Race caller Dan Hibberd believes Saturday night’s National Distance Championship Final (715m) at Sandown Park is one of the most open races on the card, with as many as five genuine winning chances.
But despite the depth of the field, Hibberd says it is impossible to tip against Miss Envy after the star stayer came up with box two.
“This distance final is a cracker. Probably five of the eight could win it with the right luck,” Hibberd said.
“But it is impossible to tip against Miss Envy, who comes up with the perfect draw and she just keeps running.”
Miss Envy boasts a perfect record from three starts over the staying journey, including Group 1 success in Queensland where she defeated several of the greyhounds she will meet again on Saturday night.
She is also no stranger to Sandown Park, with Hibberd pointing to her stunning Sir John Dillon Memorial victory on Melbourne Cup night last year as evidence of her ability around the circuit.
“Her Sir John Dillon win on Cup night here last year was one of the best ever over the trip,” he said.
Boom Bam Ranger looms as one of the major dangers after an impressive hit-out over the middle distance at Sandown last week followed his sensational victory in the NSW National Distance Final.
“Boom Bam Ranger trialled super over the middle trip here last week and his NSW Final win was sensational,” Hibberd said.
“He just needs to get across from the draw early to be a massive danger.”
Popular NSW stayer Magpie Hector has drawn the coveted box one and Hibberd expects him to be doing his best work late.
“You would think he gets a good run early through the first corner,” he said.
“He will be motoring at the finish, but he wouldn’t want to give the leaders too much of a head start.”
Victorian Greyhound of the Year Without A Trace adds another layer of intrigue to the final.
While her recent performances have been below the lofty standards she has set throughout her career, Hibberd is reluctant to dismiss a greyhound capable of producing something special.
“Without A Trace is just hard to assess,” he said.
“Her last couple haven’t been anywhere near her best and she would need to produce something special to win it, but we know what she is capable of.”
Hibberd also identified Queensland performer Beautiful Child as another contender after a string of impressive performances north of the border, although she will need things to go her way in a deep National Final.
