Fanta Bale and Dundee Osprey prove their versatility, an impressive youngster, an ageless veteran and a star at the top of his game. That and more in today’s Fast5.
1. All distances stars
Fanta Bale and Dundee Osprey became the 69th and 70th greyhounds to win over all three distances at Sandown Park when they impressively won their respective grade 5 heats last Thursday night. It led to the question on social media – how many greyhounds have won over all three distances at both Sandown AND the Meadows?
The answer? 20 greyhounds have completed the feat.
2. Impressive debut
Fanta Bale’s 41.70 on her staying debut was the third fastest time recorded over the 715m in 2017 behind Allen Lottery (41.619) and Ebby Ripper (41.676). It was the equal 30th fastest recorded at Sandown Park over the distance, matching the mark set by So Seductive when setting the original track record when the records were reset in 2010.
3. Bred to stay
Zipping Angus was an impressive winner on his 595m debut last Sunday running 34.18 and will start favourite in tonight’s final (race 9). He found the line extremely well and gives every indication he’ll make the step up to 715m. He’s certainly bred to – he’s by the versatile Malfoy, a five time group 1 finalist (including the Melbourne Cup) who also won the 2005 McKenna Memorial over 715m and reserve for the 2005 RSN Sandown Cup. Pink Bandanna was winless in nine starts over 715m at Sandown (placed five times) but did win three times over 725m at The Meadows.
Zipping Angus is from Malfoy’s last of 24 litters and is one to keep a keen eye on in the upcoming RSN Sandown Cup series.
4. Respect for your elders
Louie Neveelk will line up for start number 109 in race 3 tonight just four days shy of his fifth birthday. He’s nine months older than any other runner on tonight’s card, and his win on debut on 15/12/2013 occurred before five of his rivals tonight were even born! He has won a race in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
Tonight he’ll jump from box six, the only box he hasn’t won from, from which he is winless at 10 starts, and has just one win from 19 starts (all distances) at Sandown Park. Regardless of the result, it’s been a fantastic effort by the Kleeven family (who own, train and bred him) to keep him on the track!
5. Weekly Worm Burner continues to burn
He won again last week making it 4/4 since moving to Victoria. He’s a $1.35 chance with TAB to make it 5/5 tonight, and a $3 chance to win the Bill Collins Speed Star on 11 May.
Speed Star update
Eminent Reality (Kel Greenough) trialled last Sunday, running 29.230 and moving into 3rd place on the leader board.
Wicked Warrior (Jason Magri), Barking Bad (Michael Eberand) and Rockin’ Rico (Luckie Karabitsakos) will trial this Sunday.
Latest news and full leader board
The good thing: Zippy Daph (race 4 number 1)
Each way all day: Dundee Calypso (race 7 number 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
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