The country’s finest young greyhounds converge at Sandown Park tonight in 11 heats of the $450,000 Launching Pad.
The series has seen some significant changes over the last couple of years, none more so than this year’s edition.
How did they gain a spot in the race?
From September 1st 2015 to March 4th 2016, any registered participant had the opportunity to purchase a spot in the series for $2000. With a spot in the race they were able to nominate their own dog, have a dog nominated by another trainer (with splits of prize money) or sell their ticket to another buyer.
What greyhounds were eligible for the race?
Greyhounds with 1-6 wins and no more than 30 career starts.
Who makes in through to the semi-finals?
Top two place getters and the 10 fastest thirds advance to the semi finals.
What happens to greyhounds that don’t make it through to the semi-finals?
A consolation series will be held for greyhounds who fail to advance to the semi finals. Heats for the consolation series will be held on Launching Pad semi-final night (Thursday March 17), with both the Launching Pad and Launching Pad consolation finals to be run on Thursday March 24.
Which greyhounds are eligible for the consolation series?
The best 32 who did not qualify for the semi finals will progress to the heats of the consolation (nomination is automatic)
What prize money is on offer?
Launching Pad
Final – $220,000 (1st: $155,000, 2nd: $43,000, 3rd: $22,000)
Semi Finals – $14,500 (1st: $10,000, 2nd: $3000, 3rd: $1500)
Heats – $10,000 (1st: $7000, 2nd: $2000, 3rd: $1000)
Launching Pad Consolation
Final – $22,000 (1st: $15,000, $4500, $2500)
Heats – $10,000 (1st: $7000, $2000, $1000)
Half of all greyhounds entered in the series will earn prize money, with at least 30 to earn their investment back and possibly much more!
Exhibition trials
The follwing greyhounds trialed at Sandown Park last Thursday night in preparation for the series, Hukanui also trialed at Angle Park.
Ritza Lenny, 29.55 WATCH
Emett Kahn, 29.70 WATCH
Runway Bono, 29.60 WATCH
Hukanui, 29.50 (Angle Park)
Form guide
Click here for your free Watchdog form guide
The first of 11 heats will be run tonight at 7.07pm.
Betting
TAB is offering fixed odds betting on all Launching Pad heats. Click here for latest markets.
