Interstate raiders to eye Cup

IT looks to be an excellent 11race program at the Winnellie Park greyhounds on Sunday night, the highlight being three heats of the Ladbrokes Group 3 Darwin Cup.

Over the three heats with 24 greyhounds contesting, there is an impressive 11 interstate visitors among that group which makes for top-line racing.

In heat one, Cooper Dooper for past Cup winner Tom Tzouvelis has drawn nicely and is a leading contender. But a newcomer, having his first start on the track in Carry On Angel for Primrose Bryant, has excellent Victorian credentials. Local hopes in Go Quantum for Andrew Lasker and Percy’s Dream for Adam Poulter are also in the mix.

Heat two and Sunburst once again for Tzouvelis, up from Queensland, is the one to beat. Another newcomer in Mick’s Recall has been sent to Winnellie Park by former local top trainer Jamie Hosking and has nice credentials, while Porsche Monelli jumping from box one for Steele Bolton is more than capable.

The last heat appears to be nicely set up for the Peter Donnolley-trained Vice Grip and box two should suit him. Another newcomer in I’m Explosive for Rob Ayres has nice Queensland form, while throw in local hope Mighty Marshall for Lasker, who should appreciate box eight, and it will make for an intriguing race.

The quality racing does not stop there with the open sprint over 312m, which is race four on the night and once again has plenty of depth to it with visiting trainer Tim Mullany having Lovely Xena involved. She is striving to continue her unbeaten run at Winnellie Park.

She will face stiff opposition from the likes of Go Brandi jumping from box one for Bolton, Another Eight will have admirers from the Poulter kennel, while kennelmate Aeroplane Rose should not be underestimated.

First race is set down for 6.45pm (NT time) with the heats of the Cup being races five, six and seven on another excellent night’s racing at Winnellie Park.