Scene Set For All-Star Association Cup Clash

STAYING superstars Palawa King and Valpolicella will renew their growing rivalry when the pair clash in next Saturday night's Group 1 Association Cup Final (720m).

The gifted duo were emphatic winners of their respective heats at Wentworth Park on Saturday night to set up a mouthwatering showdown in next weekend's rescheduled $75,000-to-the-winner decider.

In a breathtaking display, Palawa King put away his rivals to score by 14 ¼ lengths in 42.19, while Valpolicella overcame a tardy first half of the race to roar away late, winning by seven lengths in 42.29.

Universally agreed upon as the sport's two premier stayers – and with the records to support it – Saturday night's Association Cup Final will be the fourth time the group 1 winning duo have met.

Q: How would you best sum up Palawa King?
Jack: Beautiful ????

We agree with Jack Smith, especially after Palawa King's gap job in Heat 2 of the Farrell's Association Cup tonight at #WentyPark!#thedogs #greyhoundracing #greyhounds @wentyparkgreys pic.twitter.com/YSL17yvJAx

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) April 13, 2024

Remarkably, despite being trained interstate, the three previous occasions have come in Victorian group 1s, with Palawa King successful in the Bold Trease while Valpolicella reigned supreme in the Zoom Top.  

In the Topgun Stayers, Palawa King finished third with the Tony Zammit-trained Valpolicella in fifth.

Bookmakers have installed Valpolicella a $2.40 favourite from her box eight draw just ahead of Palawa King at $2.90 which has drawn box five.

Already a group 1 winner on four occasions, the Association Cup will give Palawa King his first chance at a coveted group 1 title on home soil.

The Jack Smith-trained son of Feral Franky was crowned NSW Greyhound of The Year in 2023 but for a body of work that included a raft of big race triumphs in Victoria and Queensland.

And in what may prove a lucky charm, it's 20 years since the Smith-owned Irinka Barbie ripped away for Association Cup glory in 2004.

Valpolicella loves #WentyPark and she's into the G1 Farrell's Association Cup after her win in Heat 3 tonight!
Hear from Tony Zammit and Sandro Bechini after the win…#thedogs #greyhoundracing #greyhounds @wentyparkgreys https://t.co/31wYWKu9Db

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) April 13, 2024

The opening Association Cup heat was landed by Victorian chaser Al's Entity which staved off a fast finishing Canya Amy to score in 42.26 for Darryl Thomas.

Following next weekend's group 1 decider it's expected the final field will descend on The Gardens six days later for the heats of the world's richest staying race, The 715, which carries a first prize of $500,000.

Palawa King made the final last year when still a wet behind the ears stayer.

Group 1 Association Cup Box Draw: 1. What Can Do 2. Sin Rap Explode 3. Al's Entity 4. Canya Amy 5. Palawa King 6. Misty Black 7. Goulburn Girl 8 Valpolicella 9. I'll See 10. Has Ability