Maitland races ten times on Monday night from 7:01pm, and the main race is the Les Darcy Cup Final at 9:14pm. Most races are over 400m, where box draw and early speed decide a lot of results, so we have favoured dogs that begin quickly or have good inside boxes. Check late scratchings before betting, as a few boxes are already vacant.
Race 1 - Welcome To Maitland GBOTA Maiden (400m)
Selection: Chronic Don (1) Current odds: TBC
Chronic Don has placed in all three starts over this distance and has the rails box, which gives him the best chance of a clear run. Zipping Kawhi ran a fast second at Richmond two starts ago and is the main danger, although box eight is harder to win from. Under A Spell ran second here last week and is worth including in exotics.
Selections:
- Chronic Don
- Zipping Kawhi
- Under A Spell
Race 2 - East Maitland Bowling Club 0-4 Win (565m)
Selection: Mr Nicko (4) Current odds: TBC
Mr Nicko was well backed at Gosford last week but had no luck in running. We are happy to follow him from a middle box in a fairly even 0-4 race. Zipping Desire placed over 603m at Gosford and should run out the 565m strongly. Tequila Girl steps up in distance after finishing fourth here over 450m.
Selections:
- Mr Nicko
- Zipping Desire
- Tequila Girl
Race 4 - Windsor Castle Hotel 1-3 Win (450m)
Selection: Borrowed Times (1) Current odds: TBC
Borrowed Times led throughout to win at Gosford two starts ago and has run a fast personal best at Maitland. With box one, he should begin well and hold the fence. Archie Thomas ran a fast second over this trip on 7 September and is the main danger. Top Bin Nismo is consistent but has an awkward box.
Selections:
- Borrowed Times
- Archie Thomas
- Top Bin Nismo
Race 5 - Dogs Only Max 150 Points Heat 1 (400m)
Selection: Semi Peakin’ (6) Current odds: TBC
Semi Peakin’ has finished in the first three in seven of eight starts over 400m, with a best time of 22.32. He is a reliable chance, especially if he can get to the front. Thrill Seeker won at Gosford on Thursday in 22.46 and has come into form. Jonesy Revenge has won twice over this distance and is the main danger from box two.
Selections:
- Semi Peakin’
- Jonesy Revenge
- Thrill Seeker
Race 6 - Dogs Only Max 150 Points Heat 2 (400m)
Selection: Shot Of Magic (2) Current odds: TBC
Shot Of Magic ran 22.28 winning over this distance in June and has the early speed to lead from box two. Cyclone Ethics is the threat on the rails. He is slow early but finishes strongly, and he could win if the leaders tire. Kokrak ran fourth in fast time at Richmond and can place.
Selections:
- Shot Of Magic
- Cyclone Ethics
- Kokrak
Race 7 - Les Darcy Cup Final (400m)
Selection: Zipper Stride (4) Current odds: TBC
The final is a strong race, and we side with the dog with the best record over the distance. Zipper Stride has won six of nine starts over 400m and draws box four. Occulent has the rails box and ran a fast second in his heat, so he could lead and is the main danger. Stereophonic won his heat from box five last week and has the same box again.
Selections:
- Zipper Stride
- Occulent
- Stereophonic
Race 8 - Hunter Concrete Group Bitches Only Max 150 Points (400m)
Selection: Looks A Treat (2) Current odds: TBC
This is our best bet. Looks A Treat won here in 22.32 on 14 September, leading all the way, and was unlucky here last week. From box two she should begin well and lead. Fantasy Ethics is the main danger after winning over 450m here last week, but she starts from box eight. Regis Sapphire led all the way to win at Richmond and can place.
Selections:
- Looks A Treat
- Fantasy Ethics
- Regis Sapphire
Race 9 - J&H Commercial Services (400m)
Selection: Lockdown (3) Current odds: TBC
Lockdown has won four of five starts at Maitland and has a best time of 22.14, which is the best in the race. Tornado Ethics is in strong form, with four wins from five starts including a fast win at Bulli last week. He is the main danger, but box eight is a disadvantage here. Mia Zipper has won two of her last three and has the rails box.
Selections:
- Lockdown
- Tornado Ethics
- Mia Zipper
Race 10 - Gartelmann Wines (400m)
Selection: Cessnock Curtain (3) Current odds: TBC
Cessnock Curtain had no luck last week and has won twice with a best time of 22.51. With a clear start, he is the one to beat. Power Rolex won at Taree from an inside box last start. Zipper In resumes from a spell, and his form before it was good enough to make him a danger.
Selections:
- Cessnock Curtain
- Power Rolex
- Zipper In
