Darren McDonald will be hoping three is his charm in the heats of the Group 1 Rapidvite Peter Mosman Classic at Wentworth Park this Saturday night.
The Victorian trainer has a trio of dogs going in the heats of the 520m race, which launch the build-up to the $75,000-to-the-winner final on Saturday, June 21.
McDonald has high hopes for all his charges but rates Keybow (pictured), who goes from box three in the first heat, as his best chance of success.
The reliable campaigner, who won the $210,000-to-the-winner Skybet Racing Perth Cup Final earlier this year, has placed in eight of his last nine outings and has an eye-catching 12 triumphs from 25 starts to his name.
“He has been in good form for a long time," McDonald said.
“He may not have raced much at Wentworth Park (before) but he was broken in there so he knows the place.
“He hasn’t raced for a while but I don’t think that will be a problem. We don’t want him peaking now, we want him at his best in the next couple of weeks.”
Tiggerlong Amigo could be one to watch in the third heat as he aims to maintain his impressive recent form.
He makes his debut at Wentworth Park fresh from claiming the $60,000-to-the-winner Brittons Formal Wear WA Derby Final at Cannington last month.
McDonald is also bullish about Where’s The Surf, although he has been dealt a challenging draw.
He goes from box seven in the second heat and will face Zipping Delta (box one) and a flying All Strung Out, who goes from box three, among the tough opposition.
“Where’s the Surf has got the hardest box in the hardest race,” McDonald said.
“He is a good honest dog (though) so I wouldn’t rule him out.
“He has been to Perth and Sandown Park and just keeps pulling out some great graces.
“He is a tough dog and will be there or thereabouts.”
The dogs are helping McDonald, who works out of the Melbourne suburb of Cranbourne, enjoy a productive spell of racing.
“Things have been good for the last six months or so,” McDonald, who has been training for about 25 years, said.
“I love the animals. They are just such nice, good-natured dogs.
“I’ve never won the Peter Mosman Classic before. It would be fantastic to win such a prestigious race.
“I think all three of them should be competitive.”
Six heats take place this Saturday night, with the semi-finals on next Saturday.
A 10-race card is on offer and action starts at 7.30pm.
For forms and field, click here.
