Two top chances for Smith

TOWNSVILLE greyhounds trainer Paul Smith will be looking to capitalise on two starters in the Burdekin Vet Services R/W over 498m this morning, with a favourite and a place chance at his disposal.

Zone In (2) has had two starts over the journey for two wins, with a best time of 29.39s to his credit, and is expected to be hard to beat in Townsville Greyhounds’ third race.

Smith’s other contender, Goddess of Speed (1) cracked her maiden win on Tuesday night over the 380m and is backing up today over the 498m.

She has had five starts over the distance for two placings and a best time of 29.57s. Having drawn well, she is set to be a place chance.

Smith’s biggest challengers will likely be Joffa’s Mayhem (7) for Robert Lound, who has had nine starts over the distance for a win and two placings, and Heather Bell (5) for Michael Pandelakis.

It will be Heather Bell’s first look over the distance since arriving from New South Wales, and she goes into the race as the market’s best guide.

The GBD Concrete Services 5th Grade over 498m in Race 8 is a lottery, with some quality racers in average form to burst out of the blocks.

Twice The Size (1) for Jon Forster likes the rails and has drawn well to run a bold race, hopeful of bettering a best time of 29.05s.

Awesome Alex (2) for Andrew Wooler is stepping up for his look over the distance today, and having drawn well for his first time, goes in on each way claims. He is usually a good beginner with a solid finish behind him.

The market’s best guide will be former Victorian racer Xericom Bale (3), another of Smith’s racers today. It will be his first start over the distance.

Johnny Dark (5) for Merv Parker has had 11 starts over the distance for four placings and if he gets a clear run, should run a bold race and be a placing chance.