat winner last week however hasn’t seen much support mainly given his ‘car park’ draw.
The McKenna Memorial commemorates one of the sport’s most influential administrators, Jack McKenna. He became secretary of the Tatura Plumpton Coursing Club at just 18 years of age and in the early 1930s, was recruited to Springvale to take over the administration of the then Sandown Park Coursing Company. McKenna was instrumental in the purchase of the land on which the club now stands.
Race 7 (8.25pm) – The stayers step out
– Potential top line stayer Mepunga Ruby (5) is aiming for a picket fence of five wins in-a-row. She’s been impressive since stepping up in distance. The sudden nature of it suggests that trainer Jeff Britton has high hopes for the future.
– In recent years we’ve seen Rob Britton clean up feature staying events with Tornado Tears and Here’s Tears. The most recent family member to the kennel is Empress Tears (1), she’s been good since moving to Victoria but yet to break through for a win.
– Sale Cup finalist I’m Easy Boys (3) will be looking for control of the race early and a more suitable draw than last week should see him do so.
Race 8 (8.49pm) – How good is a Free-For-All
– Sapphire Crown winner Qwara Bale (2) returns to Victoria after a brief stint in Queensland for the Brisbane Cup. She’s undefeated from five starts out of box 2 and is Sky Racing’s Jason Lincoln’s best of the night.
– Star sprinter Catch The Thief (8) returns to the city for the first time since he was runner-up to Tiggerlong Tonk in May’s Harrison-Dawson. Awkward box draws have been the norm for him recently but typically he handles them well.
– One Night Only’s (1) English contingent of owners will be hoping he can get away cleaner than last week. He’s been $6.50 into $4.40 to make the most of box 1 this time around.
The word from RSN Central’s Form Express
Earlier today Jason Thompson joined Gareth Hall to discuss the chances of Equalizer and Aston Fastnet at Albion Park plus his two runners at Sandown Park tonight.
Race 8, 8. Catch The Thief
“He’s probably going in one run underdone, but drawn well. Tough race, these Free-For-Alls aren’t easy but we think he’s a definite chance. We’d like to think he’d finish in the top 3.”
Race 12, 3. Collinda Beast
“He does (look tough to beat). He’s a quick dog but at very short odds – he’s had 16 starts for seven wins and no placings, we’re hoping he can find the front and from there he’ll be hard to beat.”
Click here to listen to the full segment
TAB are projecting a $75,000 quaddie pool which includes a $10,000 jackpot. The quaddie kicks off at 7.40pm, click here for latest markets.
Planning to come to the track? As always entry is free. Don’t hesitate to get involved in our Winter Buffet Special – purchase a meal in July and get one free in August. Click here to book!
Related
McKenna heats wrap – Jarick a star on the rise
Mepunga duo attack McKenna
Ferdinand Boy faces test on city debut
Your copy of tonight’s race book
Click here for tonight’s fields
Don’t forget the action in Brisbane!
The G1 Brisbane Cup will be run at Albion Park tonight – 9.13pm. Superstar sprinter Shima Shine is the popular pick with the powerhouse Equalizer second in line. Promising Victorian stayer Five Star lines up in the Queensland Cup which is also at G1 level.
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