Aston Kimetto favourite for Shootout


Aston Kimetto has opened the $2.50 favourite for Thursday night’s Shootout in what is shaping as one of the most keenly contested Shootouts in recent history following the confirmation of the field this afternoon.

Shootout field 2018

Now in its 21st year, the Shootout is open to the four fastest greyhounds as suited to the format as determined by the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club and the Greyhound Racing Victoria grading department.

Orson Allen held the key to the final selections for the $25,000 winner-takes-all event. He punched his ticket into the final with a blistering 29.183 win last Thursday night, the fastest time recorded since September’s Speed Star. He will be joined by She’s Gifted who lead Orson Allen for all but the final few strides to clock 29.214 in the same race, as will Aston Kimetto who came from last to defeat Orson Allen in the Geelong Cup.

The final place in the field goes to Maurice Minor, who won in 29.315 at Sandown Park last Thursday but is two starts removed from running 29.55 at Albion Park – the fourth fastest time ever recorded at the Breakfast Creek circuit – and has also run 29.202 when placed behind My Redeemer in May.

The reserves – who will be allocated randomly in the event of a scratching – are Blue Striker (best time at Sandown Park of 29.203) and Hecton Bale (29.294).

Other greyhounds nominated were Miss Splendamiro, Shadale, West On Augie and Zipping Mitzy.

In addition to the Shootout, ten TAB Melbourne Cup Preludes will also be run on Thursday night. West On Augie is the only Shootout nomination that won’t line up on Thursday night, with other notable runners including Million Dollar Chase winner Mystic Riot, undefeated youngster Black Opium, last year’s TAB Melbourne Cup placegetter Kouta Mayhem.

Thursday night’s Prelude series is the final opportunity for greyhound to qualify for the TAB Melbourne Cup heats on Friday 16 November. Each Prelude winner automatically qualifies for the heats of the $630,000 series, with remaining places allocated to greyhounds that have contested the Preludes.

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Orson Allen races into the 2018 Shootout following his brilliant 29.183 victory at Sandown Park last Thursday night

Mick Floyd
About Mick Floyd - Mick is the Racing and Media Manager at Sandown Park and has 15 years of experience in the sport. He has a finely tuned talent for finding three legs of a quaddie. You can follow his ramblings on Twitter - @mickfloyd
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