AUSTRALIA’S richest provincial series, the Pink Diamond, reaches its conclusion at Warragul on Friday night.
With over $1.1m in prize money across the 12 feature races over all distances, the series has attracted the very best Victorian bred greyhounds on what has quickly become a showcase event on the Victorian feature race calendar.
FIELDS AND FORM WARRAGUL FRIDAY NIGHT
And with heats run across five of Victoria’s provincial tracks, the night presents a challenge – and opportunity – for punters.
Race 1: Pink Diamond Maiden Short Course (400m)
Hunter Fred (7) is the deserved favourite after explosive wins in both the heat and semi final. His 8.21 first split last week was clearly the fastest of the night series and if he can repeat that should be hard to beat. The superbly bred Renegade Cochise (5) was the fastest heat winner but didn’t have much luck in his semi final and has drawn awkwardly. Aston Bundy (1) will appreciate an inside draw.
Selections: 7-5-1-8
Race 2: Pink Diamond Maiden Sprinter (460m)
Warcraft (8) scored the fastest win of the series in the semi final, finding the line strongly and has the speed to lead from the pink, the same box from which he won his heat. Weblec Wolf (1) finished behind Warcraft in both his heat and semi final but should settle closer from an inside draw. Phoebe’s Secret (3) showed good dash in her semi final.
Selections: 8-1-3-7
Race 3: Pink Diamond Veterans (400m)
Looks a race in two between Tiger Time (1) and Aston Ulysses (2). Tiger Time won his heat in a stunning 22.22 at Geelong and from the draw is the likely leader and will be hard to bear. Aston Ulysses is better suited over more ground but will be finishing strongly and is the main threat. Gypsy Yankee (5) wasn’t far away from Tiger Time in his heat and is good each way play.
Selections: 1-2-5-7
Race 4: Pink Diamond Princess (460m)
Crashed (3) was excellent in her heat at Bendigo and regardless of what happens here, will go onto bigger things. If Kanji War (2) can step as she did from the same box in her heat, she will be forward and be a factor at a good price. Simba’s Girl can be a little hit and miss but her best is good enough win here.
Selections: 3-2-4-6
Shining bright 💎
BABY JAYCEE and MORAINE SUZIE showed why they are Group 1 winners in @sportsbetcomau #PinkDiamond heat victories on Friday.
Check out some of the other notable winners from Bendigo, Geelong and Warragul. ⬇️#GreyhoundRacing pic.twitter.com/HBW3rdX9Cn
— WatchDog Racing (@WatchDogRacing) June 10, 2023
Race 5: Pink Diamond Rookie Distance (680m)
Exploded (1) is the odds on favourite despite having no luck in his heat and looks extremely hard to beat from the red. Minister Mentor (8) is working through his grades nicely and looks a good stayer in the making. Wild Cash (2) has been close without winning and is value for exotics.
Selections: 1-8-2-3
Race 6: Pink Diamond Champion Distance (680m)
Your Colour Room (4) was enormous in his heat and continues to get better with racing. Has the advantage of a start over this track and distance – in which he won by nine lengths just two starts ago – and as long as he steps should be in the mix early. Hector Frawley (6) has blinding early speed but may be feeling it towards the end of the 680m. Untapped was ridiculous winning his heat and will be doing her best work late.
Selections: 4-6-5-2
Race 7: Pink Diamond Rookie Sprinter (460m)
Baby Jaycee (2) is a star and deserves her short quote. Navarino (4) pushed her all of the way in their heat the draw looks a little tricky. Is wide open after those two – chuck in Got Attitude (3) at a big quote.
Selections: 2-4-3-1
Race 8: Pink Diamond Champion Sprinter (460m)
The race of the night sees the exceptional Unleash Collinda (4) meet the brilliant Rejuvenate (3). Both were brilliant in their respective heats – Rejuvenate from off the speed, Unleash Collinda from out in front. If Rejuvenate can step and hold his spot he wins, but he has shown mixed box manners throughout his career and is a risk at the price despite his brilliance. Unleash Collinda will be clear out front and while others may be stronger, he may be too far in front for it to make any difference. Paddy Wants Pats (1) is elite at his best and will appreciate the inside draw. Expect him to be finishing strongly.
Selections: 4-3-1-2
Race 9: Pink Diamond Rookie Short Course (400m)
In a very even field, the box draw becomes more important. Nyali King (1) has pole and the early speed to take advantage of it. Pick Star (2) won’t be far behind him; Mac’s Damage (6) has the speed to overcome the draw, Gunai Bold (5) has the record at the track. Very open.
Selections: 1-2-6-5
No ’crashing’ this party
CRASHED was quicker than BABY JAYCEE over the 500-metre trip at the Bendigo meeting in the third heat of the @sportsbetcomau #PinkDiamond Princess.
CRASHED is heading to Warragul for Finals Night on June 16.#GreyhoundRacing pic.twitter.com/GA6EpqAQyz
— WatchDog Racing (@WatchDogRacing) June 9, 2023
Race 10: Pink Diamond Champion Short Course (400m)
Littermates Silver Bute (3) and Action Girl (4) rightly dominate the betting. Both have excellent career records, both have good records this track and distance, both were exceptional in their semi finals. The danger will come from out wide with Matt’s Hope (8) – he boasts 10 wins in the pink vest – and from the classy Compliance in box 7 which will be better for the run last week.
Selections: 4-3-7-8
Race 11: Pink Diamond Challenger Sprinter (460m)
Devante (3) may not be the fastest overall but is the likely leader and should avoid any trouble behind and is a good each way play at the price. Stromboli (8) will be suited out wide and has been very good at his last two outings. Toby’s Snag (2) will need luck early but if he gets it, has the ability to win this.
Selections: 3-8-2-1
Race 12: Pink Diamond Challenger Short Course (400m)
Mystery Chill (8) is the obvious pick on following her heat win, but her overall record is modest and can’t afford to make a mistake. Be cautious about taking the odds-on quote. Rio Reef (2) has been inconsistent early but is capable when she gets it right and it’s been some time since she’s drawn this close to the fence. No Return (1) has to be respected from the draw.
Selections: 2-1-8-5
Best: Baby Jaycee (race 7, box 2)
Next best: Your Colour Room (race 6, box 4)
Each way: Devante (race 11, box 3)
Quaddie: 128 / 2456 / 2 / 134 = $50 for 139%