Anita May Going For Hat-Trick At Maitland

Flying Anita May is a possible early roughie chance for the forthcoming Group 2 Maitland Cup but Maureen West is cautious ahead of her impressive charge’s latest appearance at the track.

The sprinter jumps from box four in Thursday’s sixth race, the Maitland Mercury Maiden Series Final (400m), going for a third consecutive victory.

A daughter of star sprinter-turned-sire El Grand Senor, she ran an excellent 22.31 here two starts back and backed up with a smart 22.49 triumph here last week.

Trainer West is delighted with the sprinter’s progress but believes it will be tough to secure the hat-trick here.

“She has done everything right from the beginning,” West said.

“We’ve talked about (the Maitland Cup heats), but we’ll have to see about it.

“I don’t think she can win this race (though) from this box. It’s a tough race and I think some of the dogs are more adaptable.

“I think she can absolutely go even faster but maybe not here.”

Anita May’s win here last week took her record to three wins and four minor placings from nine starts.

She is a decent beginner and seems to have excellent racing sense and good strength over the 400m too.

With Woto Babe's scratching, the toughest opponent looks like Lady Spring (box three).

West also has 16-race winner Swift Indian jumping from box eight in the same race.

He is a handy performer but only returned last start after five months out with a back injury.

“I’m hoping he might run a place but I have no expectations of him,” West said.

“He loves the one box so from out there it will be difficult.”

Mortal Sin ran a good 22.64 on debut at Maitland over the 400m last week and looks a strong chance in race four.

Classy Senor Laurie disappointed last start but has been freshened up and should win race seven.

Anita May’s recent success has been a welcome tonic for West, who is still recovering after breaking her arm and hip in a fall late last year.

She has been training for about 40 years and still enjoys the “recreation and the contact with people” the sport brings, as well as working with the greyhounds.

“They are beautiful animals – so loyal,” she said.

“Even if they aren’t the greatest racers, you still get attached to them.

“I haven’t been going to the races so I sit by the television and scream the house down watching mine go.

“Hopefully I will be doing more shouting here.”

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