We have all of your sports betting needs covered here on Before You Bet, and for something a little different, we take a look at Thursday night's big greyhound meet with the running of the Group 2 Launching Pad.
There is some excitement about the race with Major Jackpot looking to grab the $150,000 winner's prize, carrying the hopes of connections and also some very lucky punters who took the $101 price offered by Australian sportsbook Sportsbet before the heats.
After breaking the Lismore 420m track record in late January, previously held by Paw Licking, the son of Smother Fancy and Teddy’s Jackpot moved south to join the Azzopardi kennel in the lead up to the Australian Cup carnival.
Having drawn box 4 in its Australian Cup preliminary at the Meadows, Major Jackpot was a significant firmer on fixed odds, jumping $3.80 after opening $7.50 earlier in the week. Unfortunately, despite jumping well, he wasn’t able to cross and ultimately finished down the track in seventh.
Despite this slight setback, punters were more than happy to take the $101 that was offered in the all-in betting for the Launching Pad.
With an improved second, running 29.97 after jumping from box 5 and finishing just over three lengths behind Dream Edition, Major Jackpot progressed through the heat while showing enough to dismiss any concerns over his ability to stick for the full 515m trip.
Boasting an impressive record of three wins and two minor placings from five starts when starting from the inside three boxes, connections and punters alike would no doubt have been excited when the brother of Group 1 winner Cash In Motion drew box 2 in his semi-final.
That excitement would see his fixed odds smash from $8 into $4.80 at the jump, and he did not disappoint. With a flying first split of 4.97, 18.41 to the second post, and 10.71 run home, the nearest rival was left almost eight lengths back as the clock stopped at a staggering 29.12. Not only was this the fastest of the four semi-finals but it was also the second fastest time recorded at Sandown this calendar year behind Dundee Osprey who ran 29.11 in February (Unlawful Entry would go on to better both when breaking the track record just six races later in 29.85 however).
Significantly, such a run not only books the Queensland bread product a spot in the final but it also all but guarantees him a start in the $60,000 Speed Star to be run on 5 May.
The young chaser, who until a handful of starts ago was still racing up the straight track at Capalaba, now sits clear favourite at $1.70 at Sportsbet to win his maiden Group race and grant the wishes of those who took the $101 just two weeks ago.
Make sure to read terms and conditions of any promotions before placing a bet - some specials may not be available in all states!
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Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
