Girls Step Out In Action Packed Laurels Heats

THE country's best young bitches line-up at Sandown Park on Thursday night for six heats of the group 2 Laurels Classic.

First run in 1964, the Laurels Classic is one Victoria's longest running feature races and has been won by some of the sport's greats including Cheltenham Lass, Winifred Bale, Sandi's Me Mum, Paua To Burn and Up Hill Jill.

Open to bitches aged 30 months or younger, this year's edition is headlined by proven top grade sprinters Kelsey Bale, Baby Jaycee and Embrace. The winner and two fastest runner-ups will progress through to the $50,000-to-the-winner final on Thursday, 15 December.

FIELDS AND FORM SANDOWN PARK THURSDAY

Race 4: Laurels heat 1

Magic Muffin (2) was outstanding on her Sandown Park debut last Thursday night, winning by 3.25 lengths in 29.55. Her first split (5.14) was on only fair but there is a lack of early speed in this heat and from the draw should again be forward and be hard to beat. Embrace (1) won the group 1 Peter Mosman in Sydney in July and hasn't raced since winning over 622m in October. She's placed in all three starts from box 1 which will help especially given she's on debut at the track. Jackpot Joan (5) was a strong winner last week but must step better to be a winning chance.

Tips: 2-1-5-8

There were tears of joy from the Chappelows as Embrace raced away to win the G1 @ladbrokescomau Peter Mosman Opal… with the whole family there to watch!

Mark Duclos caught up with Clan Chappelow after the win – and they're off to Disneyland!#thedogs #greyhoundracing pic.twitter.com/ycXrn2FwcJ

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) July 9, 2022

Race 5: Laurels heat 2

Yahiro Bale (6) is the nominal favourite after winning the group 3 South Australia Oaks in September. She hasn't raced since which leaves a question of her race fitness and is very short especially given her draw. Whishing Well (2) has won four on the spin at provincial level showing good speed on each occasion. Mirabella Bale (1) is quick but will be tested late, Holy Smoke (8) has a lot of upside and can take a sit from the wide draw in what is an open affair.

Tips: 2-8-6-1

Race 6: Laurels heat 3

Baby Jaycee (3) has been racing against some of the nation's best sprinters and will appreciate the drop in class. Ailee Bale (2) is the obvious danger after her stunning 29.28 win last Thursday night. Amron Lass (8) comes from an outstanding litter and has the ability to cross from the wide draw.

Tips: 3-2-8-6

Race 7: Laurels heat 4

With most runners showing limited city form, Guelph (2) is the short favourite after showing brilliant speed when twice finishing second since resuming from a four month break, including a close second to Baby Jaycee in October. Xoie Bale (5) has won five of 10 starts on the provincials, Lady Dior (4) has ability and comes in fresh after a month off.

Tips: 2-4-5-1

Race 8: Laurels heat 5

Kelsey Bale (5) is a potential star with a win in the group 3 Silver Bullet to her name and a narrow second in a Melbourne Cup heat. This is a big drop in class, the only question is the draw. Responder (3) was outstanding last week, winning in 29.33 and showing enough early speed to lead here. Osprey Athena (4) has a 29.24 best this track and distance – the fastest of all runners in the series – but needs space to let down.

Tips: 3-5-4-1

Performances don't get much better than that!

Kelsey Bale takes out the G3 @RSN927 Silver Bullet for Team Gibbons in a super display! pic.twitter.com/JNOq6vxqM2

— Melbourne Greyhounds – The Meadows (@MelbourneGreys) October 31, 2022

Race 9 – Laurels heat 6

Tricky race, Piscopo Bale (3) is the obvious pick given her 29.49 best set in November. She can be a risk at box rise however so be cautious taking the short price. Dotty's Gift (8) had been winning well over middle distances but showed last start that she can also sprint, winning in 30.05 at The Meadows. Little Critter (2) is in good hands and will appreciate a low draw.

Tips: 8-3-2-1

Girl power

BABY JAYCEE displayed early speed and mid-race toughness to triumph once again.

Dual Group placegetter KELSEY BALE was no chance of being reeled in after a blazing start at @sandowndogs.

Box 7 punters would have been happy ?#GreyhoundRacing #PremierRacing pic.twitter.com/xvyEOQjQEv

— WatchDog Racing (@WatchDogRacing) October 7, 2022

Best: Magic Muffin (race 4, number 2)

Next best: Baby Jaycee (race 6, number 3)

Value: Lady Dior (race 7, box 4)

Quaddie: 12368 / 23 / 2345 / 35 = $50 for 62.5%