He spends his days teaching Hunter Valley tennis stars, but Jeff Eaton is hoping to net a big win himself in Friday’s night’s Group 2 PPK Group Limited Maitland Cup (450m).
Eaton, who owns and coaches at the Maitland Tennis Centre, has La Grand Logie jumping from box six in the $40,000-to-the-winner race.
The 60-year-old leads a busy life, combining tutoring some of the region’s top tennis players with greyhound training duties.
He receives “terrific” help from wife Carole and their children and may have found the recipe for sporting success.
“I’ve coached some elite players and we try and train our greyhound like we would train them – as athletes,” he said. “I think that’s why we’ve had results.
“This week I was coaching kids in Dungog then bolted down to Maitland where I had two greyhounds in a trial.
“It can be hard work but we make time. It’s a family sport for us.”
La Grand Logie is pricing $12 with Sportsbet and has realistic chances in the final.
The greyhound has been a standout OVER recent months, securing nine wins and six minor placings from 21 starts.
A son of former Australian greyhound of the Year El Grand Senor x Oh Em Gee, he also has a wonderful record at Maitland, with five wins from eight starts at the track.
Eaton said he was “OVER the moon” with La Grand Logie’s heat run last week, which saw him outpace Queen Charlie to win by a head.
Click here to watch a replay of La Grand Logie's heat win.
“That was the first time in 20-odd races that he had to pass someone to win,” Eaton said. “Normally they are chasing him.
“I’m happy with box six. I think the dogs out wide here will run straight, which will give him some room.
“I’m quietly confident.”
ZIPPING Saxon ($2.30) will likely start favourite for what looks an even final after a scorching 24.91 heat run.
The Jason Mackay-trained sprinter then drew the prized box one for the final.
Another from Mackay’s Richmond Vale kennels, exciting newcomer Black Frenzy (box eight, $4.80), also looks tempting.
Spacecraft (box seven, pictured with blue rug), who is trained by Eaton’s sister-in-law Lorraine Atchison, has impressed OVER the last few months and must also be considered.
He will likely start around $3.
Whatever happens, Eaton said La Grand Logie had already enjoyed a “wonderful” career.
“He has exceeded expectations for us,” the trainer, who actually lives on the NSW Central Coast, said. “This is his second Group final and he has only just turned two.
“We love him to bits and he’s done phenomenally well for us.
“It’s going to be a great race. I wish everyone luck and hope the best dog wins.”
For Maitland Friday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
Box draw for Maitland Cup Final (Sportsbet Fixed odds prices in brackets): 1. ZIPPING Saxon ($2.30) 2. Camacho ($10) 3. Jack Kade ($15) 4. Altered Mist ($34) 5. Silver Label ($15) 6. La Grand Logie ($12) 7. Spacecraft ($3) 8. Black Frenzy ($4.80). 1R: Winsome Jacko, 2R: Queen Charlie.
Prices correct at time of writing.
