Will The Rain Stop The Fire?
Unbeaten speedster Sunset Spitfire faces the biggest test in his brief career in tonight’s feature event, the Greyhounds WA Young Stars Classic Final over 520 metres at Cannington.
The David Hobby trained son of Mepunga Blaze has won all eight of his lifetime starts with seven of the wins being recorded in Best Of Night times.
On a day where there has been lots of rain in Perth can the rain stop the fire?
Sunset Spitfire comes up against the deepest lineup he has encountered in his life with five of his seven rivals having broken the 30 second barrier in town.
Last week in the heats was the first time he has not run Best Of Night time on the clock with him having to carve out a tradesman’s win in 30.01 seconds.
Personally I was impressed with the way he found a way to win despite not having it all his own way but tonight from box five he looks likely to have to work hard for the win again.
There is plenty of early pace around him and he is going to have to use all of his high octane engine to zoom in to the event.
The two other heat winners from last week Sunset Toxic (box one – 30.02) and Wicked Rhythm (box two – 29.74) were both impressive in their own right and you include the strength of Historic Time and West On Roger from the wide boxes and it is plain to see that this is not a matter of just turning up to continue the winning streak.
Regardless of what happens tonight astute greyhound racing fans would be aware that this youngster is a unique talent and has a very bright future ahead – the clock consitently has told us that.
Sunset Spitfire is at a cramped quote in betting at $1.80 on the Fixed Odds with TABtouch with kennelmate Sunset Toxic at $3.40, Wicked Rhythm at $5.50, West On Roger at $11, Historic Time at $15, Oaks winner Cobargo at $26, Owl Jai at $26 and Stargazer at $41.
Sunset Spitfire deserves favouritism on his career record to this point but I thought from a betting perspective the ultra-consistent Historic Time was worth a little each way play at the double figure odds – he has 3 wins and 2 placings from his last 5 starts and will be very strong to the line. Should they jam up inside he may get the lovely slingshot around them and is capable of cashing in on that scenario should it present.
Despite the wet and stormy conditions in Perth, nothing will dampen the enthusiasm for this stellar juvenile classic event.
My best bets on the program are 2-5 All Zipped Up, 8-8 Star Book and 12-1 Van Buren.
Good Luck Punters!
David Shortte