Bendigo Cup Heats – 2nd July

I think these heats are as good as any group race heats you’ll see in the country, there is class everywhere you look but we will try find some winners to top off our week.

HEAT 1: This looks a match race between current track record holder JIMMY NEWOB (6) and superstar sprinter AUSSIE INFRARED (7) who is low flying. I’m selecting AUSSIE INFRARED just on the box draw. If Jimmy had of drawn closer to the rails then I think he would be extremely hard to beat but with AUSSIE INFRARED loving an outside draw I think he will just charge down the outside and run some serious time.

WIN BET – AUSSIE INFRARED

HEAT 2: I have our boy CRUNCHIN NUMBERS lining up in this very difficult heat. He has won his last 8 in a row in SA but this is a very difficult race with the way the box draw has played out. GOOD GIRL SANDY (7) looks the one to beat as she has been low flying of late. She pings the lids and will be trying to cross down to the rail early.

ALPHA LUCKY (4) has won 3 in a row all in super time. He likes to use a bit of the track early, as does TIGGERLONG CRUZ (3) which could play into the hands of PIPPY DIPPY (2)

FABREGAL (5) is a star and has placed 88% of her 69 starts.

Super heat, I’ll be just shutting my eyes and hoping we can have a little bit of luck!

NO BET

HEAT 3: ASTON BOLERO looks perfectly drawn in box 7 in heat 3 and I expect him to fire down the outside, hit the front and be far to good for his rivals. LANDMARK (3) could be some value as well for an each way bet.  He will drop the hammer shortly after box rise and if he happens to hold out ASTON BOLERO at the corner he could cause an upset.

EACH WAY BET – LANDMARK

HEAT 4: BLACK MUMBO (1) is one of the best sprinters in the country at present and from the inside draw looks to be a times and margins job. MATT MACHINE (4) is a powerful chaser and will be charging home late. Has had 4 weeks off to freshen up and will some luck early he will find the rail and charge home.

EACH WAY BET – MATT MACHINE

HEAT 5: Superstar STRIKER LIGHT (7) will be a short priced fav but she was a touch disappointing on Thursday night in a heat of the Group 1 at Albion Park. A short back up and short odds I’m going against her. I’m selecting NITRO SWAGGER (8) as an each way bet. The son of Jagger Swagger has drawn the wide alley on one occasion for a breath taking win at Geelong. He should get a nice cart across from Striker Light.

EACH WAY BET – NITRO SWAGGER

HEAT 6: What a cracking heat, this race is could easily be a group final! I’m selecting the classy Tasmanian COSMIC HEIR (3) who has had two starts  at the track for two sensational wins. It’s going to be a drag race to the first turn between COSMIC HEIR, JESAULENKO (5) & ZINZAN BROOKE (7). If we can just hold them off with the advantage of being closer to the rail then I think we can get the money.

WIN BET – COSMIC HEIR

HEAT 7: A difficult betting race this one with the short priced favourite a young and upcoming star KOUTA MAYHEM (5). This is a huge step up in class but he has ran two lightning times at the track. If he pings will be hard to hold out but I am selecting the former WA star PEPPER FIRE (4) who has been in eight group finals. She knows what it takes to match it with this quality of dog and if she can spear the lids she will be running some serious time on the lure.

WIN BET – PEPPER FIRE

HEAT 8: PANTERA NERA (4) vs ASTON DEE BEE (6) two of the most exciting greyhounds in the country. PANTERA NERA is a faultless beginner and will be hard to reel in. ASTON DEE BEE takes a stride or two to balance up and let rip but on his day he is one if not the quickest dogs in the country.  The box draw hasn’t really helped him here as he might find trouble with gun Tasmanian chaser MANILA DAWN who has drawn box 8 might jam ASTON DEE BEE UP and shuffle him back early.  I think he can still rattle home into the top 3.

WIN BET – PANTERA NERA

BOXED TRIFECTA – 4,6,8

PANTERA NERA $26

COSMIC HEIR $67

Good luck and happy punting!