The Group 3 Cranbourne Classic coming this Saturday the 21st August, has much excitement with some boom youngsters. Previously named the “Puppy Classic” the race is for greyhounds under two and a half years.
Some of these youngsters have already experienced Group success, with Aston Fastnet finishing strongly earlier this month to with the Group 3 St. Ledger Final. It was a final which included 5 of the runners contesting the Cranbourne Classic, Koblenz, Qwara Bale, Shima Classic and Keep it Black will be hoping to change their fortunes. Aston Fastnet is trained by Jason Thompson, who trained last year’s winner, Taken, who won in 30.11s.
Qwara Bale, the quickest qualifier, won her heat in 29.90s. She has already amassed over $300,000 in prize money. In the last few months, she has won three group races including the Group 2 Warrnambool Cup, the Group 2 Sapphire Crown at Sandown and the Group 1 Maturity Final at the Meadows. She will start favourite from box 1 and is one the 4 Andrea Dailly runners. Andrea also has Shima Classic running in its fourth Group race, and littermates Lala Ivory and Lala Kiwi both running in their first Group Final who qualified with the same time.
Koblenz has burst onto the scene, with 17 wins from 26 starts, including an 11-win streak. What makes him so exciting is his blistering early speed which has punters believing he may be featuring in a lot of future Group races. This is Koblenz’ second Group race after finishing 2nd to Aston Fastnet in the St Ledger Final. He is trained by David Geall who also has another runner in the field, Hill Top Jack who contested the Group 1 Maturity Final. Both looking for their first group win.
Keep It Black running for Angela Langton is running in its second Group Final after competing in the St Ledger Final. Qualifying for the final with a quick time of 29.99s. Angela also trains the two emergencies Plan Ahead and Weblec Blazer.
Unfortunately, we are unable to have patrons on track due to the current COVID-19 Government restrictions, but you can watch all the action on Sky Racing.