Local dogs will need to be at their best to overrun interstate Cup raiders
DARWIN greyhounds expert Greg Aldam analyses Sunday night’s 2021 Darwin Cup field.
1. VICE GRIP (Peter Donnolley): Ideally suited jumping from box one so should get all the early favours to bring him right into calculations. He will need to be at his best after having his colours lowered by I’m Explosive in the heats.
2. MIGHTY MARSHALL (Andrew Lasker): Local hope who will appreciate the inside draw and if he can get some mid-race luck is a rough chance to run into the placings at big odds.
3. PORSCHE MONELLI (Steele Bolton): Another local contender who has his share of ability, however he does tend to mix his form. Local trainer Steele Bolton will be hoping he brings his best form. Take him on trust.
4. WALTZING MICKEY (Jamie Hosking): Probably his best run in the heats when overcoming a midrace check to be doing his best work late behind Carry On Angel.
5. SUNBURST (Tom Tzouvelis): She has taken a real liking to the Winnellie Park track and regular visiting trainer Tom Tzouvelis will once again be looking to win the Cup with her. Quality win in the heats.
6. I’M EXPLOSIVE (Robert Ayres): A late decision by Queensland trainer Robert Ayres to bring her over could pay dividends, as her first look at the track she won her heat impressively.
7. CARRY ON ANGEL (Primrose Bryant): Another interstate visitor who showed good early speed to lead and hold his opponents at bay in a heat last Sunday.
8. SKETCHY BUTLER (Andrew Lasker): Local who has made it through to the Cup and box eight should be to his liking as he can show early speed in his races. Could well be the locals’ best chance.
9. COOPER DOOPER (Tom Tzouvelis): Missed the final on times, no doubt going on his interstate form he has the ability to make his presence felt if he was fortunate enough to get a start. Not the worst.
10. MICKS RECALL (Jamie Hosking): Looked unlucky to not make the final after finding trouble numerous times during his heat. If he managed to get a start in the final he should not be underestimated.