TONIGHT’S final of the Minister’s Gift, sponsored by the Minister for Racing Bryan Green, promises to be one of the best contested events on the Launceston circuit this year.
Three of the finalists have gained maximum points by winning both of their lead-up heats in Devonport and Hobart.
To qualify for the series greyhounds have to be Tasmanian bred and have qualified in heats at venues (Devonport and Hobart).
The final is made up of the top eight point scorers through the series of heats.
Bearville Boy and Bearville Phil are both owned at Railton by Gerard Allford and Stephen Bird and they were impressive in wining bother their heats.
Bearville Boy is trained by Gerard “Bear” while Bearville Phil is prepared by Mick Stringer at Mangalore.
Captain Cosmic, owned by Karlene Cuthbertson and Sally Wilson, is also trained by Mick Stringer and he too impressed in winning both of his heats.
With $10,000 up for grabs to the connections of the winner it is a much sought after race and all eight runners have a good chance. The runner with the most experience on this circuit is the Leigh Alexander/Butch Deverell trained Miss Hetti.
She has won three races here and ran first and second in the heats of this series and will give a big sight.
Monahan Bully for trainer Barry Smith has won two of his four starts on the Launceston track and although an ordinary beginner he runs on stoutly and will be helped by having the inside box.
The best bet on the program appears to be the Mick Stringer trained Molly’s Legacy in race one.
Looking for value it is hard to go past Miss Vintage in Race two. Trained by Les Barker at Carrick she is suited over the short 278-metre trip.