Poppy Chooky on brink Ardle- trained greyhound looking to bring Cairns form to showgrounds
GREYHOUND racing returns to the Townsville Showgrounds tonight with a 10- race program, highlighted by three fifth- grade heats over 498m.
Race six is the AZZTEK Racing fifth- grade Heat 1 over 498m. There are a few chances in this race including Poppy Chooky ( 1) for Heath Ardle, who has had five starts over the distance without much luck. He has been in hot form recently with three wins from as many starts in Cairns.
Fool Proof ( 3) for Rhonda Essery has had three starts over the distance for a win in 29.32 seconds from box eight in May and a placing, and has drawn well.
Waylon Bale ( 2) for Michael Davies has been very consistent lately, having placed in his last three starts over the distance.
Saludos ( 4) for Brad Belford won two starts ago in 28.79 from box two, while Dalmatynski ( 6) for Joan Newnham is stepping back up in distance after a good win last week over 380m. However he is drawn wide and prefers to be closer to the rails.
Race seven is the Rossvale Fish and Burger Bar fifthgrade heat 2 over 498m. Phantom Henry ( 3) for Essery is a big chance in this heat after winning over this distance two starts back in 29.32. He was racing in Cairns over 544m with a win and a couple of placings, and will be hard to catch on the bunny.
Maywyn Opals ( 6) for Tarquin Neal has had five starts over the distance for a placing, has good box manners and is a place chance.
Swap Me ( 7) for Ardle is having its first look over the 498m, and ran third over 520m at Ipswich in May. He has been racing in Cairns of late for a win and a placing, and could sneak a place here.
Licorice Shot ( 1) for Essery gets his chance tonight to notch up another win and is drawn well close to the rails.
Race eight is the Kooloop Collars fifth- grade heat 3 over 498m.
Motown Holly ( 1) for Robert Lound has come up with a decent draw, is a fair beginner and has a strong mid- race acceleration with a good finish.
Bashful Cloud ( 7) for Michael Fusco has had seven starts for a win in 29.15 in March as well as three placings and has a good run home.
Groovy Sweet ( 8) for Essery has a win and a couple of placings, and has also run a third over the 544m in Cairns.
Czarny ( 6) for Newnham has had three starts over the distance for a third, and prefers to be closer to the rail.