Last Friday night at Sale Greyhounds, three heats of the James Yeates Printing Rising Stars took centre stage on a strong card of racing, with the $5000-to-the-winner final set for this Saturday on Sale Cup night.
The heats were tightly contested, with times closely matched and the box draw likely to play a decisive role in the final.
In the opening heat, Mighty Scar ($5.20) for Nambrok trainer Matthew Clark led all the way to win in 24.51, defeating Dr. Fanatical ($5) from Giffard West trainer and Sweet Trilby ($70.50) by three lengths.
The second heat saw heavily backed Brother Doom ($2.30) maintain an unbeaten record of three-from-three for champion trainer Jason Thompson, winning by five-and-a-half lengths in 24.15.
In the third and fastest heat of the night, Deadly Cool ($2.40) led throughout for Michelle Nolan (Devon Meadows), finishing in 24.09 to claim the quickest time over 435 metres. The greyhound defeated Lakeview Lynette ($4.10) for Metung trainer Harley Whelan and Petite Cherie ($5.60) for Devon Meadows conditioner Ned McDonald.
Box draws have set the scene for an intriguing 435-metre final, with the three main chances appearing to be Lakeview Lynette (box two), Deadly Cool (box three) and Brother Doom (box seven).
Racing on the night began with a local victory, Maudie Rose ($2.10) for Rosedale’s Sharon Chignell holding off Akina Johnny ($5.50) in a tight finish. Chignell doubled her success with Bandit Barbie ($7.60), running down Nambrok Nick ($5.20) for Heyfield trainer Donald Rhodes in the grade four over 510 metres.
Yinnar South trainer Ben Joske also prepared a double, winning with Kelly Jane ($13.60) and Jumbuk Jozef ($2.20) in 435-metre grade five races.
The fast-class upset of the night came from Banjo One String ($13.00) for Manuel Valcarcel-Fuentes, holding off favourite My Name Eden ($1.10). Race nine saw a tight local finish, with Toongabbie’s Dawn Johnston and Unleash The Lion ($7.10) taking victory from Hay Riley ($37.70) for Corey Fulford, followed by Feikuai Calvin ($4.70) for the Whelans.
As always at Sale, the McMahon kennel from Giffard West had a winner, with Dr. Babette ($1.80) posting the fastest time of the night over 510 metres in 28.98.
The Sale Greyhounds card continues this Saturday, promising an exciting evening with the Rising Stars final and the much-anticipated Sale Cup on the main program.
