The Watchdog's Daily Mail

Sunday, 01 May, 2022,
by @WatchDogRacing

Daily Mail: More joy for ‘Roy’ at Healesville?

Hazey Roy – victorious in his last three races – has been tipped by The Watchdog to extend his winning run in a terrific 350m Special Event for Veterans at Healesville this morning.

Track specialist Slingshot Reaper, dual G2 finalist Benchester and 2020 G3 Healesville Cup winner Zambora Lou are all strong contenders.

In-form chasers Shima Sheen, Dr. Slats and Duncan clash in an even 350m Free For All.

Nifty Nangar is eyeing his fourth win from his last five starts in a Grade 5 595m heat at Sandown Park this afternoon, while Hummock v My Seanna and Mystify Kick v Zarate should be exciting duels.

Fearless Max is in action at Sale tonight after a Sandown Park 29.42 win on Thursday night.

Today’s Racing

Healesville: 10:48am start
Form Tips Key stats

Sandown Park: 1:58pm start
Form Tips Key stats

Sale: 5:04pm start
Form Tips Key stats

Today’s Drawcards

ZAMBORA LOU

Trainer: Mark Delbridge
? Healesville ? Race 4
? Box 4 ? 350m ⏱ 11:42am

Claim to fame:
– 1st 2020 G3 Healesville Cup
– 18.97 PB Healesville 350m

TAB fixed odds: $4.40

The Watchdog says: No

DR. SLATS

Trainer: William McMahon
? Healesville ? Race 6
? Box 3 ? 350m ⏱ 12:24pm

Claim to fame:
– Won last 3 (11 of 20 overall)
– Won 3 from 4 Trk/Dst

TAB fixed odds: $1.85

The Watchdog says: Yes

NIFTY NANGAR

Trainer: Greg Schofield
? Sandown Park ? Race 7
? Box 4 ? 595m ⏱ 4:05pm

Claim to fame:
– Won 4 of last 6
– 37.37 PB Shepparton 650m

TAB fixed odds: $2.25

The Watchdog says: No

? THE WATCHDOG’S $10 INVESTMENT ?
? Sunday 1 May

? $2 Place – SMART AS JACK

? Must Watch Race ?

Special Event for Veterans

? Healesville ? Race 4
? Box 8 ? 350m ⏱ 11:42am

TAB fixed odds: $3.50 Place (Top two finish required)

The Watchdog says ?: I didn’t have SMART AS JACK (8) in my top four tips, however with the scratching of SODA DIAMOND (7), I think his chances have enhanced and at the price, he represents value. His recent form has been solid enough and with the abundance of pace inside, there could be some bunching up front, so if he can stay wide and out of trouble, he can sneak into the top two.

‘Must Watch Race’ Preview ?:

Cracking veterans event and we see a number of chasers still racing with tremendous confidence. ZAMBORA LOU (4) won the 2020 Group 3 Healesville Cup and he returns after five months off the scene and a change of kennel. If he is fully fit, he is obviously a great chance, however it won’t be a walk in the park. HAZEY ROY (6) has returned to racing in style having won three-of-five here since resuming and he will appreciate empty draws on either side. He has a devastating turn of foot once balanced and he should be able to assume control in the middle stages. SLINGSHOT REAPER (1) is a track specialist. If he can step on terms, he should hold a top two spot early and be a major player throughout. BENCHESTER (2) is a prolific winner, and he has been dominant in his past two, so he must be respected, while SMART AS JACK (8) has a wonderful record here and he will get plenty of room in the initial stages.

Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666538537/race/4

The Watchdog’s selections: 6 – 1 – 2 – 4

? $4 Multi

First ?: Win – BIG BERTHA
? Sandown Park ? Race 3 ? Box 1 ? 595m ⏱ 2:37pm
TAB fixed odds: $1.55 Win
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666538538/race/3

Second ?: Place – SMOOTH CRUISER
? Sandown Park ? Race 4 ? Box 2 ? 515m ⏱ 2:58pm
TAB fixed odds: $1.50 Place (Top two finish required)
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666538538/race/4

Third ?: Win – HUMMOCK
? Sandown Park ? Race 6 ? Box 1 ? 515m ⏱ 3:44pm
TAB fixed odds: $1.60 Win
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666538538/race/6

The Watchdog says ? : BIG BERTHA (1) has been costly to date but the rise in distance should suit and I’m willing to give her one more chance today. SMOOTH CRUISER (2) finds himself in a race which lacks early speed, so he should be able to assume control at the bend and a top-two finish looks likely. HUMMOCK (1) is a serious talent and looks well graded today, so with a clear run early, he will prove hard to hold out.

Multi price: $3.72

? $2 Multi

First ?: Win – BIG BERTHA
? Sandown Park ? Race 3 ? Box 1 ? 595m ⏱ 2:37pm
TAB fixed odds: $1.55 Win
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666538538/race/3

Third ?: Win – HUMMOCK
? Sandown Park ? Race 6 ? Box 1 ? 515m ⏱ 3:44pm
TAB fixed odds: $1.60 Win
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666538538/race/6

Fourth ?: Win – MYSTIFY KICK
? Sandown Park ? Race 8 ? Box 1 ? 595m ⏱ 4:23pm
TAB fixed odds: $1.70 Win
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666538538/race/8

The Watchdog says ? : MYSTIFY KICK (1) has been crying out for this distance range, so if he can step on terms, he should be in the top three as they pass the post the first time and he should then prove too classy in the run home.

Multi price: $6.32

? $2 Win – CAPRA ? Lucky Longshot ?
? Sandown Park ? Race 7 ? Box 2 ? 595m ⏱ 4:05pm
TAB fixed odds: $7 Win
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666538538/race/7

The Watchdog says ? : His recent form is much better than it looks, and he appears to be the obvious leader today. He settled on the pace last time out at The Meadows over 600m and although he got tired, he ran out the journey a lot better than I thought he would. So, with a cheap lead today, he should be able to break away mid-race and give us a great sight.

Today’s News

@WatchDogRacing

Get a heads up on which SUPERSTAR GREYHOUNDS are racing every day, along with replays of the EYE-CATCHING WINNERS from the day before. Follow @WatchDogRacing on Twitter or Facebook.