The 2023 Group One Ladbrokes Hobart Thousand is here.
The Hobart Thousand is the longest-running classic event on the Australian greyhound racing calendar. The first running in 1935 saw Elwick Boy, trained by Sam Burton, take top honours.
Since then, the likes of 'once in a generation' dogs, Brother Fox and Rookie Rebel have tasted success. Three of the last four winners are currently on the stud market including Hooked On Scotch and Tommy Shelby.
In recent years this race has been dominated by interstate trainers. The locals have three hopes in 2023 (Law Raine, Ducati Roy & Rojo Diamond) and will be aiming to retain race honours.
RUNNER-BY-RUNNER PREVIEW
1. Got Attitude (Jason Thompson) – Was brilliant taking out the sixth and final heat in a slick 25.65. He tracked fellow Victorian, Fire Hose throughout and when the gap underneath came he speared straight through it. He's a two-time winner from box one including owning a slick 22.36 over the 400m at Geelong. Deserving favourite and will prove hard to beat.
2. Starline Express (David Geall) – Stepped only fairly in the fourth heat before accelerating sweetly, finding the front and holding on to win in 25.78. His first sectional of 4.92 four starts ago at Sandown is just a tick outside the record held by Fernando Bale which proves he can begin better. The likely leader and will give supporters a good sight.
3. Crackerjack Bull (Jordan Cooper) – Winner of heat three which was the slowest of six. Despite this, the win had more merit than it reads on paper. He was only five days between runs, travelled down from Victoria and had never seen the track. Drawn superbly if he can begin better and hold a handy position. Will be finishing strongly.
4. Law Raine (Debbie Cannan) – Back to her brilliant best defeating Nitro Harvey in heat one. Was drawn perfectly in box eight and used it to her advantage, beginning sweetly and clearing out to lead by a long way. There's more pressure in this race and it's hard to see her matching motors with boxes one and two.
5. Shima Shadow (Thomas Dailly) – Eye-catching winner of the fifth heat. Began poorly, worked around dogs and thundered over the top to score in 25.72. Sure to benefit from the outing; however, this race has more pressure in it and he is going to need a lot of luck with his racing style. Prefer him in box eight in a race with less pressure.
6. Crackerjack Aret (Jordan Cooper) – Finished second behind Rojo Diamond in heat two. Jumped fairly and hit a flat spot mid-race before savaging the line late running 25.66. Sure to benefit from the outing; however, has an ordinary record off wide box draws and is yet to win in four attempts from box six. Prefer drawn closer to the rails.
7. Ducati Roy (Michael Sherriff) – Finished second behind Got Attitude in the sixth and final heat. Only began fairly before mustering sharply working his way in-between runners before being all out late. Has a brilliant record out of this box and over track and trip. A top three finish would not surprise.
8. Rojo Diamond (Robin Grubb) – The ultimate professional who returned from a one month break in style winning heat two. Jumped straight to the front and didn't look back, recording his personal best of 25.58 at start no.68. Is a 24-time winner over track and trip and has won seven races from 12 attempts out of box eight. Drawn to be in the finish and will be strong late.
Race Selections
Starline Express (2)
Got Attitude (1)
Rojo Diamond (8)
Crackerjack Bull (3)
