The running of the Group 2 CKH Painting Shepparton Cup will be an absolute cracker with all heat winners being just 3 lengths within each other.
We had a very successful night in the heats picking up 6 winning bets and we also have ANDO’S MAC ($10) and LUCKY CHAP ($15) into the final from our all in market bets.
LUCKY CHAP (7) was the quickest heat winner in 25.16 from box 6 and if he can repeat the same run tonight he will be very hard to beat. He will need to jump well again though from the wide draw to be able to cross this field especially with lid pinger GOOD GIRL SANDY drawn in box 6 but if he can do that then he will be taking home the $47k first prize cheque.
GOOD GIRL SANDY (6) was very impressive leading all the way from box 4 in her heat win but she did run the slowest of the heats in 25.38. If she can spear to the front and have some luck behind her then she is in with a big chance.
ROCKIN’ RICO (1) was very strong in his heat win but was assisted by the small field. I think in this race he is going to get shuffled to far back early to be able to threaten this lot.
ANNABELLE’S BOY (2) who is a litter brother to GOOD GIRL SANDY was sensational in his first start for gun trainer Anthony Azzopardi winning his heat in 25.36. He is probably suited over a longer trip but with the assistance of an inside draw he could stalk the leaders early and be to strong for them. I think he is currently over the odds at $17.
ANDO’S MAC (3) is our other runner we will be cheering home for our all in market bets. He was sensational in his heat win of 25.37, he had no luck early and checked off heels a couple of times before finding the rail and powering home to a strong win. His will to chase is incredible and if he can get the start right like we have seen him do many times before then he is going to be extremely hard to beat.
ALPHA LUCKY (4) was sensational in his heat defeating the short odds favourite Up Hill Jill, he pinged the lids but he can be hit and miss so to feature in this final he is going to have to do everything right with so much pace on his outside. Would love for him to win for his trainer Irishman Jack Buckley.
BEWILDERING (5) was back to his absolute best in his heat overcoming plenty of early bother to fly past Striker Light like she was standing still to win in a nippy 25.22. If he can get any room early and settle in the top 4 at the turn he will be flying down the straight and be extremely hard to beat. Possibly the quickest dog in the country at the moment.
ZINZAN BROOKE (8) has made it through to another group final here after starting favourite in the Bendigo Cup final two runs ago. I think box 8 really suits this dog as he isn’t the best box dog but as soon as he hits the ground his acceleration is out of this world. I expect the 7 to lead and cross which will give ZINZAN BROOKE the perfect amount of room to fly down the outside, the one to beat. I think the 3 main chances are the 3,7 & 8 and as we already have ANDO’S MAC & LUCKY CHAP in the all in market we will back ZINZAN BROOKE as a saver.
WIN BET – ZINZAN BROOKE
TRIFECTA BET – 3,5,7,8 $24 100%
I will be trackside as I have my dog Zipping Inglis in race 9 on the program, he has drawn box 5 so we will need a touch of luck but fingers crossed he can run well.
Good luck & Happy punting!