The Hound Says:The heat was on to keep the family flag flying - and did so here July 17. Solid if not visually spectacular. But back end work was awesome and will get better.
The Hound Says:Not the tightest of fencers, so box 1 no snack - but is the class factor. Dual city winner and gets a class drop on last run here. Wins if he can hold up early?
Tough way to kick things off! SOFT TEARS (2) per-medium of a 'soft' draw is the way the pin has landed. Her only career placing came off box 1, so that's a pointer, perhaps. Raced better dogs than these of late. BLACK CANDLES (7) has been trying to win for yonks, but he too has faced better opponents than he meets now. TALL ORDER (3) also a chance.
This might turn out a walk in the park for BATTLE BORN (2) - he lands in a modest Maiden to break the duck. Displayed nice talent in sole run so far at Maitland Monday - and the winner of that goes OK. Much kinder draw here can see him land closer and dictate from the front. MAC FLY (6) has potential, but can be risky early. LAUGHING BOY (4) honest
Although he isn't a box 1 bandit, KID PYSCHO (1) clearly sets the standard here. If able to chisel up under the 2 pacey runners on his outer, he will run a time his rivals cannot match - especially from the back of the field. MATSUMI (6) is an interesting runner. In a good camp and could threaten the favourite. CRYSTAL MOON (7) run-on commodity.
An easy winner last start ZIPPING HEAT (8) will be strongly fancied to go back-to-back. Sure, it wasn't a gap job similar to sensational siblings here of late, but it was a strong display. Boxed great to track the 7 dog over and rip clear. MAXI MARVEL (7) should find the front first, but isn't strong at present. BANJO'S RIVAL (1) a widey - place.
A nice clash over the 600m, with IMPRESS SHADES (4) out for a winning middle distance debut. With his powerful back half in sprints always suggesting this will be his GO, watch him possie up much closer than normal against dogs with lesser early potency. ZIPPING ANNABEL (7) will provide stern opposition on her last win. IN YOUR TIME (8) well drawn.
Tiny tot ENCOURAGING (6) is seen at her best when on the lure and out of traffic. She was much better here last time and she will be hard to reel in if she cuts loose in front in this. LA LLORONA (5) may get to silly odds and is value to run on. The squeeze shouldn't hinder - he will flop in behind the pace and rail. ART ROYAL (1) is nicely drawn
I've landed in the corner of BONES MCCOY (8) despite him being gunned downed late at his latest run here. He is renowned for strength - so toppled after leading a 400m was strange? But he is unbeaten off 8 so can atone. OPAL MODEL (2) is a flyer. Sizzling sections when trumping easier here last win. BLACK FLIPPER (1) going good - up in class here.
It's a great contest this Final. BULLET TRAIN (2) is something out of the ordinary. A mammoth animal with a massive motor, he rails on a dime and would chase through a brick wall. Look out leaders if he gets clear air! KAPOW (1) will look to light them up if she pings from the red. SHE'S SAVAGE (3) will dice early and learns from last week's defeat
Prepared to ignore what the form-guide reads alongside the name of BEAUTY'S GIRL (3). She has had zero go right since back from a spell and went wrong in town last start, whilst showing nice pace to 1st turn. Hoping she nails it and lands the lure in this. EARL OF NABIAC (1) is a widey, so needs room off 1. But strong. JERUSALEM CREEK (2) a player.
Level luck here and GIDDY GOANNA (6) should put these to the sword. He is a popular dog with punters and always starts short - so you don't get rich backing him. But he is a talent and boxed favourably if he holds the 2 runners on his right up the track. RINGER ROSIE (3) strikes easier here and can place along with the well boxed ARCHIE CASHMAN (1)
Hoping REDEEMER DREAMER (8) can nail the jump and zip across the face of these here, at a bit of each/way value. Drops back in trip but will appreciate an easier contest. HEY BORIS (7) has a booming finish on him, but where he gets to early is the concern. Might have to negotiate traffic to get home. ZIPPING GLAMOUR (2) will appreciate this draw.
These are won at box rise - or at the very least, 2 strides off the matting. MINDIE (2) had no luck from a wide alley here last time when attempting to ping and cross. A softer marble now gives her a hope of regaining winning ways. EAGER DOLL (3) will race the #2 dog to find the top and that contest will decide it. LEKTRA LITTLE (4) a place hope.
