Tips, Analysis For Sandown Park On Thursday Night
THE Maidment Memorial and Australia Day Sprint headline a holiday weekend feature double at Sandown Park on Thursday night.

THE Maidment Memorial and Australia Day Sprint headline a holiday weekend feature double at Sandown Park on Thursday night.
The Group Listed events have attracted quality fields, with runners of both looking to use Thursday night as a launching point for the upcoming Australian Cup carnival.
First run in 1957, the Maidment Memorial is one of the club's oldest feature races. Originally conducted as a staying event, it became a middle distance feature after the installation of the 595m boxes in 2011. Since the distance change, the honour roll features a number of well performed group standard greyhounds including Lady Toy, Rajasthan, Fernando Cazz and Jarick Bale.
FIELDS AND FORM SANDOWN PARK THURSDAY NIGHT
Conversely, the Australia Day Sprint is one of the club's newest features and already boasts an honour roll that belies its group status, having been won by Orson Allen, Up Hill Jill, Polijuice Potion and My Bro Fabio since the race's introduction in 2014.
Supported by a strong undercard, here's a look at Thursday night's action.
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Race 6 – Maidment Memorial (595m)
A race in two according to early markets with both STOMPING (1) and CANYA ALL CLASS (8) nudging an even money quote despite both greyhounds entering the $22,000 event with very different form lines.
Stomping was brilliant at The Meadows last Saturday night, winning in a dazzling 29.57 over 525m which followed a 34.26 win over 600m two starts prior. He has an excellent middle distance record at Sandown Park having won four of eight starts over the trip. He has improved considerably since recording his 34.05 best at the track in June 2024. The favourable draw should see him forward and hard to beat.
Canya All Class on the other hand enters the race with strong distance form including a third in the Group 1 Bold Trease which followed victory in the group 1 Topgun Stayers. Last raced in the Sale Cup where he finished down the track after breaking the track record in his heat. He is undefeated in two starts this track and distance and his 33.80 best is impressive. He is capable of dazzling times over all distances, and the wide draw shouldn't be too much of a concern.
ZIPPING HOPKINS (4) is the only other running in single figures, with $17 or better available for all other contenders.
The verdict: STOMPING (1) couldn't be more impressive winning in smart time over the sprint trip last time out and with the favourable draw and rise in distance will be hard to beat again. CANYA ALL CLASS (8) the obvious danger, but anyone looking for a blow out should consider UTRILLO BALE (6), a greyhound that has form around very good greyhounds and is capable of running 34 flat. Despite the draw, he can forward and fill a hole at a big price.
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Race 8: Australia Day Sprint (515m)
FLYING ZULU (4) is racing in superlative form as evidenced by his 29.00 win last time out. Has won four of his last six starts – the two losses – coming in the Group 1 Hobart Thousand and the Group 2 Warragul Cup – and should have the speed to beat out those drawn inside. He deserves favouritism and will be hard to beat again.
Drawn on his outer is BIG ENERGY (5), the dual Shootout winner that has broken 29 second five times at Sandown Park. Hasn't won in four starts since claiming a Melbourne Cup heat and had every chance to run down rising star REALITY BEST last time out. PAW VORTEX (3) is another that has raced a shade below his best in his recent starts but at his best can contend here. HERE COMES MILLI (8) has been very good in her last two outings but looks tested here.
The verdict: It's hard to go past FLYING ZULU (4), his recent form is simply outstanding and despite the draw, he should lead the field through the first turn and win. PAW VORTEX (3) is the interesting runner – has a solid record at the track and is better than his 29.58 best indicated. With clear running early can certainly figure in the exotics.
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THE UNDERCARD
Best: BLACK BUSINESS (race 2, box 7)
Promising type that should continue to improve with racing. Should be too good in what is a modest grade 7 event.
Next best: MEPUNGA SCARLETT (race 4, box 2)
Loved his run from a squeeze draw last time and should appreciate the low draw here. First step is a slight concern but can find the rail here and will be powering to the line.
Each way: RIVERSIDE MICK (race 10, box 5)
His overall record is good without being spectacular, but his 500m form is very good. Lack of speed beneath him should equalize the issue the draw, and as long as he can hold off the outside brigade, should give a site at a nice price.
Quaddie: 1237 / 18 / 4578 / 345 = $50 for 52%