Runner-By-Runner Guide: Group 1 Queensland Cup

A VERY interesting race with the box draw, even for a 710m final, having much to say about the result.

Palawa King the hot favourite after his heat win and box draw. But, how the race is run will determine much.

1 – PLAY NICE

Fernando Bale x Tears Siam (Black Dog) – $5

Had plenty of runs on the track now and she had this box in her heat win. She must be one of the chances because she will park up on the speed early and that has to put her into the race.

Verdict: Nice draw to get great run throughout. Chance.

G1 @tabcomau Queensland Cup Heat 3 710m

1st: Play Nice (1)
2nd: Rippin' Grace (5)
3rd: Hara's River (6)#QLDisRacing@RaceQLD @SkyRacingAU @GerardDaffy @Bunny_Brasch @SEN_track @MMcInallyPhotos @GRV_News @OfficialRWWA pic.twitter.com/lbZStfe2zK

— Brisbane Greyhounds (@BrisGreys) June 29, 2023

2 – PALAWA KING

Feral Franky x Maximum Dos (Black Dog) – $2.40 fav

Ran the quickest of the heats last week when held up for an early run and burst through. That will obviously be his scenario again in this. The inside draw is a huge help but the race will still need to be run to suit him when he starts to make his run in the back straight. He has great mid-race pace and is a worthy favourite.

Verdict: Fastest heat winner. The one to beat.

G1 @tabcomau Queensland Cup Heat 1 710m

1st: Palawa King (5)
2nd: Fast Milkman (2)
3rd: Emerald Eyes (1)#QLDisRacing@RaceQLD @tabcomau @SkyRacingAU @GerardDaffy @Bunny_Brasch @Thedogs_com_au @GRV_News pic.twitter.com/d4HIE1dmqU

— Brisbane Greyhounds (@BrisGreys) June 29, 2023

3 – LOCKED ON SCOTCH

Hooked On Scotch x Neytiri Queen (Black Dog) – $8.50

Wow, first 710m start and wasn't he impressive leading throughout. The “second-up” 710m syndrome could be the only worry because he's hardly had a conventional stayers prep. But, with slow beginner Palawa King on his inside, he's likely going to lead. Then they have to run him down. Great chance.

Verdict: Drawn to lead and be hard to beat.

G1 @tabcomau Queensland Cup Heat 5 710m

1st: Locked On Scotch (4)
2nd: Dirt Farmer (3)
3rd: Bogie Hurricane (5)#QLDisRacing@RaceQLD @tabcomau @SkyRacingAU @GerardDaffy @Bunny_Brasch @SEN_track @MMcInallyPhotos @GRV_News pic.twitter.com/AtQylNFRpl

— Brisbane Greyhounds (@BrisGreys) June 29, 2023

4 – ARIARNE BALE

Feral Franky x Dyna Zesty (Black Bitch) – $6

A Group 1 winner and multiple Group finalist. But, she looked a bit lucky in her heat win last week and the draw here does her no favours. Her heat time of 42.38 was moderate at best but how do you rule out a bitch of her quality.

Verdict: Not well boxed.

G1 @tabcomau Queensland Cup Heat 2 710m

1st: Ariarne Bale (5)
2nd: Spot On Harper ( 8 )
3rd: Respectability (1)#QLDisRacing@RaceQLD @SkyRacingAU @GerardDaffy @Bunny_Brasch @SEN_track @Thedogs_com_au @GRV_News pic.twitter.com/fcTqiMCpZH

— Brisbane Greyhounds (@BrisGreys) June 29, 2023

5 – WHEEL AND GO

Benali x Erelda Bale (Black Dog) – $8

Classy but his best form is off an inside draw and the five here means he will be back in the ruck early. Had the rails when winning his heat and his only other win at Albion Park during this campaign was off the red as well. Still, he's a chance of running into a place.

Verdict: Does best from inside draws.

G1 @tabcomau Queensland Cup Heat 4 710m

1st: Wheel And Go (1)
2nd: Blue Hornet (5)
3rd: Hidden Agenda (7)#QLDisRacing@RaceQLD @tabcomau @SkyRacingAU @GerardDaffy @Bunny_Brasch @SEN_track @MMcInallyPhotos @GRV_News pic.twitter.com/gfLsacHZ6x

— Brisbane Greyhounds (@BrisGreys) June 29, 2023

6 – RIPPIN' GRACE

Bernardo x Slingshot Spirit (Blue Bitch) – $5.50

What a performance last week when second to Play Nice at her first 700m run for months, especially when she wasn't that well away and copped a shunt at the first turn. And, she is certain to be improved by that effort. The wide draw is probably the biggest worry.

Verdict: Needed the run last week. Go close.

7 – BLUE HORNET

Sennachie x Champagne Sally (Blue Dog) – $16

local hope and he is not without a ‘big odds' chance. Had a few 710m runs now and has been placed in all of them. He did not begin as well last week as he normally does so the run was better than it looked when second to Wheel And Go.

Verdict: Rates an each-way chance.

8 – DIRT FARMER

Fernando Bale x Tears Siam (White & Brindle Dog) – $17

Not well boxed and form has been mixed since coming to Queensland for the carnival but did run fourth in Group 1 Sandown Cup when leading early off a wide draw. Hard to see him leading this and that will make his job tough.

Verdict: Wide draw no help.

Tips:
1st – Locked On Scotch (No. 3)
2nd – Palawa King (No. 2)
3rd – Rippin' Grace (No. 6)