Winsome Jacko may have made the headlines but Winsome Mission could be the one to watch in Thursday’s Brodie Wells Electrical Future Stars Classic Final (400m) at Maitland.
That is the inside word from trainer Melinda Finn ahead of the $8000-to-the-winner final, which will feature eight of the most exciting pups around.
Winsome Jacko (pictured) was the standout from last week’s heats, setting a track record of 21.98 with a stunning debut run, and has box six for the final.
Littermates Winsome Bluey (box four) and box five’s Winsome Mission also made the decider and Finn believes the latter is the favourite.
“I think Winsome Mission is the one to beat myself,” Finn said.
“I think he has more speed out of the boxes than the other two. If he can get over to the fence then Winsome Jacko will not be able to come across and get ahead of him.
“Winsome Jacko did really well last week and might go well again this week but I think Winsome Mission could be hard to beat.”
Winsome Jacko was the top performer last week but Winsome Mission was an impressive heat winner in 22.20.
The pair are part of a litter whelped in April 2013 from El Grand Senor and Ramblin’ Ruby, who accrued more than 50 wins between them.
Finn said all three of her greyhounds had enjoyed a good week of preparation ahead of the race.
“They are all fighting fit and ready to go,” she said.
“I will try and treat all three the same and prepare them as well as I can.
“Winsome Jacko has improved a lot more than the others have but I would say they are on the same par.
“I’m not getting too carried away yet but I’ll be excited if one of them wins, that’s for sure.”
Others to watch at Maitland include Beau Hedley’s Avondale Storm (race nine), who has been sidelined since making an explosive debut at the track last month.
Jason Mackay’s Zipping Summah will attempt to bounce back from an unsuccessful crack at the Lismore Cup when he goes in race five.
Kennelmate Zipping Midge ran well in last week’s Future Stars heats and could be a decent bet in race two.
Ten races are on the card at Maitland and action starts at 3.59pm.
For Maitland Thursday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
