It’s a decent set of Cup heats tonight at Geelong. Like previous editions, we expect success to largely come from local kennels with greyhounds who have had experience on this moderately inside track at Geelong. With six heats, winners and the two fastest runners-up will progress to next Friday’s final.

The first heat kicks off at 8.27pm. Hear my thoughts before every race at Geelong on Sky Racing 1.

BEST
Race 5, Mav Reiko (3)
He’s had some wide draws in his past few runs which are not to his liking. Box 3 suits him much better and this field isn’t of the depth he’s been used to. Simply Stunning (2) is the main danger but if Mav Reiko can be in contention early, he’ll be hard to hold out.

NEXT BEST
Race 6, Avengement (5)
Box 5 is one that suits this fella, he enjoys being in that part of the track. He’s been beginning well enough to be in strong contention early and it’s a track he would’ve been educated at. Tripped Out (2) is the likely leader but Avengement has muscle and can run him down.

BEST VALUE
Race 10, Galento (4)
He’s one who generally begins well every time he races. He’s had a recent crack at Mount Gambier, but prior to that ran a really solid time at Sandown Park, which would stand up here if he was to go to the front again. He’s honest and should run a good race.

LAY/TAKE ON
Race 8, Brother Doom (8)
He’s young and powerful but this is clearly his biggest test yet. He lacks initial speed out of the boxes and those he comes up against are very handy, led by Sparring (5) and Keep Rolling (2). Combine that with the box draw, he looks well under the odds at $3.

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