Slingshot's Titanic Bendigo Cup Test

BRILLIANT speedster Slingshot Titan will need to upset a galaxy of stars if he’s to salute in Friday night’s Triple M Bendigo Gold Cup Final (425m).

BRILLIANT speedster Slingshot Titan will need to upset a galaxy of stars if he's to salute in Friday night's Triple M Bendigo Gold Cup Final (425m).

Trained by Deb Coleman, the son of underrated young sire Unlawful Entry and Paw Da Size surged into Friday night's $50,000 to-the-winner finale with a stylish 23.66 heat victory, win 16 of his flourishing 31 start career.

"When you look at the way they're boxed it's not going to be easy for him – there's just so much speed," Coleman offered.

Such was the competitive nature of Sunday's heats, just a length separated seven of the eight heat winners to the first mark, suggesting the first turn will be no place for the faint hearted come Friday.

"Our dog doesn't box that well but really gets going when he hits the ground," Coleman said.

"At the start he wasn't handling the new boxing procedures at all but touch-wood he's been getting better recently. But box three on Friday means he'll be first in; he'll be in there for a while which is a concern.

"It's just such a fantastic race and we are going into it just proud he's made it. The owner is over the moon which is what it's all about. Anything from here would be a bonus."

Blessed with blinding early speed, Slingshot Titan has enjoyed a sparkling return to the track since getting over the canine coronavirus in April, boasting five wins and two seconds from seven starts.

"Looking back it was a blessing in disguise for him and some of his littermates having that time off," Coleman added.

"A few of them can get real over the top and exert so much energy but the break has matured a few of them up a lot. Especially Slingshot Titan … and we are seeing that in his races – the best of him is in front of him."

Sitting at $15 with bookmaker Beteasy from his box three draw, Slingshot Titan faces the stiffest test of his career on Friday night, tackling the likes of established stars Shima Shine, Hard Style Rico and Tiggerlong Tonk.

"Being realistic those three are a class ahead of the field but it is a greyhound race and anything can happen," Coleman said.

"I'm a huge Shima Shine fan but he had the eight last week and moves to the five for the final and Tiggerlong Tonk is drawn to his outside. When you draw the middle you just can't afford to put a foot wrong but there's no doubt he's the one to beat."

Beteasy has track record breaking heat winner Shima Shine the $2.45 favourite ahead of Shepparton Cup hero Hard Style Rico ($3.20) and Horsham Cup winner Tiggerlong Tonk ($3.40).

And if Slingshot Titan can capture Friday night's Bendigo Cup it will be a further boost to the stud career of Unlawful Entry, the track record breaking son of Knocka Norris enjoying a fantastic start in the breeding barn.

His pups to race thus far have exceeded 200 race wins at the sensational strike-rate of 22 percent.

And who knows, perhaps a group 2 triumph will be added to that tally on Friday night, with Slingshot Titan ready to rip in the Bendigo showpiece.

FRIDAY NIGHT BENDIGO PREVIEW

Race 1 – In a very even opener for Cup night the locally trained Flying Farrokh (8) is ideally drawn to take out the first race. With a slick 23.86 best time at the track he only has to run up to that effort to win the race. Aston Ryker (3) has been racing well without winning and finish just behind Flying Farrokh last start in a similar type of race. Kennel mates Jodie's Boy (2) and Ray Keeping (7) both scored recent impressive Shepparton wins and have claims.

Selections: 8-3-2-7 

Race 2 – After an unlucky 4th in a heat of the Bendigo Cup last week Kipling (6) steps up to the 500m trip and has the speed to cross the field and with a class edge will take some catching. Last start Meadows winner Driftin' Away (4) has the ability to pose a serious threat to Kipling. The Dailly duo of Jagger's Joss (3) and Rockstar Lincoln (5) must be considered.

Selections: 6-4-3-5 

Race 3 – The speedy He's An Ace (4) has a terrific record at the track and has the pace edge over his rivals which should see him find the front early and be hard to run down. Razor Burn (2) impressed with an all the way Sandown win recently and is drawn to get a perfect run. Who Cry Now (3) is better suited over more ground but is capable of figuring in the finish and Roots Rock Riot (7) was a smart winner here off the wide draw on June 19.

