Verna’s Pride has been a prolific winner in recent weeks and trainer Kody Charles believes his sprinter can claim yet another triumph at Saturday’s Cannington meeting.
The in-form greyhound jumps from box two in the Last Hurrah June 27 Stakes (race nine, 530m) aiming for a fifth consecutive victory.
Forrmerly based in NSW with a Wentworth Park win back in December 2014 to his name, Verna’s Pride has won or placed in 16 of his last 17 outings.
This race is an undoubted step-up in quality but Charles believes his greyhound is still a contender.
“He’s a good each-way chance,” the trainer said. “He’s been pinching the lower grade races but I think he’s capable of stepping up here.
“I would have preferred him out wider, but having said that he has a great record from this box (and) he’s just a consistent greyhound you like to have.
“I think he is a greyhound to watch in the near future (and) I think he’ll run a place here at least.”
Verna’s Pride win over the 588m at Northam last start took his record to nine victories and 14 minor placings from 26 starts.
He finished fifth in his Mandurah Derby heat in April but has five wins from eight previous appearances at Cannington.
Free Candy (box four) should provide the toughest opposition here.
Meanwhile, boom pup Party Hotshot seeks an eighth win in 11 starts in the Gibbons Holden Gosnells Winter Cup heat (530m, race four).
Ben Abercrombie’s sprinter is likely to be prohibitive odds for this one but looks tough to stop after his recent terrific efforts.
The youngster claimed a sixth win in seven starts last week with a 30.25 effort and looks the strongest pick here.
Click here to watch Party Hotshot’s win last week.
Another standout from Abercrombie’s kennel, Party Hunter (box seven), goes for fourth consecutive win in race eight over 530m.
This field is tough, though, with handy Astronomize (box five) looking the pick.
All Strung Out (box two) is running solidly at the moment and can win race seven over 530m.
Bingle Monelli and Go Jetta Go are the two standouts in race ten, with the former looking to have a narrow edge from box two.
Charles currently has 17 greyhounds on his Hopeland property and has also trained harness and thoroughbreds.
“Racing is in my blood,” the 28-year-old said.
“I probably enjoy greyhounds more as it feels more hands-on. When you put the work in breeding and training the greyhounds and then see them win, it’s very rewarding.
“I love it.”
For Cannington Saturday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
