Trackside commentator Mark Rosanowski provides his tips for all 12 races at the Whanganui Greyhounds meeting on Friday, 12 December.
5 Big Time Loki was nailed near the line when second a fortnight ago by a dog that has won again since. His experience could count against the recent qualifiers.
Selections: 5-4-8-7
| 5. Big Time Loki (5) 64342 T: Lisa Cole |
1 Run The Gauntlet is a slow starter but a demon railer who has been the fastest dog across 520m to date in this handy field.
Selections: 1-2-7-5
| 1. Run The Gauntlet (1) 16423 T: Lisa Cole |
7 Big Time Lopez returns to her favourite track after a solid third at Manawatu. The last time she was here she pushed Pure Precision hard & that chaser is the futures favourite for the group one Spion Rose. 2 Iconic End won in a fast time the last time he stepped out on this track. Can be risky early.
Selections: 7-2-5-6
| 7. Big Time Lopez (7) 22263 T: Lisa Cole |
3 Claws In Sparky is a Canterbury visitor who has thrived in past visits here & returns on the back of a sharp win in the deep south. 5 Fire Warning ran into a pocket last start after a slow beginning. Smart dog when the breaks go his way. Quaddie must.
Selections: 3-5-7-8
| 3. Claws In Sparky (3) 12241 T: M Roberts & J Johnson |
6 I’ve Got Swagger was a swift c3 winner here a fortnight ago & was very unlucky at Manawatu midweek. This is harder but she looks up to it. Will need quaddie cover though.
Selections: 6-5-2-8
| 6. I’ve Got Swagger (6) 12114 T: Lisa Cole |
3 Mojito Dreams ran himself into trouble when beaten at microscopic odds at Manawatu. Ran a stunning time here a fortnight ago which suggests that he can make the step up.
Selections: 3-8-4-6
| 3. Mojito Dreams (3) 11112 T: Lisa Cole |
7 Pure Precision has quickly advanced to the top level but has broken 30 seconds twice already so she should handle it. Is the futures favourite for this group one. 8 Opawa Stacy is a quality northern visitor arriving here in good shape. 3 Fear To Tread is the defending champion but is coming in fresh. Expect improvement out of this.
Selections: 7-8-3-1
| 7. Pure Precision (7) 11311 T: Lisa Cole |
5 Perfect Harry ran third in the group one NZ Futurity when he last came to Hatrick in June & he returns on the back of a slick win at Addington. Drawn between the right two dogs to get a fair crack from a squeeze draw. 2 Johnny Football is better known over 650m these days but won his last 520m race in August & he was a group one winner at the trip in March. Made the final of this race last year.
Selections: 5-2-6-8
| 5. Perfect Harry (5) 32631 T: D Voyce |
7 Let Him Cook is an enigmatic chaser who has delighted & disappointed in prior visits here. Returns in solid form & should get a drag across from the promising 6 Lulu’s Dream. 4 Opawa Sooty has been racing well at Cambridge & has won two c5 races in three prior attempts on this track back in 2024.
Selections: 7-4-6-8
| 7. Let Him Cook (7) 23232 T: M Roberts & J Johnson |
3 Big Time Kimetto is a reliable beginner won in this grade in a fast time at Manawatu. Narrowly beaten by another promising sprinter here a fortnight ago.
Selections: 3-6-2-4
| 3. Big Time Kimetto (3) 11221 T: Lisa Cole |
8 Homebush Henry is a Canterbury visitor who is downgrading & picks on the right field. Probably need the first three selections in the quadrella.
Selections: 8-3-2-5
| 8. Homebush Henry (8) 61564 T: B C McInerney |
6 That’s Contact had little luck at Manawatu after an ordinary start when favourite. Has looked handy enough here. 8 Cliff Top Banger could provide a banging finish to the night if he runs up to his slick second here a fortnight ago.
Selections: 6-8-4-2
| 6. That’s Contact (6) F1114 T: Lisa Cole |