Selections: 4-2-3-7 

Race 4 – A very even field lines up in the inaugural Battler's Cup with a host of chances. Silver Compass (4) returned to form with a smart heat win and if he brings his best box manners he will be hard to beat. In form chaser Double Tactic (5) made it a hat trick of wins in posting the fastest heat time last start and will be finishing off strongly. Quest Allen (6) and Spritely Too (1) showed terrific pace in their heat wins and have solid chances.

Selections: 4-5-6-1 

Race 5 – Maiden finals are always even races and this one is no exception. Max's Idol (7) impressed on debut in his heat clocking the fastest time of 23.92 and being locally trained has had plenty of educating at the Bendigo track. Aussie Secret (5) recorded lightning sectionals on debut in his heat and clocked the equal fastest time with Max's Idol but has to contend with the move from box one to box five. Dr. Phoenix (3) hit the line hard in his heat at his first start and Perfect Colour (6) has the benefit of experience being placed four of five runs to date.

Selections: 7-5-3-6 

Race 6 – A wide opening staying event is the Winter Cup final. Euro Bro (6) will need plenty of luck getting across to the rail where he wants to be from the wide draw but if he does he will be charging home over the top of the leaders. Mepunga Spectre (1) is chasing a hat trick of wins after scoring at Warrnambool before impressing in her heat win last week. Drumroll Please (3) uncharacteristically missed the start in his heat but is sure to benefit from his first visit to Bendigo. Angry Trip (2) could provide some value for the multiples and fastest heat winner Easy Choice (5) cannot be ignored.

Selections: 6-1-3-2 

Race 7 – A field of the highest quality will contest the Cup final. Shima Shine (5), one of the fastest greyhounds in Australia, set a new track record in his scintillating heat win and he is the one to beat though will need to be at his best. Tiggerlong Tonk (6) is one of Australia's best sprinters having contested multiple group 1 finals and he was very impressive in his heat win at his first look at the track. Hard Style Rico (2) just missed the track record in his heat and is drawn to get a nice run. Ultra consistent sprinter Speed Star (1) is the likely leader and will make his presence felt.

Selections: 5-6-2-1 

Race 8 Origami Angel (6) has don her recent racing in the best company is well placed here. A solid enough effort in her heat when resuming after a fall she should improve and be hard to beat. Aston Valetta (7) posted a smart 28.06 as the fastest heat winner after chasing down Rothwell Gal (4) that has a chance to play catch me if you can again. Bubble (8) is perfectly drawn in the eight.

Selections: 6-7-4-8 

Race 9 – Promising sprinter Smart As Jack (8) is dropping in class after finishing third in a Cup heat last week behind Hard Style Rico and Flossing. He has won seven of eleven to date and looks a serious racer. Iylee Bale (4) defeated Aston Valetta at Ballarat recently after having raced in much stronger company. Gypsy Yankee (2) is another exciting prospect that has won four of eight in impressive style. Braith Bale (1) has claims.

Selections: 8-4-2-1 

Race 10 – The speedy Aston Ensley (2) should find the front easy enough and gets her chance to hold on and win after being run down at her past two starts. Aston Eureka (1) will get the drop on Anston Ensley and be hard to hold out. Meatball Soup (4) is better suited wider on the track but impressed here last start and Jack's Gone Wild (8) has a chance at big odds.

Selections: 2-1-4-8 

Race 11 Aston Stealth (4) looks the best bet of the night. At his visit to Bendigo he finished third to top line sprinters Paua Of Oscar and Jim Zarr Dashian. Drops in class here and should win. Mystic Rose (3) is a risky beginner but when she gets the start right she can take some catching. Kennel mates Wonder Riri (6) and Don't Argue Love (8) are place chance.

Selections: 4-3-6-8 

Race 12 Fireball Friday (8), a recent 29.67 Sandown winner is the one to beat in the final event. Has terrific mis race speed and from box eight will get the chance to use it. Big Don't Argue (2) has the speed to hold a forward position and make his presence felt. Beguile (3) and Scraping Paint (5) are worth some thought too.

Selections: 8-2-3-5 

 

 



 

Latest News Articles