Tips, Analysis: Group 1 Perth Cup And Galaxy

THIS year's Group 1 Perth Cup (520m) at Cannington on Saturday night brings together one of the best fields for the race in recent memory. 

Megunga Tully is the likely favourite but there are threats across the grid.

Here's my thoughts on the Perth Cup as well as the Group 1 Galaxy (715m) and Group 3 Perth Cup Consolation (520m) on what is a huge night of greyhound racing action.

FIELDS AND FORM CANNINGTON SATURDAY NIGHT

***********************************

RACE 6: GROUP 1 PERTH CUP

1. DEADLY AVENGER

Impressive heat victory in 29.52 in what was his first look at the track. Extremely capable chaser that could show further improvement. Gets a huge opportunity from the draw.

2. MEPUNGA TULLY

The Australian Cup winner looked very ominous in her heat, clocking 29.48 following a 5.42 first section. Just needs to step and she could be on her way. The one to beat. 

3. MORTON

Will he jump? He's a big show if he does. He was superb at box rise in the Prelude two weeks ago…in last week's heat?…not so much and he had to work hard to win. Probably can't get away with that against this field but will keep coming.  

4. MAXIMUM KUNA

A very handy racedog that produced a nice heat win but will likely find this beyond him. 

5. BORACAY STORM

In excellent form and comes in as the fastest qualifier following a run of 29.42 in her heat. That's the good news. That bad news is that the draw has done her no favours. As good as she is, she faces the toughest path to victory of any dog in this race but she'll be running on.

6. RARE SPEED

Has emerged from obscurity over the past month or so and comes into this final with momentum. Is she capable of producing an upset? She's airborne out of the traps and if she jumps and crosses like we've seen from her in the past, she could make things very interesting.

7. MISS ENVY

Gun chaser came into this series a little underdone following a long lay-off but still produced a nice victory in her heat in 29.58. She should strip fitter this week. The box draw might work in her favour, especially if Rare Speed creates some chaos on her inside. Chance. 

8. VINCENT BALE  

We haven't seen the absolute best of this dog in WA so far. He did enough to win his heat in 29.81 but will likely need to find something to repeat the result in the final. Box eight adds to the degree of difficulty. 

9. SMOOTH PLANE

Can play a big role if he gets a start.

10. BAREFOOT ZULU

Quick dog that could be prominent with a good draw.

Selection: 1. Deadly Avenger 

***********************************

RACE 4: GROUP 1 GALAXY

ETHANOL WATER (3) could win this by a healthy margin if she brings her A game. She already has two G1s to her name and she clocked the track record of 41.66 in the Galaxy Prelude…BUT last week she had her chance to run down Flaws And Sins and couldn't do so. It wasn't a bad run but shows she's not invincible. 

GROOVEBIRD (6) and BLACK SILENCER (5) had a great tussle in their heat and both should be better for the run this week. I can see both greyhounds being prominent here.

MIGHT HAVE BEEN (7) also figures to play a key role based on his heat win. He'll give herself a big chance if he can push up on the pace early. 

FLAWS AND SINS (8) has found form at the right time and was fantastic in her heat but she'll find it a lot harder to find the lead from the pink this week. 

Selection: 3. ETHANOL WATER 

***********************************

RACE 1: GROUP 3 PERTH CUP CONSOLATION 

SMOOTH PLANE (6) is a quality animal that has hasn't had a lot of luck in his two runs at Cannington this campaign. Third time's a charm perhaps? He's not entirely bombproof but with a clear run he'll be hard to hold out. 

TRANSCENDENT (5) is a class chaser that will benefit greatly from his run last week and could be a big improver. 

BAREFOOT ZULU (7) went close last week after being beaten early. He'd probably prefer to be on the inside but he's a talented type and a big showing would not surprise.   

BOTH BOWERS ACE (4) is capable but may need to find a length or two.    

RIPPIN' MOSES (1) could provide a bit of cheek with his early pace from this draw. 

Selection: 6. Smooth Plane