His greyhound may be in the shadow of the formidable Xylia Allen but Jeff Britton is striking an optimistic note ahead of this Thursday’s Group 2 Macro Meats McKenna Memorial Final (595m) at Sandown Park.
Britton’s charge Mepunga Tiara goes from box seven in the $40,000-to-the-race, with features a stellar field.
Headlining the field is the great Xylia Allen (pictured), who comes in on the back of six straight victories that have cemented her reputation as the queen of the loam and left her an overwhelming $1.20 to win on the TAB Fixed Odds.
Trainer Britton conceded it would be tough to stop the box one hope but said Mepunga Tiara should not be discounted on current form.
“I couldn’t be happier with how she is going,” he said. “This is her distance and she can really run.
“If there’s a bit of a scrimmage inside her then she can definitely take advantage.
“I think there are only four lengths between the field. It’s a top-calibre race, but obviously Xylia Allen is the one to beat.”
Mepunga Tiara will start with a solid record of seven wins and 15 other placings from 31 outings
She has placed on each of her last seven starts at Sandown Park and her trainer thinks the box draw is favourable.
“I don’t mind her being out wide, although I would rather she was in the eight,” Britton said. “She loves a run early so that will suit her.
“I think you’ve got to rely on Xylia Allen getting in trouble. She will be hard to beat.
“It’s good to be a race like this (though) and Mepunga Tiara has earned her place.
“I wouldn’t rule her out.”
Xylia Allen is tough to overlook but other contenders are also worthy of consideration.
Great Spartacus (box two) has placed on her last five runs, while box four’s Musquin Bale goes in on the back of consecutive victories.
Dream It is another strong greyhound and starts from box five.
She knocked Mepunga Tiara back into second place in last week's heats, also seeing off the promising Looby Lu to earn a final berth.
The race is off at 9.35pm.
