Stars Align For Epic Brisbane Cup Decider

LOCAL superstar Oh Mickey has set the time-standard for next Thursday night's Group 1 Sky Racing Brisbane Cup (520m) with a rampaging 29.45 heat victory at Albion Park on Thursday night.

But snapping at the son of Fernando Bale's heels on the clock is Australia's premier sprinters meaning next week's group 1 decider is absolute must watch viewing.

It'll be the race of the year. When you consider the line-up it just has to be.

Black Opium, Oh Mickey, Hooked On Scotch, Simon Told Helen and Who Told Stevie … grab your popcorn!

Before Oh Mickey's tantalizing four length heat victory for trainer Selena Zammit over a gallant Who Told Stevie in the final heat, Black Opium held time honours following her stunning 29.52 winning performance.

The undisputed Queen of Australian greyhound racing had looked all set to qualify fastest for back-to-back Brisbane Cups after running 29.62 last year before finishing a gallant second to Sennachie in the final.

But now a group 1 winner, annexing May's Sapphire Crown at Sandown, the Jason Thompson-trained daughter of Black Magic Opal goes into next Thursday's finale with undeniable claims. 

And she'll be joined in the group 1 decider by kennelmate Hooked On Scotch after the two-time group 1 winning son of Barcia Bale recorded 29.55 to defeat Federal Morgan in his qualifier.

Getting into top gear late, the freakish talent booked his spot with a seemingly effortless display, the performance a clear demonstration of the firepower the Sandown track record holder has at his disposal.

The upset of the night came about when Simon Told Helen was gunned down on the line by local talent Special Cyndie.

But the three-time group 1 winner's brave second safely secures his spot in next Thursday's finale where he'll be joined by brother Who Told Stevie, a tremendous second to Oh Mickey at his Albion Park debut.

Simon Told Helen has drawn box eight in the final, a draw he's no stranger to, landing last year's Queensland Derby when wearing the pink.

Buckle in for an epic race – it has all the ingredients to be a blockbuster.

Group 1 Sky Racing Brisbane Cup Final (520m)

1. Special Cyndie
2. Who Told Stevie
3. Shakey Diesel
4. Hooked On Scotch
5. Black Opium
6. Federal Morgan
7. Oh Mickey
8. Simon Told Helen

RES …
Stinger Noir
Blue Diva