Innocent Man the one to beat when Hammer falls

TWO heats of the 5th Grade event over the 498m headline tonight’s 10- race greyhounds program at the Townsville Showgrounds.

Race six is the Big Hammer Hardware 5th Grade Heat 1 and this heat has a number of chances.

The favourite is bound to be Innocent Man ( 4) for Glen Olsen, who is backing up from Cairns on Friday night and has drawn awkwardly and needs to jump well.

Sliding Door ( 1) has drawn well for her first start over the 498m, but he is bred to go the distance.

Riff ( 2) for Harold Hovi is another youngster having his first start over the distance so watch the market.

Not A Word ( 6) for John Forster will be the main danger to the favourite. He has had four starts over the distance for a win and two seconds so he has each- way claims.

Maywyn Will Win ( 3) for Jay Schafer has had one start over this distance for a fourth and looks a place chance.

Race seven is the Cheapa Auto Spares 5th Grade Heat 2 over the 498m.

Watch Out Renald ( 7) for Rhonda Essery is a former Brisbane dog that was racing over the 520m at Albion Park and Ipswich. He’s having his first look at this distance, but will be a place chance.

Nova Party ( 4) for Robert Lound has had six starts over the distance for a win and three placings.

Whatta Pass ( 8) for Olsen is slow away at the jump, but rounds the field in and is very strong in the run home.

Queen Of Cawdor ( 3) for Schafer can jump out well on her night. She should be there- abouts with the frontrunners and she runs on well.

Meanwhile, race eight is the Goldenview Greyhound Complex Best 8 over 380m.

Slow Dancer ( 2) for Olsen has hit a purple patch leading up to our Cup carnival next month.

She is backing up from Cairns on Friday night with a win in the Young Guns Heats over the 410m and should make it four wins in a row.