Jack Jack (2) deserves favouritism after a brilliant heat win in 25.06. That time was quicker than all but three of the Grafton Cup finalists and considering it was his first race start, you’d imagine there’s more improvement to come. His first section time of 8.88 was only a length outside Badger’s Beast (arguably the best short course dog in the country) and after drawing Box 2 in the decider, he should lead easily and make a mess of them.
More Rain (6) was 3.75 lengths behind Jack Jack in the heats but did clock the second fastest first section and overall time. He seemed to be taking ground off the leader late in the piece but he’s yet to win in 11 starts and I can’t see him overturning the heat result on Wednesday night.
Unruly Boy (1) was only fair out in his heat but overcome a wide run and some interference to finish off OK in 25.90. He should get a beautiful run along the rails behind the favourite in the final and can make the frame.
And Zipping Arkle (4) won by nearly six lengths over Unruly Boy 10 days ago in 25.49. He will need to clear the kennelmate and tack onto the leaders heels if he’s to figure in the finish.
Paw Yasmin (3) had her first look at the track last week and was pretty good behind Kingsbrae Pumbaa in a time of 38.03. Began well and shot out to a comfortable lead midway through the contest but just knocked up over the final stages to go down by 0.25 of a length. She’s a multiple group race finalist in Victoria including the G1 Hume Cup and will be hard to reel in if she clears them early.
Kingsbrae Pumbaa (2) finished off the aforementioned race in fine style for Dessie Winters and it was a massive PB (38.01) in the process. His previous best was 38.24 so he’d need to hold that form to be a threat. Drawn Box 2 in this race and looks to work his way up the track as he leaves the lids so could interfere with a few of the fancies if he steps on terms. Ran 8th in the same race last year and has had nine starts (most of any runner) at track and trip.
Autumn Storm (1) hasn’t been at her best in her last couple of staying contests but they have been in better company than this field. Loves the red (11: 6-2-2) and if Kingsbrae Pumbaa does step right, she could get a saloon passage onto the arm. Has the class, goes quick early and has a couple of wins over the Grafton 660m already.
And Late Night News (7) is the current race favourite with Ladbrokes. He's had a stellar year with runner up finishes in The 715 and Country Classic, as well as appearances in three other group finals. Will be doing his best work late but could be short of a run after missing the QLD Cup final last week.
Badger’s Beast (4) picks himself based on his red-hot form, his affinity with the Grafton track and his explosive early pace. He’s only been knocked over once in his last nine starts (Straight Of Origin runner up), he won The Thunderbolt at the track last month (albeit over 350m) and he’s yet to taste defeat in four race starts at Grafton (combined winning margin of over 21 lengths). The second quickest qualifier for the final ran 26.02 in the heats, but the win was setup by an 8.80 first mark time. The next best in the final field was Western Lies at 8.87, so unless he misses it terribly, Badger’s Beast should lead this race. From there, whatever is in behind him will need clean air to track him down.
Enter Tracker (2). The 2024 Maitland Cup finalist hasn’t missed the quinella since falling in April at Wenty Park (eight starts in a row) and his heat run was arguably the best of the night. He began OK before navigating his way through the field and once he found clear air, he savaged the line to run 25.16. He’s trained by Jason Mackay so you can bet with confidence knowing he will be cherry ripe for the big dance.
Apache Tiger (1) looks to be Mick Landrigan’s best hope and he’s riding a three-win streak following a 25.12 heat victory. Doesn’t have a stack of early pace but will benefit from a rails run, especially if Tracker wants to push up the track as they turn for home. Is 4/4 in the red and has a good strike rate of 14 wins from 28 starts.
And Spritely Sian (6) was the fastest qualifier (25.01) for Dave Geall so certainly deserves respect. Was well suited by Box 1 in the heats and ran 8.90 early to lead and hang on, can she repeat the dose from Box 6 in the final with pace drawn outside her?
The Dogs Tips
4. Badger's Beast | $2.30 with Ladbrokes
2. Tracker | $5.50
1. Apache Tiger | $4.80
6. Spritely Sian | $8
A massive 12-race card kicks off at Grafton on Wednesday, July 15 at 5:15pm.
Stay tuned to The Dogs socials throughout the night for all the action and reaction from the track.
