He could be the king of the Dubbo carnival come Sunday night but Neil Staines is struggling to separate his two big chances for the Cosmic Rumble Gold Cup (516m) decider.
Staines has two live chances in the night’s $25,000-to-the-winner feature race and a string of eye-catching hopefuls across the card too.
Country Fox and exciting newcomer Tullabung Honey were impressive winners from boxes four and six in last Tuesday’s heats – and both have drawn exactly the same boxes for the final.
One of NSW Country’s top trainers, Staines is eyeing a successful meeting - and Believes Tullabung Honey may have the slight edge on her kennelmate.
“I think the draw is slightly worse for Country-fox">Country Fox,” he said. “He won from here last week, but I’d like to see him wider.
“I would probably like to see Tullabung Honey win as she’s a young greyhound, but honestly – I cannot split them.”
Country Fox had an excellent 29.83 heat win and Staines Believes he “definitely” has a big win in him.
Tullabung Honey was even more impressive in the heats, however, clocking 29.76 to earn a fourth triumph in six starts.
Click here to watch a replay of Tullabung Honey's heat win.
Her record already includes two good wins at Bulli and she looks a potential future Group final contender.
The race, part of the conclusion to this week’s carnival, looks even.
Anthony Azzopardi has two contenders, with Topper Road (box two, pictured) probably his biggest threat.
Nightwatchman (box eight) also ran impressively in the heats and is handy from the outside.
Of his night’s other chances, Staines Believes handy newcomer Spiders Brother is a good chance from box two in the Shakey Jakey Future Stars Maiden Final (318m, race four).
Country Gun looks ideally drawn in race seven for Staines, while James Johnson’s Country Doll looks strong in race three.
Eye-catching newcomer George Sannette looks a banker in the $10,000-to-the-winner Peg and Bill Miller Diggers 0-2 Wins Final (516m, race six).
Staines, who works out of Yass in the NSW Southern Tablelands, has only been training for about four years but has enjoyed notable success over the years.
He trained 2011 Bathurst Cup winner Country Rebel and Pumped Up Zarr, one of NSW’s most consistent stayers in recent years.
“It would be an honour to win this one,” the 57-year-old said. “If I could clean up here, it would rate very highly for me.
“Believe me, we know how to celebrate – but there’s no Champagne on ice.
“I always say as a greyhound trainer, you have your ups and downs very quickly.
“I wish everyone good luck and hope we enjoy a great night.”
For Dubbo Sunday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
