If ever there was a time for On Coin to cash in on his prodigious talent it’s in the Group 2 Solo All Stars Sprint (530m) at Cannington on Saturday.
The fastest ever WA bred greyhound (pictured with connections) has drawn perfectly in the cherry and he has every opportunity to claim what would be his biggest win in the sport.
On Coin has collected plenty of minor features but aside from his victory in the Group 3 Young Stars last year success in major races has largely eluded him.
The brilliant red brindle from John Crossley’s kennels made a successful return from a tendon concern, which had kept him on the sidelines for more than two months, when he won his heat last week in 30.88.
There’s no doubt On Coin needed the run.
After beginning well and exploding away from the pack as they exited the first turn he ran out of puff in the home straight and just held on to score ahead of Coconut Grove.
He’ll benefit greatly from the hit-out and will have much more in the tank at the finish this time around.
This is no gimme against a field that includes My Mate Cobber">Cobber, Tiggerlong Amigo and Coconut Grove but if On Coin is anywhere near his best he should be saluting here.
My Mate Cobber was the quickest qualifier after posting an impressive 30.56 in the heavy conditions.
My Mate Cobber has shot through the grades at a rapid rate and his record from wide draws is good but this is his sternest test yet.
The Darren McDonald-trained chaser Tiggerlong Amigo is the solitary eastern states runner in the event.
I’m convinced that McDonald has a horn helmet and a battle-axe in his travelling kit because he has thoroughly plundered WA this year.
McDonald claimed the Perth Cup with Keybow, took out the National Distance Championship with Sweet It Is and collected the WA Derby with Tiggerlong Amigo himself in May.
It’s going to be tough for Tiggerlong Amigo to deliver a reprise performance this week however.
He was beaten by the unheralded Deputy Chief in his heat and while I expect an improved effort he’ll find it tough against this field from his wide alley.
From what we’ve seen of Coconut Grove he looks a likely type and with the benefit of an inside draw he could play a role.
For an outside hope with a heap of sentimental value don’t go past You Can Dream for veteran trainer Dennis Calleja.
Calleja won the inaugural All Star Sprint with Pied Issue in 1977 and this is likely to be his final crack at the race given he has indicated he will retire shortly.
For Cannington Saturday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
Best Bet: Ash Flash (Race 7)
Best Value: Te Amo (Race 4)
Quaddie: Race 5 – 1, 2, 6
Race 6 - 3, 7
Race 7 – 1, 5
Race 8 – 1, 3, 4
$20 for 55.55%
