Craig Roberts travels south with NZ Cup contenders
Peter Fenemor • October 29th, 2025 9:48 AM • 3 min read
This week sees the commencement of huge two-week period for the Greyhound code with the first of the NZ Cup week Group One series getting underway at the Addington Raceway this Thursday evening with the running of $40,000 The Homekill Guys Galaxy Sprint heats.
Eight 295m heats will be contested with the first four finishers in each heat advancing through to the four semifinals on November 5.
At that point they will be joined by the contenders for both the $100,000 Springston Hotel New Zealand Cup heats (525m) along with the stayers lining up in the $40,000 Rose & Thistle New Zealand Stayers Cup heats (732m).
Canterbury conditioner Craig Roberts is heading south to Invercargill today with a couple of his NZ Cup contenders, giving them their final NZ Cup hit outs.
It has been a frustrating time for the Canterbury trainers with key lead-up races being abandoned last week owing to the inclement weather conditions.
That has forced Roberts to race his leading NZ Cup prospect Paw Bradley ($2 & $1.14 – TAB Fixed), along with Paw Gunner ($10 & $1.90) at Ascot Park (M13 R2) as he explains.
"The weather has been playing havoc in not only our NZ Cup preparations, but also for all of our racing teams down here.
“Paw Bradley has had a freshen up which got longer owing to last week’s abandonment. He strongly won his only 457m race (25.58) down there. I expect a strong race from him and nothing in the field will finish stronger than him.
“Paw Gunner went a really good race last start. He showed immense early ability in Melbourne before he came over here after an issue.
“If I can get him back to that early form, then I reckon he can give Paw Bradley a run for the money.”
Roberts has also taken another five greyhounds south and he provides his thoughts on their chances.
“Donatello Jewel (M3 R5) ($2 & $1.16) won nicely on Monday (295m, 17.17) and her draw (8) here works in nicely for her. She will be hard to beat with a good beginning.
“That was a good last start win (295m, 17.18) by Zanab Bale (M3 R7) ($4.80 & $1.60). He has a nice draw (3) on Wednesday, and I expect him to be right in the hunt.
“It’s good to get Mercedes Jewel (M3 R9) ($6 & $1.65) away from Addington. She has raced okay down there before. Her better draw (3) helps her, and she can lead them out.
“I really like Paw Zachary (M3 R10) ($3.90 & $1.35) although he isn’t the best beginner. Look if he lands on the rail from his good draw (2) he’s a big chance.
“Verstappen Jewel (M3 R10) ($8.50 & $1.85) is likely to find his work cut out for him in that field.”
Craig Roberts also kindly informs us about his Thursday The Homekill Guys Galaxy Sprint heat contenders.
“Paw Xian (M9 R8) is going great races. He’s going to have to jump cleanly to cross them from out there (8). He’s a nice dog who is a good qualifying chance. ($14 & $3.60 – TAB Futures).
“Paw Maven (M9 R9) has great ability, and he can match them with a clean beginning (4). Only bad luck stops him from qualifying. ($31 & $7).
“I feel that Hadwin Bale (M10 R 2) is better placed in the midfield, therefore he must jump smartly from out there (8). That was a good last start race from him, and he can be right in the hunt if he pings the lids. ($31 & $7).
“The better draw (2) Dewy News (M10 R3) has certainly can help his cause. He’s a qualifying prospect. ($81 & $17).
