Expect the unexpected – that’s Wendy Matcott’s approach to life with Group 3 Coffex Coffee SA Oaks (515m) finalist Spring Amanda">Amanda.
The unpredictable chaser will start from box one in what looks a reasonably open $25,000-to-the-winner final at Angle Park on Thursday.
Spring Amanda has a race-best 29.59 for the distance at the track and is also a handy stayer on her day.
She struggles for consistency and is up against some tough rivals including Group 1 winner Mepunga Hayley and Oakvale Destiny but Matcott reckons her greyhound has a chance.
“On her day she can run,” Matcott said. “There is no doubt about it.
“She’s run 29.59 and if she can bring that form again, she has a chance.
“She sometimes misses the start and gets into trouble. If she can jump as well as she can, though, she has a chance.”
Spring Amanda booked her berth in the final with a second-placed finish behind Oakvale Destiny in last week’s heats.
She finished almost four lengths behind the winner, who will start from box four this time around.
The Jeff Britton-trained greyhound has won of her last seven starts and looks strong again here.
Fellow Britton-trained Mepunga Hayley goes from box three and looks tough to stop.
She has placed in each of her last eight starts and her super year includes winning the Group 1 Maturity at The Meadows in July.
Matcott was introduced to the sport as a child by grandfather and trainer Rex Clemow.
She has been training since she was 18 and rates Quinton Bale, the 2008 SA Greyhound of the Year, as the best racer greyhound she’s worked with.
“It’s in my blood, I suppose you could day,” she said with a laugh. “Once it’s there, it’s hard to stop.
“I love the dogs themselves. Each one is different.
“I’m never confident about any race but Spring Amanda has made the final and she’s got a chance.”
There are also four heats of the Group 3 Schweppes Derby (515m) at Angle Park tonight, which have attracted some excellent greyhounds.
Alderley Reform has won his last four at the track and goes head-to-head with Aston Kane, who has a remarkable 13 wins from 15 starts.
Dashing Canute has also won in a row and goes in the first heat alongside Punishment, a speedy chaser who has been very consistent recently.
Cool Guinness is also in good form and looks the standout in the third heat.
Angle Park action is under way at 7.14pm.
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