Raider's Guide Can Reach Record Mark In 715

RAIDER'S Guide can race his way into Tasmanian greyhound racing folklore with victory in The Ladbrokes 715 at The Gardens on Friday night.

Triumph in the $500,000-to-the-winner staying contest will see the Gary Fahey-trained powerhouse reach prize money of $760,000 and in doing so surpass former group 1 star Buckle Up Wes, winner of $551,965, as Tasmania's greatest ever stakes earner.

"It's just incredible money we are racing for – it's hard to believe," declared Tasmanian Hall of Fame trainer Gary Fahey.

FIELDS AND FORM THE GARDENS FRIDAY NIGHT

"And especially at a track out of the city. It's a great event and terrific for the town of Newcastle. Hopefully we can do the job now and win it. The dog has had a great week, he's in perfect order."

Winner at 27 of his 53 appearances with a further 16 placings, Raider's Guide achieved group 1 glory when successful in the Rookie Rebel (600m) at The Meadows in February.

It was not long after that 79-year-old Fahey began plotting a path towards the world's richest staying race despite his star conveyance being untested at the staying journey at the time.

"We tried to get staying races here in Tassie for him but just couldn't," Fahey explained.

"One night at Launceston we trialled him over the 720m and he went 2/100ths outside the track record so that gave us the confidence to proceed over the longer distances.

"We took him to The Gardens to trial and planned to give him a 700 hit-out but it was a warm day so we gave him a 600 instead and he smashed the track record.

"I've had a lot of good dogs in my time but not one more determined. He's got an unbelievable will to win and compete."

Last Friday night, Raider's Guide punched his ticket into the finale with a slick 41.52 heat success, the time just outside the 41.51 posted by Queensland starlet Valpolicella.

But while Raider's Guide carved out the majority of that time early doors out in front, Valpolicella, as is customary, did her best work late, setting up a mouthwatering clash of varying racing patterns on Friday night.

"The chances don't stop there though – it's a very good field with some strong, run on dogs there," Fahey added.

"Our dog doesn't have to lead but with a bit of weather about it will probably be the place to be. If he does he'll give a really good account of himself.

"One thing is for sure; he won't give up."

Raider's Guide is a $2.80 second favourite behind Valpolicella at $2.80 with Canya Amy on the third line at $6.

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LADBROKES THE 715 – The Gardens, Friday, May 3 (race 9, 9.50pm)

1. VALPOLICELLA ($2.35)

Roared away to win her heat by 10 lengths and qualify fastest in a sizzling 41.51. Three-time group winner this year that hasn't missed a place that hasn't missed a place in 11 starts in 2024. Should be able to land midfield with the aid of box one and is clearly the one to beat.

2. REDEEMER BLUE ($16)

Honest Victorian campaigner which ran a solid second – albeit in moderate time – in his heat. Victory might be beyond him but the suitable box draw makes him a genuine top 4, or even potentially top 3 chance.  

3. RITZA PIPER ($7.50)

Trainer Joe Scerri has done a wonderful job returning his group 1 winner to the races, qualifying for this lucrative affair at her first start in 2024. Should strip fitter for the outing and in nine starts at The Gardens boasts 4 wins and 4 seconds. Will be getting home hard.

4. SIN RAP EXPLODE ($35)

Finished 10 lengths behind Valpolicella in her heat which sees her go into the final as the slowest qualifier. The box draw hasn't been particularly kind either and understandably is one of the outsiders. Regardless of the result it has been a gallant effort thus far.

5. MIGHT HAVE BEEN ($35)

Set a scorching pace in his heat to run the fastest first section before staving off his challengers to score at big odds. Is a son of former superstar stayer Poco Dorado so lacks nothing in bloodlines but the stakes go up a notch again here in the final. Trainer Minnie Finn shooting for back-to-back wins after Zipping Orlando scored last year.

6. LIKE WILDFIRE ($9)

Never looked like qualifying before storming home along the fence to nab second behind Cany Amy, 6 ½ lengths astern. Boasts The Gardens 600m track record on his resume and there is no questioning his talent, he oozes it, but he'll need to show more than what he did in his heat, especially from six. Will take one heck of a training performance.

7. CANYA AMY ($6)

Been the surprise packet of the staying ranks in recent weeks finishing second in the Association Cup before storming away for an impressive heat win last week. Still on the up and has great each way claims, but box seven has tempered her prospects slightly. 

8. RAIDER'S GUIDE ($2.90)

Brilliant Tasmanian chaser which was hugely impressive winning his heat in all-the-way fashion in 41.52. Box eight looks perfect and expect that he looks the winner for a long, long way. Stepping out for just his second 700 metre outing and if he is to be beaten expect it will be in the last 20 yards.