WHILE the race to the first turn in tonight’s $10,000 first prize Molly Campbell Silver Dollars Final (520m, 911pm) could prove to be the winning factor, one dog, Potsdam, has extra insurance.
Five greyhounds, Potsdam, Ellie’s Choice, Regal Lauryn, Punch One Out and Man of Manners all have the speed to take up the lead.
They had similar early times in last week’s heats with Ellie’s Choice, with a 5.66 sec first sectional, the top gun.
Not far behind were Regal Lauyrn (5.70 sec), Man Of Manners (5.71 sec), Punch One Out (5.73 sec) and Potsdam (5.75 sec).
With such level times, the dogs who don’t lead could cause each other trouble.
But it appears that Potsdam, unlike the others, can be beaten for early speed and still win.
He was defeated in last week’s heat by Owna Driver after striking interference when he tried to get to the rail from box eight He missed out on clearing the field marginally coming to the first turn and then went back.
He found his way to the fence but struck interference, eventually got through, but went down in a tight photo in a slowish 30.47 sec. This time he won’t have to search for the rail. He is already there.
And a better guide to his true talent was his win at Albion Park on October 15.
That night he stopped the clock in 30.01 sec running home his final sectional in 12.62 sec.
Ellie’s Choice (box two) can be quick early, but doesn’t always show it. Her final sectional last week was about three lengths slower than that of some of her opponents.
Punch One Out has box four, but may not be too badly done by. He runs straight, if not wide early and Owna Driva (box five) a slow beginner and unlikely to cause him grief Last week Punch One Out ran the quickest overall heat time in 29.94 sec -the lone dog to break 30 sec because he had a clear lead early after drawing box one.
Regal Lauryn (box three) and Man Of Manners do most things right. They begin quickly, have good track sense and can carve out a quick time.
The final has brought together some very promising youngster who look to have bright futures.
Nineteen minutes earlier Lismore Cup winner Ima Geisha Girl makes her Queensland debut in the Grade 2/3 (520m).
The Reg Kay-owned bitch has raced mainly in Victoria with trainer Jason Thompson. She will race in Queensland for a fortnight before returning to Melbourne for the Cup.
It will be interesting to see if the usually flawless quick beginner can nail the boxes at Albion Park.
