This week's wrap is all about the Group 1 National Sprint and National Distance Championships, which heated up across the country as some of Australia's biggest names began their push towards the national finals at Sandown Park later this month.
Victoria: Retaliation electric at Sandown
Victoria produced an outstanding night of qualifying at Sandown, headed by Retaliation, who was electric from the boxes and ran a brilliant 29.20 — the fastest of the National Sprint heats. Wrongly Accused continued his superb form, running down Golden Easter Egg winner Off The Chart in 29.22, while On The Prowl, Zelda Covilah and Cleo's Star were the other heat winners. Recent Group 1 Maturity Classic winner Indy Melmen was narrowly beaten by Cleo's Star but did enough to qualify for what shapes as a cracking Victorian final.
The National Distance heats also featured some of Victoria's best stayers, with In Moderation producing the quickest performance, charging home to win in 41.91. Espoir won the other heat in 42.14, while star stayer Without A Trace also progressed to the Victorian final despite finishing fourth in her heat.
New South Wales: Jungle Johnny digs deep
Jungle Johnny again showed why he is regarded as one of the fastest greyhounds in the country. The Wentworth Park track-record holder found himself in plenty of trouble in his National Sprint heat but dug deep to get the better of the flying Reborn Hostility in a tight finish. Galba Model took out the other NSW Sprint heat, setting up another big showdown at Wentworth Park.
Queensland: Wildash Jane's resurgence rolls on
Queensland qualifying produced a terrific story, with Wildash Jane continuing her remarkable resurgence by defeating Group 1 performer Winsome Jet in her National Sprint heat. Zipping Lee claimed the other Sprint qualifier, ensuring there will be plenty of quality coming through the Queensland series.
Thursday night decides the representatives
It all sets up a massive Thursday night, August 13, with state pride on the line across the country as the National Sprint and Distance representatives are decided.
- Victoria — Sprint and Distance finals at Sandown Park
- New South Wales — Sprint and Distance finals at Wentworth Park
- Queensland — finals at Q2 Parklands
- South Australia — finals at Angle Park
- Western Australia — Sprint and Distance finals at Cannington
- Tasmania — Sprint final at Launceston
- Tasmania (Distance) — the exception, moved forward to Hobart on Monday, August 10
That makes Thursday one of the biggest nights of the greyhound racing calendar, with most of the country's representatives decided before attention turns firmly towards Sandown Park on Saturday, August 29 for the Group 1 National Sprint and National Distance Championship finals.
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