Buddy & the Hoarse Clash at Cambridge Today

The pacey pair have met four times this season with the scoreline sitting at 3-1 in Buddy's favour.

 

They first lined up together in the Group 1 Galaxy Final with Buddy holding out Bolty to win, whilst Trojan Hoarse was checked out of the contest.  Buddy trekked to Wanganui for a Grade race on November 22 and ran down Trojan Hoarse late to score.  The Hoarse turned the tables in Wanganui's Group 2 Dash for Cash Final on December 6, making the most of a brilliant beginning.

 

Their most recent clash was the Group 1 Railway Final at Manukau on March 1 with Buddy booming home late to catch Cheese and Chalk, whilst Trojan Hoarse came in 5th after a slow jump.

 

TAB Bookies have opened Buddy the $1.90 favourite from Box 5, whilst putting up $3.20 about Trojan Hoarse from Box 8.

 

While Buddy could be expected to have home advantage at Cambridge where he has won 8 from 10 over the 375m, Trojan Hoarse boasts a Derby win on the track and is unbeaten from six attempts over 375m.  The Hoarse also has the better PB at 20.75s set from Box 1 at night on January 2, Buddy's best isn't far behind at 20.86 set last August from Box 5.

 

With neither star being brilliant at box rise, there is always a chance of an upset.  The rest of the field all have winning form in their last five starts including three from the kennel of strike-rate trainer, Karen Walsh.  

 

However come three o'clock, Trackside viewers will be very disappointed if neither the gold or the pink takes this out.  With Buddy's indifference for the first 5m of his races, and Trojan Hoarse's access to space out wide, the $3.20 about the pink rug is very tempting for a dog that is 6 from 6 at the venue.

 

Such a clash is a fitting tribute to commentator Peter Earley's calling his final meeting at Cambridge.  The Waikato Club have acknowledged Peter's contribution to Greyhound racing by naming Race 12 The Peter Earley Appreciation Stakes.