Star-Studded Heats For Group 1 Maturity

AUSTRALIA's finest young greyhounds will converge on The Meadows this Saturday night for eight gripping heats of the KCR Transport Maturity Classic (525m).

The cut-throat Group 1 qualifiers will see the eight winners progress through to Saturday week's $100,000-to-the-winner final where a chance to join an honour roll that includes Fernando Bale, Mepunga Blazer, Sennachie and Simon Told Helen awaits.

FIELDS AND FORM THE MEADOWS SATURDAY NIGHT

On a night of absorbing clashes, one of the most anticipated is in heat two where Koblenz, winner of his past 11 straight for trainer David Geall, takes on a rampaging Aston Fastnet.

Koblenz, a son of Fernando Bale and Up Hill Jill, is unbeaten in three appearances at The Meadows but will need to overcome box five if he's to continue his insatiable run of form on Saturday night.

Aston Fastnet, prepared by two-time Maturity Classic winning trainer Jason Thompson, heads into the series off a flying last start Albion Park victory in 29.62.

But unlike Koblenz, Aston Fastnet's form at The Meadows isn't as flash, unplaced in each of his three appearances at the track.

Heat three will see NSW powerhouse Jungle Deuce take his place from box three with trainer Jack Smith overcoming Covid border restrictions to ensure the son of Barcia Bale takes his place in the rich age-restricted series.

Budding superstar Aston Rupee will line-up in heat four from box two for trainer Glenn Rounds, the son of Kc And All and Aston Miley maintaining series favouritism.

Group 1 Sapphire Crown winner Qwara Bale runs into a strong field in heat five which includes impressive last start winners Keep It Black and Interrogate.

Drawn suitably in box two, Qwara Bale is considered a major chance for the series, boasting a first rate record at The Meadows.

Australian Cup finalist Shima Classic will start all-the-rage in heat seven on the strength of her sensational return to form last week at Sandown in 29.47.

While her overall time was good, the more telling split was the first section carved out in a blinding 4.97.

If she brings that pace to The Meadows on Saturday night she leads for fun.

Rounding out the eight heats is another fantastic field including the ideally drawn Do It from box one and hugely exciting prospect Substantial in box two.

Another key chance in the race is the talented Mr. Fix It, a litter-brother to Do it.

The pair are trained by Jeff Britton who looks set to play a strong hand in proceedings throughout the evening.