The fourth and final Christchurch Casino New Zealand Cup Prelude (race 9) will be staged at the Addington Raceway on Thursday evening during a special evening of chasing action. Again the first two greyhounds to finish gain an exemption from having to contest the 2 November NZ Cup heats.

Pictured: All Christchurch race winners on Thursday will be presented with a Golden Muzzle in recognition of 20 years of greyhound racing at the Addington Raceway by the Christchurch GRC (pic Dave Robbie)

Thursday’s meeting celebrates 20 years of racing by the Christchurch GRC at the Addington Raceway. Most of the race names on Thursday's card are the winners of the Canterbury Greyhound of the Year titles since the commencement of greyhound racing activities at Addington.

The meeting also recognises the valued work that intrepid photographer Dave Robbie has contributed in his 30 years of taking greyhound pics. Making the weekly return drive over that period between his Invercargill home and Christchurch has been an absolute epic marathon effort!

Here’s a look at Thursday’s Christchurch Casino New Zealand Cup Prelude field, along with their respective TAB Final Field odds (option 909).

1 Nozzno Fear $13: He owns plenty of early pace as seen when he raced handy to the pace from this trap last Thursday prior to peaking over the later stages. This fella must lead into the first turn here.

2 Cactus Jack $4: He dictated the pace throughout when he cruised to his effortless 30.06s 520m win last Thursday. Using similar healthy tactics from this trap can see him serving up a repeat dose here.

3 Harry Fields $3.80: He was badly impeded when racing into the first turn in last week’s version of this race when trying to cross from a wide trap. His improved draw here is likely to assist him in this event.

4 Epic Dream $7.20: He was sighted running on from the midfield pack when getting to within 3.75 lengths of Cactus Jack last Thursday. He must put himself into a handy field position during the early rush here.

5 Opawa Timo $12.50: He stylishly claimed last Thursday’s Prelude win in 30.45s by pushing up along the rail. He has drawn a tougher box here in what is a rather competitive field for this assignment.

6 Opawa Brad $12.50: He’s a proven 520m chaser around this circuit, as seen when he boldly won the recent feature Robinson Rosebowl after jumping from trap seven. He was hindered at a crucial stage here last Thursday.

7 Dirk Bale $2.70: He’s an exciting up and coming chaser who has come a long way in a short time frame. He attained his open class chasing stripes when cruising to his smart meet best 30.03s 520m time last Thursday.

8 Watta Gun $46: He endured a horror 520m outing in last Thursdays prelude when he was carved up and fell when entering the first turn. He has no option but to step away smartly from out here.

Reserves

9 Letron James $19: He was held in the midfield pack throughout in the race won by Cactus Jack last week. His claims, in this event, if he is racing, will be determined by what box he secures. He will be seeking an inside trap.

10 Quistis Bale $11: She got caught up in early jostling during her 520m outing here last Thursday from where she pushed on during the run home for her 6.5 length third to Cactus Jack.

  
Christchurch Casino New Zealand Cup Prelude contenders includes (from left): Cactus Jack seen here with his co-trainer Jean Fahey along with Alyson Rosanowski; Dirk Bale seen here with handler Dan Roberts; Watta Gun and trainer Ray Adcock - pics supplied by Dave Robbie - drobbie@ihug.co.nz – 021 607 869 for all your South Island race photos

By Peter Fenemor