Jeff Britton is preparing for the night most trainers can only dream about at this Friday’s Group 1 Macro Meats Adelaide Cup Final (515m).
The gun Victorian trainer has four hopefuls contesting the $75,000-to-the-winner race at Angle Park After enjoying a bonanza night in last week’s heats.
This year’s Group 1 Sapphire Crown and Group 3 SA Oaks winner Oakvale Destiny (pictured with handler Angela Langton) leads his contenders, having also drawn the helpful inside rail.
He will have his hands full for the final but Britton said it would be a memorable night whatever the outcome.
“It’s very exciting,” he said. “I don’t think I have had two in a Group final at the same Time, let alone four.
“Two of them are South Australian owned so I’ll definitely have help and support.
“I just filled up the van with eight good dogs last week (for the heats) and hoped for the best. It was a great night.
“I just hope I get a placegetter at least!”
In addition to Oakvale Destiny, Britton also has Mepunga Armagh (box four), Cosmic Wise in box five and Texas Titan on the outside.
With 11 wins from 25 starts – including three of his last four – and an excellent year behind her, Oakvale Destiny looks the one to stop.
She is priced a $2.40 favourite with TAB Fixed Odds and Britton believes that is justified.
“She’s got her faults,” he said. “She is not a great box dog.
“She has great track sense to get through the fields (though) and lots of ability to chase hard.
“She will take runs underneath or go around dogs. She knows how to race.
“Mepunga Armagh can lead the race which gives him a chance, Cosmic Wise is in good form and Texas Titan likes it out wide.
“They’ve all got a chance.”
Valladares (box six) and box seven's Blurred Lines, trained by Lauren Harris and Kelly Bravo respectively, are not without claims.
Britton believes exciting Victorian sprinter Allen Deed, who flew round in 29.77 to follow up his impressive recent 29.43 outing over 520m at Wentworth Park, is a danger.
“He probably won’t like box two but he’s an excellent greyhound,” Britton said.
“That was a huge run last week and if he gets a clear run, he will be hard to stop.”
For Angle Park Friday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
Box draw for Group 1 Macro Meats Adelaide Cup (TAB Fixed Odds price in brackets): 1. Oakvale Destiny ($2.40); Allen Deed ($2.60); 3. Winbrook ($41); 4. Mepunga Armagh ($7); 5. Cosmic Wise ($18); 6. Valladares ($21); 7. Blurred Lines ($15); 8. Texas Titan ($6). Reserves: National Time, Iva Vision.
