The Launching Pad has finally arrived. After weeks of promo and preparation, we finally get a look at the fields for the Heats – and they’re red-hot!
In recent years the Launching Pad has made a name for itself as the country’s premier series for up-and-coming greyhounds. This year it will carry over $530,000 in prizemoney – a boost of almost $70,000 from last year.
After Wow She’s Fast ripped her way through last year’s series, it’s only fair we take a look at this year’s list of entrants and see who’s most likely to do the same.
Here are my Top 5 contenders to take out the 2023 Launching Pad:
Honourable Mentions
Al’s Entity – The Group 3 VicBred series winner at the Meadows on Australian Cup night was very impressive on his Sandown debut last week, going 29.27s. He draws Box 5 in one of the easier Heats.
Hara’s Skipper – One of the strongest dogs in the series, owning one of the fastest PB’s (29.19s). Drawn awkwardly in Box 5 with pace outside but is armed with a devastating finish that should see him finish top four and advance.
Promises Broken – A lightning beginner with four quick Sandown wins to his name. Will have to be sharp from Box 7 but is undefeated from out wide.
Trapper Tears – Was a best-of-night 29.17s winner last week in the Qualifier Final. Not a great beginner but his power is undeniable. Should progress with ease from Box 3.
Big Energy – Racing for the first time since November after his form tapered in WA. Trialled in a ridiculous 29.00s last week and looks like the Greenough’s best chance to go back-to-back.
5. Extreme Force
It’s been five months since we last saw this explosive chaser and, to be honest, I had almost forgotten about him.
Extreme Force owns the clear fastest PB out of all Heat runners after that mind-blowing 28.93s win on his Sandown debut in August last year.
Since then, his runs have been unpredictable and frustrating at times – including wins with underwhelming times for his high standards.
That being said, the fact that he is yet to be beaten at Sandown and has drawn an inside box here for the first time means that we must respect him despite the long break.
Extreme Force (6) scores the fastest Sandown debut win of all time
4. Trooper Tears
After a fast start to his career in NSW, Trooper Tears has come to Victoria and shown tremendous potential in his four runs at Sandown.
Even though he hasn’t finished worse than second place, I still think he’s been unlucky.
His brother Trapper Tears went 29.17s last week but Trooper gave him a dream run through after colliding with Never Be Alone at the first corner.
I have no doubt he would have won the race and gone just as quick had that not happened.
A series like the Launching Pad suits Trooper Tears. Runners only need to finish top four in their Heat and top two in their Semi-Final to progress.
Trooper Tears has proven that he can finish in the placings from any position, and I rate his chances to go far in this series despite an awkward Box 6 draw on Thursday.
Trooper Tears (3) was the fastest Heat winner for the Launching Pad Qualifier series at Sandown
3. Make No Promise
In December last year, Make No Promise burst on the scene with an unbelievable 27-length win on Sandown debut.
To this day he is yet to taste defeat at HQ and boasts arguably the strongest form out of all 64 Heat runners.
He’s won five on the trot and is a two-time Box 8 winner – where he’s drawn for Thursday.
I love this draw for him with Promises Broken drawn in Box 7. He should get a nice run into the first corner and advance with a top four finish.
Make No Promise (8) wins by 27 lengths on his Sandown debut
2. Starline Express
This gun sprinter heads down to Victoria with exceptional form in QLD and NSW.
In just 12 starts, he is already a Group 1 runner-up, Group 2 finalist and Group Listed winner.
His breathtaking early speed got him through to the National Derby Final at Wentworth Park where he finished second behind Victa Damian. The only time he has finished outside the top two was in the Group 2 Queensland Derby.
None of the 64 entrants have more experience in top races than Starline Express.
I love that he’s been able to bring his elite box speed to every track so far. He trialled at Sandown three weeks ago and went 5.01s early.
After drawing Box 2 in one of Thursday’s easier Heats, I’m expecting to see this boy on the podium come the end of the series.
Starline Express (7) explodes out to win the Listed Dave Brett Memorial
1. Magic Muffin
Magic Muffin’s last start was one of the most impressive wins I have ever seen at Sandown.
Her 4.94s first split from Box 6 was simply absurd as she went on to win in 29.17s.
Her previous race in Geelong was just as special. After getting squeezed early from Box 5, she muscled her way through and recovered to win the race.
In those two runs her speed, strength, and desire to win have been on full display.
She’s back from a freshen-up and as far as I’m concerned, this girl is the one to beat.
Magic Muffin (6) sets a ridiculous 4.94s first split on her way to a 29.17s victory
Click here for Thursday’s fields
The Launching Pad Final will run on Thursday April 6. Enjoy the evening with a Robbie Williams and Ed Sheeran tribute show. There will be a punters club on the evening, as well as a new pool table and FIFA on the PS5 – both free to play.
