Runner By Runner Guide: G2 Horsham Cup

BABY Jaycee is favourite for Friday night's group 2 Horsham Cup, though the box draw has made her task that little bit harder.

The hot favourite in the all-in market, Baby Jaycee was unable to cross from box 5 in her heat but looked to have the race covered when she railed through to lead turning for home.

But she was forced to work hard for her ¾ length victory, forced to hold off resurgent early leader Aston Lira and the fast finishing Zara's Ivan in 27.05.

That time was the third fastest of the four heats, the time standard belonging to the consistent Jungle Panther (26.83), while Panadero Warrior (26.95) also went quicker.

If successful, Baby Jaycee would become the first female sprinter to win the Horsham Cup since Classic Capri way back in 2001.

1. Stealth

Trainer: Jason Thompson

Heat time: 27.19

First split: 6.47

Price: $6

Was a shade disappointing in his heat when beaten at a $1.90 quote. Entered the series on the back of five consecutive wins including the group 3 Country Championship at The Meadows his last time out, however he stepped only fairly at box rise – normally his forte – and by the time he'd mustered had been crossed and had no answer for fastest heat winner Jungle Panther. Will need to begin better and his career record says he can. Is in very good hands – trainer Jason Thompson a four-time winner of the Horsham Cup.

https://twitter.com/WatchDogRacing/status/1631580237581680641

2. Call Me Marley

Trainer: Bob Douglas

Heat time: 27.13

First split: 6.53

Price: $31

The outsider of the field, Call Me Marley is a litter brother to favourite Baby Jaycee which has shown ability at times himself with four of his nine career wins coming in BON. Stepped fairly but mustered quickly to lead before finding He's No Slouch too good in the run to the line. His best form has been from out wide (is 5/5 from box 8) but has been solid from the inside (7: 1-3-2 from boxes 1 and 2). Can't afford to make a mistake but can fill a hole.

3. Zara's Ivan

Trainer: Tom Dailly

Heat time: 27.11

First split: 6.61

Price: $9

Stepped moderately and didn't have a lot of luck early in his heat being involved in a bumping duel on the run to the first turn. Spotted Baby Jaycee three lengths as they straightened and reduced the margin to less than a length despite having to work around Aston Lira. Has shown early speed at times in the past and is no stranger to this level of competition lining up in his sixth group final. Has form around some of the best dogs in the country and did beat Jungle Panther in the heat and final of the Pink Diamond Rookie Sprinter. Will need a bit of luck early but will be doing his best work late.

4. Baby Jaycee

Trainer: Bob Douglas

Heat time: 25.07

First Split: 6.54

Price: $3.70

The Australian Cup runner-up was at her tenacious best in her heat, forced to take a sit early before switching to the fence and holding off the challengers late. There will be a lot more pressure here however so it is imperative she gets a clear run and finds the lead early. She is capable of displaying the required speed, but they'll be coming for her late as well. Can she win it? Sure, but she may be a little short especially from this draw.

https://twitter.com/WatchDogRacing/status/1631576505569378304

5. Jungle Panther

Trainer: Jeff Geall

Heat time: 26.83

First split: 6.48

Price: $4.40

Made it six wins (with one second) from seven starts at Horsham when turning in a near flawless performance when jumping from his favoured wide draw in his heat. Wasn't quite able to lead Stealth through the first turn but was far too strong to the line and should improve again here. If he begins the same way here, he should be vying for the lead off the back and prove very hard to beat.

6. He's No Slouch

Trainer: Peter Craig

Heat time: 27.09

First split: 6.55

Price: $10

The brother of the world's highest earning greyhound, Wow She's Fast, He's No Slouch is, as his name suggests, is no slouch either. Stepped well but was beaten for early speed by Call Me Marley, however despite a squeeze at the turn he railed well and was too good in the run to the line. His task is made harder here given the draw won't afford him the same passage early and may not be capable of running the times of some of his rivals.

7. Panadero Warrior

Trainer: Paul Abela

Heat time: 26.95

First split: 6.87

Price: $4

The Bulli Gold Cup winner was the eye catching run of the heats. Missing the start, he mustered quickly to pass all but Matts Hope by the first turn and still trailed him by three as they turned for home. Once straightening, Panadero Warrior produced a devastating turn of foot that saw him power to a 2½ length win in quick time. Drawn to get clear running, he is undefeated from box 7 and while any backmarker will need some degree of luck in this company, he certainly has the ability to claim his second group race win in three weeks.

Warrior grows wings

PANADERO WARRIOR flew home to take out the fourth heat of the Group 2 @sportsbetcomau #HorshamCup.

He's now into another feature final having just won the Bulli Gold Cup.#GreyhoundRacing pic.twitter.com/A3OIHpiDaf

— WatchDog Racing (@WatchDogRacing) March 3, 2023

8. Matt's Hope

Trainer: Michelle Mallia

Heat time: 27.11

First split: 6.39

Price:  $7

Ran the fastest first split of the finalists and ran a solid overall time despite being swamped late by the flying Panadero Warrior. Has won 30 of 63 career starts but is a winner of 11 of his past 14 – 6 of which have been from box 8. He is a winner over this track and distance but his best work has been over 450m. Will give them something to chase but is suspect late.

Tips: 5-7-1-4