Following eight heats of the Laurels last week 64 of the country’s finest female chasers were narrowed down to 24 ahead of today’s semi-finals.
The Laurels has historically been a race high on the agenda for breeders and owners to win and this year is no exception.
LAURELS SEMI-FINAL 1
With the scratching of Kiranna this race is wide open. Early pace is the trend in the race with half of the field looking to run around the 5.05 mark. Strength is highlighted by Quina Bale in box 6 – she was powering to the line late in her heat.
LAURELS SEMI-FINAL 2
Striker Light is without doubt the one to beat in the second semi-final. Her splits last week were elite in anyone’s language, 4.97 early and 18.60 to the back – few greyhounds nationwide could match them. Erelda Bale looks a strong place chance with luck in running.
LAURELS SEMI-FINAL 3
The speedy Fearless Swan was brilliant in her 29.39 heat win last week however will find it tougher today. If the two greyhounds on her inside in Princess Pout and Pepper Fire begin to expectations, they will make crossing to the rail hard for Fearless Swan. These three clearly hold the keys to the race.
LAURELS SEMI-FINAL 4
Series favourite Fanta Bale meets the impressive Jacqui Blax in the fourth and final semi-final. These two look the standouts on paper though just about every runner in this is field can cause an upset. Expect Fanta Bale’s professionalism to shine through.
The top two from each semi-final will advance to this Thursday’s $73,500 Group 2 Laurels final – box draw for the final will be held on-course today following race 9.
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PICTURED: Striker Light winning her Laurels heat
Striker Light sets electric sectionals in her heat
