Purse boost lifts trainers

MORALE among greyhound trainers has received a boost before tonight’s 10-race meeting at Winnellie Park, after the announcement of an almost 15 per cent increase in prizemoney.

The changes were implemented before last Sunday’s schedule, with the graded events across all distances going up $100 per race.

The $1000 feature races will stay the same at this stage as the prizemoney for these events is already competitive.

The increases have come due to the Darwin Greyhound Association’s consistently strong fields.

This has allowed for a popular coverage on Sky Channel and an increased revenue stream through the club’s product fee.

The additional Wednesday night meetings have also proven to be a ratings success.

“This is brilliant news, and it’s because we’ve got a strong, competitive product,” DGA secretary-manager Greg Aldam said.

“This gives us the oppor- tunity to reward our industry participants, and I’d like to congratulate our committee and everyone who’s a part of this club.

“Sky Channel is now looking at extra Wednesday night meetings for us.”

In the $1750 Garrard’s Horse And Hound feature race six tonight, Unpossible (for Andrew Lasker) and Allen Ichiro (Russell Savige) are two to look out for.

Steele Bolton’s Peekaboo Bang can be a danger from box eight in race one, and Hans Spykers’ Mallee Pearl (box one) has been consistent without winning going into race two.

Two-time reigning trainers’ champion Jamie Hosking’s Zamlee Magic was a last-start winner and has again drawn the ideal box eight for race three.

Savige’s Hurricane Hayley has placed in her past three runs and has box one heading into race four.

Joel Vansleve’s two-yearold bitch Palladino has won her past two starts heading into race five.

Yaringa Lass and Mahjong Princess (Savige), and Gotta Grin (Graeme Ferns) carry decent form into race seven.

Ferns’ Dust And Sand has finished on the podium in his past four starts, and the twoyear-old has the benefit of box eight going into race eight.

Hosking’s Arnhem Mayhem has been unstoppable over the past month, winning his past four races, and is the one to beat over 312m in race nine, while Savige’s Dainty Culprit (box seven) has won her past three starts.

Dashing Geek (Lasker), I’m Late (Hosking) and Distant Shores (Chris Blackman) should be monitored in race 10.