Two high quality fields have been assembled for next Thursday’s group 1 Harrison-Dawson and Sapphire Crown finals.
Four heats of each series were conducted last night at Sandown Park with the top two of each advancing to next week’s deciders.
The night kicked off with heat 1 of the Harrison-Dawson which saw Not Available continue his strong Speed Star form. He railed strongly to take out heat 1 from Bernardo in a best of the night time of 29.25.
Heat 2 saw David Geall’s hot talent My Redeemer run down Alpha Georgiou. The win took My Redeemer’s winning strike rate to 50% from his 22 career starts.
Australian Cup hero Hecton Bale was powerful when taking out Harrison-Dawson heat 3. He ran down a gallant Zipping Captain to win by ½ a length.
Hasten Slowly took out the final heat from comeback-kid Shadale.
Dyna Patty (pictured) kicked off the Sapphire Crown series in fine style when she took out the opening heat. She virtually led all of the way to defeat Wynburn Cutie in 29.34 – the fastest of the Sapphire Crown heats.
Go Seek Heidi and Envy Heist fought out a thriller in the second heat, with Go Seek Heidi prevailing by the barest of margins.
Harry Manolitsis’ Elevated was terrific producing her best in the penultimate Sapphire Crown heat. She began well and used box 1 to her advantage, holding off a late charge from New South Wales’ star sprinter Miss Splendamiro.
Joe Borg’s Come On Emmaline took out the closer, from Ocean View who will be the first ever group 1 finalist for trainer Peter Martinovic.
The Harrison-Dawson series is exclusive for male greyhounds only, while the Sapphire Crown is a female greyhound only event.
Heats of the RSN Sandown Cup were also ran, Tornado Tears was breathtaking yet again and is expected to open as the favourite for next Thursday’s $250,000 final.
Box draws for all three group 1 showdowns will be conducted tomorrow (Saturday) morning from 10am on RSN927. It will also be streamed live via our Facebook page.
Click here for RSN Sandown Cup heats wrap
Group 1 Harrison-Dawson field
Not Available, Bernardo, My Redeemer, Alpha Georgiou, Hecton Bale, Zipping Captain, Hasten Slowly and Shadale.
1st Res – Dyna Wazza, 2nd Res – Aston Dee Bee
Group 1 Sapphire Crown field
Dyna Patty, Wynburn Cutie, Go Seek Heidi, Envy Heist, Elevated, Miss Splendamiro, Come On Emmaline and Ocean View.
1st Res – Flying Sparkles, 2nd Res – Zoom Out
