Luba Monelli may face a challenging potential last hurrah at Cannington on Saturday night but trainer David Hobby hopes she can go out in style.
The consistent campaigner goes in a high-quality Fast Fun Affordable Spring Gift Final (530m) aiming for a 20th win in 50 starts.
Luba Monelli has been plagued by a wrist injury during her racing career and Hobby said her racing days may soon be numbered.
“With her injury it’s a bit of a day-to-day chance with her,” he said.
“We are waiting for her to come on season and when that happens that could be it. We’ll keep her as a brood bitch.
“She’s the sort of dog you love to work with. She’s hyperactive and loves to work.
“Hopefully there’s a couple more months left in her.”
Luba Monelli has never raced outside of WA and is a multiple winner at Cannington.
Box two has proved fruitful in the past and, while she is probably better over a longer distance, she she cannot be discounted.
The opposition includes recent National Sprint Championship runner-up Star Recall, who went 29.97 over the distance last week and should be strong from box six.
Fellow Linda Briton-trained Gone To Heaven (box five) is also a contender.
“The box draw will help but there’s faster dogs in the race,” Hobby said.
Hobby has been training for more than 40 years and combines duties with running a kennelling service boarding dozens of dogs.
“I always say racing is 95 per disappointment and five per cent excitement,” he said.
“There are times when you get down but you get up the next day and get back into it.
“I sometimes think that if you cut me, little greyhounds would come out.
“I had to learn my trade but I enjoy it – and I’m still learning.”
Hobby may have a better chance with Bingle Monelli, a solid performer who goes from box six in the night’s third race.
Other notables at Cannington include in-form stayer Vesta in race seven and speedy Miss Express in the tenth and final race of the night.
Action at Cannington starts at 7.08pm local time.
For Cannington Saturday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
