Runner-By-Runner Guide: Group 1 Brisbane Cup

Here we have a $1.80 favourite in a Group 1 which tells you all about the ability of Postman Pat.

The Kiwi-bred chaser has provided plenty of excitement during his unbeaten run in Australia and his performances at Albion Park during the carnival.

But, can he win the $1 million Brisbane Cup against what is a fabulous field many of who have sensational early pace?

1 – BEAR'S BULLET

Fernando Bale x Mumma's Hope (Dark Brindle Bitch) – $9

A brilliant beginner and she will make her own luck early because she can run a slick first section and is ever reliable at the start. But, we have the sneaking suspicion she is better suited from a middle draw.

Verdict: Can run 29.70 seconds but won't win this on that.

G1 @SkyRacingAU Brisbane Cup Heat 6 520m

1st: Bear's Bullet (3)
2nd: Victa Damian (6)
3rd: Electrified (7)#QLDisRacing@RaceQLD @tabcomau @SkyRacingAU @GerardDaffy @Bunny_Brasch @SEN_track @MMcInallyPhotos @TheDogsSA @OfficialRWWA pic.twitter.com/UNiYaw39Bn

— Brisbane Greyhounds (@BrisGreys) June 29, 2023

2 – MEPUNGA WARRIOR

Fernando Bale x Mepunga Rosie (Black Dog) – $26

As his name would suggest he is a warrior now four years old and with 102 starts to prove what a great dog he is. He's done a great job to get to this final but it is difficult to see him heading some of these to the first turn and that makes his job impossible.

Verdict: Not against this field.

? BRISBANE CUP HEAT 2 ?

MEPUNGA WARRIOR (Rug 7) prevailed in the second heat of the Group 1 #BrisbaneCup (520m) at @BrisGreys in 30.01 seconds for trainer Jeff Britton.#GreyhoundRacingpic.twitter.com/TuidBsyAl3

— WatchDog Racing (@WatchDogRacing) June 29, 2023

3 – CRUMBLE MONELLI

Barcia Bale x Flake Monelli (Blue Brindle Dog) – $7.50

Dave Hobby's WA star who shows blistering early pace back at home around Cannington and Mandurah, but yet to show that sort of speed at Albion Park. The rails was his best attribute in the heat win but his task will be to head Bear's Bullet early and then hold out those coming across from out wide. He's a class act that's not without a chance.

Verdict: Class WA sprinter with place claims.

G1 @SkyRacingAU Brisbane Cup Heat 3 520m

1st: Crumble Monelli (1)
2nd: Tomahawk Hayze (5)
3rd: Dundee Rebel (6)#QLDisRacing@RaceQLD @tabcomau @GerardDaffy @Bunny_Brasch @SEN_track @OfficialRWWA @GRV_News pic.twitter.com/BCKvpZX9bE

— Brisbane Greyhounds (@BrisGreys) June 29, 2023

4 – ELITE MACHINE

Aussie Infrared x Pat's Lass (Brindle Dog) – $6.50

The Group 1 Perth Cup winner who has not put a foot wrong in Queensland. And, he reeled off a 5.48 second first section in last week's heats. He's also very, very strong. He's right in the mix but the four box is not doing him any favours.

Verdict: Will need first turn luck, but has claims.

G1 @SkyRacingAU Brisbane Cup Heat 5 520m

1st: Elite Machine (2)
2nd: Hara's Herbie (7)
3rd: Super Shanks (1)#QLDisRacing@RaceQLD @tabcomau @SkyRacingAU @GerardDaffy @Bunny_Brasch @SEN_track @OfficialRWWA pic.twitter.com/ubRrfEnhsr

— Brisbane Greyhounds (@BrisGreys) June 29, 2023

5 – MAGISTRATE

Fernando Bale x Inspired Hope (Black Dog) – $18

The draw does not help and he is not always a reliable beginner. But, a couple of months ago he was not being talked about as a Cup hope and here he is in the final. He's done a great job to get to the final but had the rails in his heat win.

Verdict: Not from this box.

G1 @SkyRacingAU Brisbane Cup Heat 7 520m

1st: Magistrate (2)
2nd: Alpha Zulu (1)
3rd: Cluster (3)#QLDisRacing@RaceQLD @tabcomau @SkyRacingAU @GerardDaffy @Bunny_Brasch @SEN_track @GRV_News @MMcInallyPhotos pic.twitter.com/zzJakdJgkO

— Brisbane Greyhounds (@BrisGreys) June 29, 2023

6 – SIMPLY LIMELIGHT

Kinloch Brae x Guiding Light (Black Dog) – $13

The Easter Egg winner who ran home quicker than anything in the heats last week and if they all cram up at the first turn, he could sneak up along the fence and put himself right into this. He's had a few runs at Albion Park now and at big odds he can be the surprise.

Verdict: Will be giving start to stars, but has done it before.

Simply Limelight reigns supreme in the Golden Easter Egg Final! ✨ pic.twitter.com/OR6Q2lXO4T

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 8, 2023

7 – AMRON BOY

Zambora Brockie x Miami Fernando (Black Dog) – $5

One of four or five in this final with a stud career beckoning. He ran the time last week in the heat win but this draw is not good. In fact, it is shocking. But, he's Amron Boy and he's a superstar. Postman Pat holds the key to his chances. If Pat crosses him quickly, Amron Boy can go straight to the first turn and find a good position. He's tough and can run all the sectionals.

Verdict: Not well boxed, but he's a superstar.

? BRISBANE CUP HEAT 1 ?

AMRON BOY (Rug 2) has eclipsed his rivals in the first heat of the Group 1 #BrisbaneCup (520m) at @BrisGreys in 29.55 seconds for trainer Brooke Ennis.#GreyhoundRacingpic.twitter.com/L01dTxqtW6

— WatchDog Racing (@WatchDogRacing) June 29, 2023

8 – POSTMAN PAT

Hooked On Scotch x Birdie Tee (Black Dog) – $1.80

being an odds-on favourite for one of the best races in the country tells you everything about his dominance in recent weeks. Had this box in the heat, not that well away, and still won in flying time. He's the complete dog, looks faultless. In fact, he's in top stride from the moment he begins. He's the obvious key to the race and can win.

Verdict: He's the one they have to beat.

G1 @SkyRacingAU Brisbane Cup Heat 4 520m

1st: Postman Pat ( 8 )
2nd: Simply Limelight (7)
3rd: Fernando Grand (1)#QLDisRacing@RaceQLD @tabcomau @GerardDaffy @Bunny_Brasch @SEN_track @Thedogs_com_au @GRV_News @MMcInallyPhotos pic.twitter.com/lHpuqhKa0Z

— Brisbane Greyhounds (@BrisGreys) June 29, 2023

Tips:

1st – Postman Pat (No. 8)
2nd – Amron Boy (No. 7)
3rd – Elite Machine (No. 4)