Peter Earley Returns for the 50th Duke of Edinburgh Silver Collar

Commentator Peter Earley will return to Manukau once again on Sunday to call the 50th running of the Duke of Edinburgh Silver Collar. Earley returned to call Sunday’s heats with the same precise and clear commentaries that made him a fan favourite over the years. Who can forget the one-liners “It's not a dream, it’s a Fantasy”, and “you’re not a Brat you’re a beaut”, for legendary winners Swift Fantasy and Thrilling Brat who took out the 2010 and 2013 editions of the Silver Collar. The $50,000 Amazing Chase will round out proceedings for what promises to be an epic day of greyhound racing.

50th Duke of Edinburgh Silver Collar. Group 1. 779m

1. Ripslinger Roxy. A Bradshaw.
Shewill be better for the run after her track debut fourth to Claws In Leo. Run on well from the back of
the field and the improved box draw on offer should see her handier earlier in the piece. Definite
top-three prospect on the back of her strong distance showings in the south.

2. Hairpin Trigger. J & D Fahey.
Battled on fairly for fourth in her heat after finding early trouble on the first occasion. Another who
should improve on her track debut run. Looked to head to the outside in the heat and box two
may not suit all that much.

3. Student Loan. J & D Fahey.
Slowly wore down tired dogs in his heat after occupying the back for most of the race. Needs to
find a handier spot to be any chance of winning the final. Is always a place prospect despite not
seeming to be a fan of the Manukau track.

4. Claws In Leo. D Roberts.
Can’t fault this boys effort as he tried his guts out, holding on for an all the way Heat victory from
box 2. This is a tougher assignment and will need to find the top early again to be in the thick of it.
Much improved greyhound looking to give trainer his first Group 1.

5. Fine Intention. G & S Fredrickson.
Her second first look showed potential and could be the likely leader once again. Was strong
right until the corner on the last lap before being run down. She is right in this race with another
good beginning, will look to put a bigger margin on her rivals.

6. Little Teegs. A Lawrence.
Another solid run for third without ever threatening victory in her heat. The box draw on this track
is not likely to help her either. The 779m like many will probably find her out, therefore she
must get handy early to be any chance.

7. Thrilling Amelia. K Walsh.
Run to the line most impressively in her heat win of 46.86. The wide draw on offer again is likely to
assist, as she will look to swoop around the outside. Looks to be the one to beat if she can
replicate Sunday's performance.

8. Dobby Who. M Prangley.
Followed Claws In Leo for the entirety of the second heat, but was unable to make any ground
throughout the race. His box 8 statistics are sound but may not suit, particularly in this race
format. Could sneak a placing with the right run.

The Amazing Chase 2021. 527m

Fastest overall times make up the final placings, regardless of what match race the dogs are in.

Heat 1. Pedro Lee v It’s A Blaze.
Pedro Lee for Peter Ferguson should be the likely leader for this match race but is vulnerable to
the powerful It’s A Blaze for Jean & Dave Fahey who qualified for this race at Addington and has
since trialled at Manukau in a 30.17. This format of racing should suit It’s A Blaze down to the
ground and despite the talent of the New Zealand Derby winner Pedro Lee he should be too
strong. The time will be interesting as he looms as a warm favourite for the title.

Heat 2. Opawa Travis v Akashi Boy.
These two have performed well to make the final but could be found lacking in the overall time
department. Nonetheless, this heat will be fascinating as Akashi Boy will look to burn early and put
up a lead on Opawa Travis who’s finishing burst is his best asset. Difficult to pick a winner
between these two, but Opawa Travis has the track experience which could be key.

Heat 3. Money Spinner v Tokyo Bird.
The Craig Roberts trained pair both trialled on Sunday under trying conditions and should be
better for the outing. Money Spinner has been in fine form at Addington with a last start win and a
second behind Rock on John. Tokyo Bird brings winning form and is running similar times to
Money Spinner but against easier company. The kennel mates are evenly matched speed wise
and tough to split in this heat.

Heat 4. Federal Morgan v Drink Shoeys.
Federal Morgan for Lisa Cole has had the wood on Drink Shoeys to date with victories in the
Auckland Cup, and the Golden Chase. Could this be Drink Shoeys chance to get one back on
Federal Morgan in a match race where he was a much faster qualifier on similar wet tracks a week
apart. Both have top three credentials and this will be another super contest