Dogs go to war in Cup classic

THE excitement for this year’s Townsville Cup will hit fever pitch tonight as north meets south in the heats for the feature event at the Townsville Showgrounds.

In Heat 1, Zabdon Ferrari ( 4), for Tony Brett, will start the favourite after he smashed the track record over 498m with a blistering run of 28.33 seconds to win last year’s Townsville Cup.

This Brisbane visitor can begin well and will be hard to catch on the bunny.

Gadsby’s Road ( 1), for Tom Tzouvelis, is having his first run on the track, but he won well on Friday night over the 520m at Albion Park and is a big danger to the favourite.

Roll So Deep ( 2), for Mi- chael Hickmott, has had a few runs on the track in preparation for the Cup heats and has a best time of 28.62. He can begin and should be among the early leaders.

In Heat 2, the Townsvilletrained Chips Ahoy ( 5), for Rhonda Essery, usually has good box speed and will be hard to run down on the bunny.

Bruton Miss ( 4), for Robert Lound, is returning from a let up. She has good box manners and should be among the front runners.

Gunnadoo Rev ( 3), for Selena Zammit, is having his first look at the track, but ran a good second to Jury in the National Sprint Heats, then sixth in the final on Friday night. He has good speed and will be hard to beat.

Minnie Martini ( 2), for Amy O’Reilly, is also having her first look at the track and dropping back in distance, but should be coming home strong.

In Heat 3, Brisbane greyhound Split Image ( 7), for Tony Brett, should start favourite. She can begin well and won her heat of the Cup last year and has won the Rockhampton Cup.

Swap Ya ( 5), for Heath Ardle, won here last week and is a former Brisbane greyhound. He should be up there with the leaders.

In Heat 4, Brisbane greyhound Opal Nera ( 1), for Tony Brett, has drawn the rails. He will start favourite and will be hard to catch from there.

Sonic Thunder ( 4), for Frank Hancock, is having his first look at the track. He has been racing Brisbane and Lismore and he will be up there early.