Winning a Group final from box four is a challenge for any star greyhound but if anyone can do it, Happy Haswell can.
The exciting sprinter, who has an impressive 14 wins from 19 starts, will start favourite for Saturday night’s Group 3 Ipswich Gold Cup Final (520m).
Trainer Reg Kay had been hoping to send his greyhound south for a crack at tonight’s Melbourne Cup heats, but an injury in the recent Group 3 Gold Coast Cup final prompted a rethink.
With a superb record at Ipswich also to his name, Happy Haswell looks a strong chance for the $25,000 first prize.
“He is as good a greyhound as I have had,” Kay, who has been involved in the sport for more than 50 years, said. “If he was a shade quicker earlier, he would be one
of the best in Australia.
“He hurt himself in the Gold Coast Cup Final. Otherwise I would have sent him to Jason Thompson for the Melbourne Cup.
“I’d be happy to win this one and he’s got a chance.”
Happy Haswell thrives at Ipswich, with seven wins and two placings from his nine starts there.
He finished last jumping from box four in last month’s Group 3 final at Albion Park, missing the kick and falling off the pace.
Check out Happy Haswell’s heat victory here.
He has won four of his five starts from the box, though, and looks tough to stop here if he can avoid trouble.
“I think he’s the fastest greyhound in the race,” Kay, who works out of Lowood, close to Ipswich, said.
“He is not a lid pinger and sometimes there’s trouble at the first turn at Ipswich. That can cause problems.
“One he gets going (though), he is hard to stop.
“He is still a young pup and learning how to race but I’m really happy with him.”
Kay also has Tear Away Size going from box five in what looks a very competitive race.
Recent Group 2 Lismore Workers Gold Cup winner Yogi Blue (box two) is a big danger, while last year’s winner at Lismore, Regal Lauryn, starts from box eight.
“Yogi Blue is probably the most experienced greyhound in the final,” Kay said.
“He has the races on the board and seems to always make these finals.
“He looks hard to beat.”
For Ipswich Saturday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
Group 3 Ipswich Gold Cup Box Draw (TAB Fixed Odds price in brackets): 1. Le Sirenuse ($7.50); 2. Yogi Blue ($3.20); 3. Cyndie's Special ($18); 4. Happy Haswell ($2.90); 5. Tear Away Size ($9) 6. Farmer's Gold ($7); 7. Hopping Houdini ($7); 8. Regal Lauryn ($7). Reserve: Placid Planet ($6).
