Healesville’s Festival of Racing moves into overdrive today with two sensational heats of the Victorian Straight Track Championship (350m).
The second heat sees two-time G2 ‘country cups king’ and dual TR holder Ferdinand Boy (23 from 42 – 10 of past 16) debut ‘up the straight’ in preparation for September’s G2 Healesville Cup series.
And Dr. Tucker’s scratching opens the floodgates for a titanic tussle between three-time G2 finalist Dream Wizard (22 from 56) and Utah Ghost (4 of past 8).
Straight track specialist Incendio (6 from 11 – 5 from 8 Trk/Dst) is set for a sizzling return. He’s also 3 from 4 exiting Box 2.
Meanwhile, at Sandown Park this afternoon, ‘sparkling’ middle-distance/staying prospect Mepunga Ruby (7 from 12 – 5 of past 6) should continue her ‘dazzling’ form. Last month, she won the Pink Diamond Rookie Distance final (660m) at Bendigo.
G1 Sandown Park finalists Persian Goddess (10 from 25 – Sapphire Crown) and Kenny The Brute (9 from 31 – Sandown Cup) shape up in a ‘heavenly’ clash over 595m.
And G2 Cranbourne Cup finalist Lots Of Chatter (3 of past 4 – 4 from 7 Box 8) should ‘talk the talk’ in a FFA at Sale tonight.
Here’s an extensive analysis of today’s Must Watch Race, and be sure to scroll down further for ? The Watchdog’s $10 spend…
? MUST-WATCH RACE: Vic Straight Track Championship Heat 2
SMART AS JACK ? FERDINAND BOY ? RUMOUR IS FACT ? HELLO GEORGE
? Healesville ? Race 8 ? 350m ⏱ 1:29pm
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666541498/race/8
The Watchdog says ?: Superstar FERDINAND BOY (4) makes his much anticipated straight track debut, and the semaphore board could be in some serious trouble. The champ captured the 385m Shepparton track record with a breathtaking 21.31sec win and on that occasion he ran away from Australian Cup runner up FERNANDO BLUEY. His first look at the track is a slight concern but his high speed should see him adapt well and I expect him to rattle the magical 19 seconds barrier. SMART AS JACK (1) is a mad railer and he returned to form with a dazzling 16.41sec win at Healesville last start. If he can step on terms, he should be able to put some heat on the champ mid race, and he has the potential to cause a boil over. HELLO GEORGE (8) is a track specialist, and he will be looking to atone for some luckless runs of late, however he is probably better suited to a rails draw and he is going to have to work overtime to get into the mix. RUMOUR IS FACT (6) is another straight track specialist who is armed with terrific pace soon after box rise, so if the top elect happens to make a mistake, he can make his presence felt. DR. RYKER (3) is an interesting runner. He has not raced since October of last year and for connections to enter him into a race of this calibre, he must be doing plenty right in his trials.
Selections: 4 – 1 – 6 – 3
