Handy Expect A Guess is a strong chance for the Greyhounds WA Canning Trophy Final (530m) at Saturday's Cannington meeting but David Robartson believes the smart money should go on in-form kennelmate Jabba Da Pup.
The pair jump from boxes eight and one respectively in the $10,500-to-the-winner decider having both enjoyed consistent recent form.
Expect A Guess was one of WA’s top sprinters in 2014 and has done well since dropping back in distance four starts back.
Robartson believes, though, that Jabba Da Pup’s recent record and favourable box draw give him the edge in the night's fifth race.
“I like them both but Jabba is the sprinter,” he said. “OVER this distance, you’ve got to lean towards him in box one.
“His first two sectionals here last week (in the heats) were really good and if he can repeat that he should get far enough away to win.
“He gets a little tired OVER the last 20 metres OVER this distance, whereas Expect A Guess is stronger at the finish.
“(But) he is a little older and more mature now and I think he can win.”
Jabba Da Pup’s 30.64 winning run in his heat last week was his best time OVER this distance and took his career record to 13 wins from 30 starts.
Watch a replay of Jabba Da Pup's heats win here.
The son of Go Wild Teddy x Pretty Spiffy is usually strong from the inside box and is in good shape, with one win and five minor palcings in his last seven starts.
Walkaway Breeze (box two) and Sitar Monelli in box four are not without claims but Robartson, who trains Jabba Da Pup with wife Christine, believes his charge is a strong contender
“It just depends on the start,” he said. “As long as he jumps how he can, he can win this.
“I think both he and Expect A Guess are in with a good chance but I’d favour Jabba Da Pup.”
Starlight Jack (race four), Romeo’s Comet in race six and Houdini Monelli in the 10th all look strong chances to salute.
For Cannington Saturday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
