ALL EYES ON QUALITY CUP FIELD

Darwin dogs not short of local stars for big night

THE Ladbrokes Group 3 Darwin Cup is the premier greyhound race on the calendar at Winnellie Park, and with the Group status it is recognised throughout Australia as a high-quality event.

This year the field has certainly not disappointed, with it having plenty of depth in a line-up where all runners must have some sort of claim.

Local trainer Peter Donnolley, who is looking after interstate visitor Vice Grip, would have been thrilled when he drew box one.

This should give him a clear early run into the first turn where the pressure will be right on, so on that he will be right in the mix.

Sunburst has done nothing wrong since coming to Darwin and regular visitor Tom Tzouvelis will no doubt have the daughter of Sh Avatar ready to fire.

The other heat winners in I’m Explosive for Rob Ayres and Carry On Angel for Primrose Bryant have plenty of upside after a run on the track.

The locals will be cheering for the Andrew Lasker pair of Mighty Marshall and Sketchy Butler, as well as the Steele Bolton-trained Porsche Monelli.

And all of them did not disgrace themselves in the heats, so they must be outside chances in a hot race.

There is another distance race on the night which is the Cup Consolation, and Andrew Lasker would be hopeful of a strong showing from his good performer in Go Quantum, although Joni Keeping for Tim Mullany and Mick’s Recall for ex-local boy

Jamie Hosking do appear to be genuine dangers.

Adam Poulter trained four winners on Wednesday night and he has his team ticking along nicely.

It could be worth following his runners in Good Bye Vince in race six who has drawn ideally in box one.

He also has Eight Over flying and in race seven should prove hard to hold out, while to finish the night Aeroplane Rose continues to race well and is a leading contender in the open sprint over 312m.

Other notable hopes on the card include Lovely Xena in race two for Tim Mullany and she is going for her sixth win in a row at Winnellie Park, Annika in race four will have admirers from the Steele Bolton kennel, whilst in race six Old School Cool also for Bolton warrants consideration.

This is after his first run at the track where he had no luck in running. First race is set down for 6.53pm NT time, with the gates open from 4pm on what will be a massive night’s racing at the home of greyhound racing, Winnellie Park.