David Hobby will be hoping Houdini Monelli can provide him with the perfect tonic at Cannington on Saturday.
The veteran chaser goes from box two in an even-looking Greyhounds WA WA Bred Championship (530m).
Hobby has been training for about 40 years and is as dedicated as they come, but he has been battling a debilitating mystery virus for about three months.
Fortunately he is now on the mend and hoping to score a win in the race, which will also feature the very handy Linda Britton-trained My Mate Cobber">Cobber (box five, pictured with connections).
“It would be great to get the win,” he said. “I’ve been a bit crook but hopefully I’m on the mend now.
“All the dogs we bring through generally go in the WA races. These are the ones we like competing in.
“Houdini Monelli getting a bit long in the tooth but if he gets the right run in the race he can challenge from the placings.”
Houdini Monelli has almost 80 races under his belt and won more than $100,000 but is still showing decent form.
Since recovering the removal of irritating corns from his feet, he has secured four placings in his last five starts.
“He is well suited from the inside draw,” Hobby said.
“He’s one of those no-nonsense dogs who is quiet – maybe too quiet – but he is handy.
My Mate Cobber is in superb form, having won five of his last six starts.
The Linda Britton-trained chaser returned from a stint on the sidelines to rip out a near personal best time of 30.36 to claim his heat last weekend and he comes into the final as the fastest qualifier.
He’s now saluted in five of his past six starts and has he clocked in the 30.30 every time he’s won.
Gangly and injury prone, My Mate Cobber has been held back by slow development and more than his fair share of niggles but if he can stay on the track for an extended period he could become major player on WA’s sprinting scene.
With further experience under his belt the regally bred High Earner-No Recall black dog has the potential to match the achievements of his illustrious littermates Star Recall and High Recall.
My Mate Cobber is good Enough to overcome his wide draw on Saturday despite encountering some handy opposition.
He’ll been joined by kennelmate Ozzie Bullet, which has won both times since joining Team Britton after racing in Victoria under the care of Britton’s brother Jeff.
Quality stayer Ash Flash is yet to win over the 642m but should rectify that situation when she steps out in the Tabtouch Grade 5 over the journey (race 6).
Ash Flash was edged out by Mullet Hunter over 715m in her last start but is a good chance to bounce back into the winner’s circle here.
She a class above her rivals and should make no mistake with the benefit of the rails alley.
For Cannington Saturday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
Best Bet: Ash Flash (Race 6)
Best Value: Enough Talking (Race 8)
Quaddie: Race 5 – 4, 6, 7
Race 6 – 1
Race 7 – 4, 7, 8
Race 8 - 3, 4, 5
$20 for 74.07%
