Houdini Monelli is aiming to cap a landmark career achievement in style at Saturday’s Cannington meeting.
The greyhound has his 100th start in the Get A Group Going (530m, race four) and having drawn his favourite box one looks a strong chance of securing another win.
Houdini Monelli recorded his 25th triumph here two starts back with a superb 30.32 run and has an imposing record with the red rug.
His opposition here includes last week’s Lew Dorsa Memorial Winner Ollie Bale (box four) and consistent Thunder Rama in box eight but trainer Houdini Monelli’s trainer David Hobby is confident of another win.
“He is capable of winning here,” he said.
“He is so good from the inside because he doesn’t leave the fence. He gets to it and doesn’t leave it.
“If he runs a thirty-forty, which he is still capable of, they’ll find it tough to beat him.”
A son of Magic Sprite and Fantasy Monelli, Houdini Monelli’s consistent career also includes 30 minor placings.
He is especially dangerous from box one, with seven wins and seven minor placings from 16 previous starts when drawn inside.
The greyhound was hampered by foot problems throughout his career but is now in peak fitness.
“He’s a really quiet dog who never works harder than he has to,” Hobby said. “That’s his biggest asset.
“I usually sell my greyhounds when they get to three-and-a-half. I couldn’t do that with him because of his injury problems, but now he’s running as good as ever.
“He turned four in January but he has no grey hairs and he looks just like any fit, much younger greyhound.”
Hobby also said Houdini Monelli could earn a special treat if he can triumph here.
“I used to buy my dogs ice creams after the races,” the trainer said with a smile. “I stopped doing it, but I must admit I bought him a giant ice cream sandwich when he won last month.
“Maybe I’ll treat him again if he can win this one.”
Recent Golden Easter Egg finalist Over Limit (box one) returns after a spell and looks ideally drawn to take out race nine.
Classy kennelmate Tureaud is returning from three months out but should be good enough to win race eight.
Sialia and Jess’ Fantasy both recorded good triumphs last week and can salute again here in races five and seven respectively.
For Cannington Saturday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
