THE three divisional finals of the J. G. Nelson Cup (515m) are the feature greyhound races on the 10-event program at The TOTE Racing Centre in Launceston tonight.
Last week’s heats produced some keen contests and each final tonight promises to produce engaging battles.
The Division three final for grade five dogs is the first leg of the quadrella (race 5) and it should be an open betting affair with heat winners Lucy Gaga and Dang Shen likely to vie for favouritism.
Lucy Gaga has impeccable box manners and good early speed so she should be able to cross from box eight if she begins, while Dang Shen is drawn a little awkwardly in box six but also possesses early speed and that should have her vying for the lead at the first turn.
The Julie Bannon-trained Buckle Up Callum has drawn well in box three and would only need to be in touch with them turning into the back stretch to be a genuine winning chance.
The Division one final for top graders also is open with Eagle Eye sure to start favourite despite drawing wide ion seven.
Eagle Eye has a brilliant record on the Launceston circuit and should have the speed and conviction to emerge triumphant.
Fisherman’s form has waned of late but from box three must be considered a real threat, especially if he leads.
The division two final (race eight) looks a match in two between Bronco Pete and National Vision, both of whom have won their past two.
Bronco Pete has drawn the cove ted inside alley, so if he begins as well as he has at his past two outings it could be all over at the first turn.
However there is a fair bit of early speed in the race with Korongah Gem (3) and Ella Lucy (6) both capable of causing an upset if either leads.