One up and comer will book his spot in the $410,000 group 2 Launching Pad series tonight, and the Bill Collins Speed Star Leader Board continues to heat up. That, and more in today’s ‘Fast 5.’
1. JT keeps on rolling
Jason Thompson’s stunning recent run continued last Thursday night with the Pearcedale based mentor preparing four winners from five starters. It followed a six-win performance the previous Saturday at the Meadows, and with another winner last Saturday, has now won 11 city races from his last 19 runners. Even more impressive? He’s won 11 of the last 14 city races in which he’s had a runner. Thompson will look to continue his hot streak tonight with Aeroplane Bob (race 5 box 6), Big Flood (race 8 box 5).
2. Like the back of her paw
Polijuice Potion certainly knows her way around Sandown Park – she’ll line up for the 46th time at the View Road circuit tonight. Combined over the Sandown’s three racing distances, she has had 46 starts for 13 wins and 11 minor placings (has 5 wins from 32 starts at other tracks). She’s even won feature races she hadn’t been set for.
But it’s the 595m over which she has thrived with 6 wins and 4 minor placings from 19 starts. She hasn’t won over the distance since 1/12/16 but has turned in some massive runs of late despite a lack of luck, and from a favourable draw (9 starts from box 2 for a 3-2-1 record) look hard to beat tonight. TAB has her a $2.50 chance on early markets.
3. Get your black book out
The Launching Pad qualifier has proven to be a good form reference for the Launching Pad series and beyond. The 2016 Launching Pad winner Buck Forty finished third in last year’s qualifier which was won by Felton Bale. Top grade chasers Zipping Zeus and Allen Portland also contested that final. 2015 was even stronger – won by Fever Pitch (who went on to run third in the Launching Pad final), future group race performers Angie Rocks (2nd), Bruce Tycoon (3rd) chased him home.
4. Punter’s paradise/nightmare/paradise
It’s been a rollercoaster ride for punters at Sandown Park over the last few weeks.
9/3 – ave winner $3.76, 8 favourites won of which 4 were odds on. One winner in double figures
2/3 – ave winner $11.83, 3 favourites won (one a $3.60 equal favourite, another $4) of which 1 was odds on. Four winners were in double figures
23/2 – ave winner $6.13, 6 favourites won of which 2 were odds on. Two winners in double figures
5. Size isn’t everything
Fearless Swan is the lightest chaser on the card and one of the biggest fan bases. She also sports an interesting career record. She has an impressive 10 wins and six minor placings from 21 career starts and while dominant at provincial level (15 starts 10-1-2), is winless at city class (6 starts 0-2-1). She has won three times at SAP meetings, winning twice in slick 29.39, and looks set to break her city duck in the opening race of the card
The good thing – Race 5 Polijuice Potion (2)
Each way all day – Race 8 Sacramento Sal (1)
Click here for your free Watchdog form guide for tonight’s meeting.
Click here for the latest markets from tab.com.au. TAB account holders can access race previews from Sky Racing greyhound expert Mark Duclos.
Click here for Jason Adams’ Sandown preview, as heard on RSN – Racing and Sport
