Pat Lavis has had one dream come true this week and he may have another in tonight’s Group 2 Lismore Workers Club Cup (520m).
The Northern Rivers owner/trainer has Mal Rose Hi jumping from box three in the $40,000-to-the-winner race, part of the latest leg of the Thank Dog It’s Friday series.
Tonight’s race will be a little more than 24 hours after Lavis snared one of the biggest races of the year on the Northern Rivers circuit, the $8000-to-the-winner Pop Northfield Memorial Maiden Series Final (411m) at Casino with Western Dave (pictured with Lavis and connections, courtesy Lisa Vanderstok).
Lavis, who is based at Tregeagle, close to Lismore, said he was hopeful of having a double celebration.
“I’m not much of a party animal, but if Mal Rose Hi wins it will be a great weekend,” Lavis said.
“I always wanted to win the Pop Northfield and I got it. I’ve always wanted the Lismore Cup as well, so to knock off two in two days would be great.”
Mal Rose Hi faces some tough opposition tonight but certainly cannot be ruled out.
He has a solid record of eight wins and four other placings from 18 starts, with two triumphs in his last three outings.
Lavis’s sprinter has not won in two previous starts from box three but all his career successes have been at Lismore.
He produced a commendable 30.25 run in last week’s heats to finish behind fellow finalist Birkdale Beauty, seeing off some tough competition including Miner’s Moss and Jason Mackay’s Zipping Summah.
Check out Mal Rose Hi’s heat run here.
“I reckon he will turn out a handy dog,” Lavis said. “He is still young and learning how to be a race dog.
“He is usually better drawn out wide but he can still give them a run.”
Lavis believes Bill’s Fantasy (box two) and Birkdale Beauty, who jumps from box eight, are the main threats and said his greyhound needed to start well.
“My race is all about the first 150 metres,” he said. “If he can start like he can, he can keep up with them. If he doesn’t that’s it.
“If he gets around the first turn close to the leaders then he’ll have a chance.
“I wish everyone good luck and may the best greyhound win – as long as it’s Mal Rose Hi.”
This is the latest leg of the Thank Dog It’s Friday series, which showcases the best regional NSW racing in a primetime Friday night slot.
For more information, click here.
Ten races are on the card and action starts at 7.18pm.
For Lismore Friday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
Lismore Cup box draw (TAB Fixed Odds price in brackets): 1. Love Kills ($6); 2. Bill's Fantasy ($3.50); 3. Mal Rose Hi ($13); 4. Walk With Faith ($8); 5. Outa Tempo ($8); 6. Fusaichi Kahn ($8) 7. Yogi Blue ($6); 8. Birkdale Beauty ($4.50). Reserves: Dulcie Dee, Intensive Storm.
