Spacecraft was already looking a hot chance for this Friday’s Group 2 PPK Mining Limited Maitland Cup and owner-trainer Lorraine Atchison has further boosted his prospects.
The classy sprinter (pictured, blue rug) was among the most impressive qualifiers for the $40,000-to-the-winner final, taking his heat with a scorching 25.01 run last Friday night.
Atchison’s hopes were further boosted when Spacecraft drew box seven from the final, from which he has a strong record.
He won his heat comfortably despite running very wide off the home turn and Atchison thinks he can only get better this week.
“I think he will improve a bit,” she said.
“He hadn’t been on a one-turn track for a couple of months and he did go off the home corner badly.
“He should be able to get round the corner better than that.
“If he does everything right – and I mean jump as well as he can – then I believe he can win.”
Spacecraft came into the series fresh from his runner-up run in the recent Group 3 Ambrosoli, which extended his career record to 12 wins and nine minor placings from 27 starts.
The son of Brett Lee x Cristalle, who ahs been one of NSW's most impressive greyhounds in recent months, took control of his heat at the 50m mark and powered away to win by seven lengths.
Click here to watch a replay of Spacecraft's win in the heats.
Zipping Saxon is likely to start favourite for the final after his scorching 24.91 qualifying run.
The Jason Mackay-trained sprinter’s hopes were also enhanced after drawing box one for the final.
Kennelmate Black Frenzy (box eight) is also looming as a threat after making it six wins from six starts in his heat.
“Zipping Saxon is a big threat,” Atchison said.
“There’s more pace in the race here (than the heat) and he will need his best box manners to get away from the rest.
“This is the best Spacecraft has pulled up after a race in three or four months. He’s looking really good.
“I just think if he gets away as he can, it will take a big run to catch him.”
Fellow heat winners Camacho, Jack Kade, Altered Mist, Silver Label and La Grand Logie complete the field.
Group 2 PPK Group Limited Maitland Cup Box Draw: 1. Zipping Saxon 2. Camacho 3. Jack Kade 4. Altered Mist 5. Silver Label 6. La Grand Logie 7. Spacecraft 8. Black Frenzy. 1R: Winsome Jacko, 2R: Queen Charlie.
For Maitland Friday fields and form, click here.
