When family bragging rights come with a $25,000 reward, you know things could get lively.
Three of the Northfield tribe – the Northern Rivers’ premier greyhound racing clan - have hopefuls in Friday’s $25,000 Group 3 Charcoal Inn Casino Cup (484m).
Brad Northfield has race favourite Bralyn Stalker (pictured) going from box eight, while Charlie Northfield has Kingsbrae Molly who has a remarkable record at Casino and cannot be discounted from box six. Meanwhile, Glen Northfield has Dayseas Jet who has the dream draw in box one.
Charlie said there would be some memorable family banter whoever wins.
“I’m sure I’ll be into them before the race,” he said with a grin. “We might head to the bar for a quick drink before the race and stir each other up.
“There’s a bit of a tradition at Casino that whoever wins the feature races has to get the drinks in, so whoever wins it’s winner’s shout.”
Bralyn Stalker was the fastest in last week’s heats of the $25,000-to-the-winner, securing a fifth successive win.
Lightly raced Kingsbrae Molly has placed on every one of her 20 career outings – all at Casino’s Queen Elizabeth Park track.
She was due to be retired after an injury-hampered career but she cannot keep away from the track.
“She’s actually bit of a pest,” Charlie said. “She’s got an attitude problem.
“She was hyperactive and didn’t want to be a brood bitch. That’s why we brought her back racing.
“Every time the trailer started up she would scream the place down from the kennels so that’s why we kept her racing.
“She likes the track (though) and I think she’s a good chance to be in the top three at least.”
Nevaeh Beach (box three) impressed in last week’s heats, while box five’s Birkdale Beauty won again at Lismore on Tuesday night.
Charlie said Bralyn Stalker, who now has 10 wins from 14 starts, was the main danger.
“He is the dog with all the runs on the board,” he said. “Having said that, this is his probably his first test at the top grade.
“It’s a good day for the family. We all want to win but if I don’t then I would love to see either Brad or Glen win.
“I wish everyone involved good luck.”
The final goes at 6.08pm and is one of 10 races at Casino.
Racing starts at 3.47pm.
For Casino Friday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
Box draw (TAB Fixed Odds price in brackets): 1. Dayseas Jet ($9); 2. Wilhelm ($16); 3. Nevaeh Beach ($4.50) 4. I’m A Believer ($21); 5. Birkdale Beauty ($5); 6. Kingsbrae Molly ($6); 7. Pace Ventura ($4.50); 8. Bralyn Stalker ($3.50), Reserves: 9. Kikem Shilling ($16); 10. Intensive Storm ($26).
