Group 2 Farmlands CopRice Waikato Classic Final Preview

Friday 31 December at Cambridge, Race 12 @ 3:10pm

Allegro Ginny won her heat in 25.54 for Lisa Cole. Photo credit: Yvette Bodiam.

Seemingly back in form at the right time for this race. Last week’s all-the-way win was one of her best and she draws the cherry which will be a big help. Could potentially show further improvement on her 25.74 heat win. She is a good chance of running in the money with a repeat of last week’s beginning.

Had every chance last week but was found wanting when Ginny railed underneath. She is an immensely talented greyhound who made the NZ Cup Final but seems to be a bit below her best at the moment. May perform better this week drawn closer to the rail.

3. Thrilling Freddy (M Prangley)

One of the best performed 527m dogs at Auckland over the last month or two. The one-turn Cambridge track and distance should suit even better now, despite not having much luck there so far. Was up in the early rush last week before being passed by a few stronger. If he could spear to the lead, he may take some catching.

Near on a career best run for second in last week’s heat, where he closed in on Allegro Ginny. May find life tougher from Box 4 in this calibre of field. Zipped past Big Time Panda comfortably in the straight last week and is stronger than most in this field. Cannot afford to get too far back.

Ran a solid fourth on his track distance debut against the toughest opposition he has faced. His best wins at Addington came in about the 30.40 region. Still reasonably inexperienced compared to some of these other runners. A good effort to make the final but does look to be held.

6. Allegro Mars (L Cole)

The least experienced runner of the field who closed just in behind Thrilling Risk for third in his heat. Posted consecutive best of day times at Manawatu in the space of five days earlier in the month. The best of those was an impressive 25.76 over the 457m. He definitely has a bright future and could be a dark horse in this.

Only unplaced once in her 11 starts to date. She has taken to middle distance racing with ease, as seen in her superb 25.54 heat win where she pushed underneath Big Time Panda from Box 2. Box 7 is clearly a harder task for her but she does have an X-factor about her. Solid chance of taking this out and looks an early threat for April’s NZ Oaks.

Incredibly consistent canine who will not mind using the wider box to swoop into it. Only once out of the money in 14 starts to date. Is armed with strength and does not get too far off the pace. Owns the best winning time in the race, and if things go his way in the running, he will be hard to beat.

Another promising young dog with some serious speed. Not as consistent at box rise as some of these others, however his 25.22 run two back from the inside was brilliant. Could not rule him out if he makes this field.

Solid second two back to Allegro Ginny, albeit a fair way off her. Made a mess of the start in last week’s heat, helping Thrilling Sprite to find an easy lead. He ran on fairly along the paint for fifth. He is a nice young dog who would be a bit outclassed in this affair.

By Shane Kendall