Leading Victorian raider Jeff Britton has brought a powerful contingent west with the aim of capturing the Group 2 SOLO WA Oaks (530m), the heats of which are at Cannington on Saturday.
Britton has assembled a force stronger than the Greeks took into the Trojan war with Sapphire Crown winner Oakvale Destiny the headline act, along with litter sister Oakvale Flyer and other pair of sisters, Mepunga Hayley and Mepunga Moss.
Oakvale Destiny is a clear favourite for heat four (Race Seven) despite jumping from wide draw and not having had a run for nearly a month.
Oakvale Destiny has got a big engine and if she gets clear air she should romp this in but she can be sluggish early. The danger for her is if she gets held up in traffic.
From the next box over Kerry Spice is a chance to cross Oakvale Destiny and give the favourite some grief which would allow quick beginners such as Regal Patch and Oxley Delight to establish a break.
In the first heat (Race Four) Oakvale Flyer looks set for a fierce battle with fellow interstate ‘raiders’ Liara Allen and Lady Goldenpaw as well as up-and-coming local Replica Queen.
With the advantage of the pole Liara Allen, a greyhound which has already competed on the Cannington circuit during the Perth Cup series earlier this year, is a leading hope.
With 35 starts under the belt she has plenty of experience as does Lady Goldenpaw, a winner of eight from 29 starts.
Lady Goldenpaw will benefit from having had a sighter on this track with a solo run midweek.
Lurking out in the pink is Replica Queen.
A wide draw doesn’t assist her prospects but she did score from out there late last month and the fast launching black bitch from Steve Withers’ kennels has won five of her past seven.
Oakvale Flyer will have her work cut out against this opposition but if she’s away well from box three she has massive claims.
Mepunga Hayley looks hard to topple from an inside trap in heat two (Race Five).
She reeled off five straight before her last start fourth and she was impressive in a solo trial on the Cannington circuit last week, clocking 30.47.
Free Candy has been racing well but faces a tough ask from the eight while Munchkin shows promise and can be a factor with her early speed but she’s still very green.
Mepunga Moss and Gone To Heaven look set to vie for the ascendancy in heat three (Race Six).
While she bombed out in her last run in the Mandurah Oaks final Gone To Heaven can be a brilliant runner on her night.
Mepunga Moss was good enough to string together a run of five wins earlier this year and if she handles her first look at the track she should be right amongst it.
Racing at Cannington starts at 9.05pm AEST.
Best Bet: On Coin (Race 8)
Best Value: Bollee Boy (Race 2)
Quaddie: Race 5 – 2, 8
Race 6 – 3, 4
Race 7 – 2, 3, 6
Race 8 – 5
$20 for 166.66%
