If Nevaeh Beach wins Friday’s Group 3 Charcoal Inn Casino Cup (484m) you’ll likely hear the cheers all the way from Sydney.
The greyhound, who has chalked up three consecutive triumphs and has a eye-catching record at the Queen Elizabeth Park track, goes from box three in the $25,000-to-the-winner final.
Tweed-based trainer Glenda Dart is a frequent visitor to Casino, but will miss the final as she is visiting family in Sydney.
Husband John, who assists her with the couple's greyhounds, said victory would be a big bonus for the pair.
“Glenda can do some shopping if we can win,” he said with a smile.
“She’ll definitely be watching and I know she will be on the phone straight away if we win.
“Casino is a good track and this is our first runner in the Cup, so it would be nice to win it.”
Nevaeh Beach is a $4.50 shot with TAB Fixed Odds and her record demands respect.
She has 25 wins from 52 starts, including successes in eight of her last 11 outings.
The experienced chaser also loves Casino, having won six out of seven of her visits to the Northern Rivers track.
“I think she’s just going through a purple patch that some greyhounds do sometimes,” Dart said.
“All the good beginners for the race are in boxes six, seven and eight, so she’s got to lead.
“If she can do that, she has a chance.”
Dart has been involved with greyhounds for more than 40 years and the couple have enjoyed plenty of past success.
“As soon as my dad brought his first dogs home, I knew I would be a greyhound trainer,” he said.
“I love working with them. They are all individual with their own little habits.
“You just have to use common sense – that’s the secret. Don’t over work the dogs and keep them happy.
“A happy dog is a good dog.”
Box eight’s Bralyn Stalker is a $3.50 shot and looks hard to stop, while Pace Ventura (box seven) has plenty of big race experience and is a $4.50 chance.
Kingsbrae Molly (box six) has placed on each of her 19 career starts, all at Casino.
The race is one of ten on the card at Casino with action under way at 3.47pm.
For Casino Friday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
Charcoal Inn Casino Cup Box draw (TAB Fixed Odds price in brackets): 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).
