My Miss Diva looks the one to watch in Sunday’s Ladbrokes Chief Havoc Cup Final, the feature race of Gunnedah’s winter carnival.
The sprinter jumps from box six in the $5000-to-the-winner decider after running the fastest time of 30.78 in last week’s qualifiers.
My Miss Diva has a poor record from box six – one win from 10 previous starts – but is a multiple Wentworth Park winner and is in good form.
Last week was owner-trainer John James’s first visit to the north-west NSW track in some 35 years and he was glad to be back.
“I remember I had a winner that day as well,” he said with a grin. “I’ve not had a dog good enough for the Chief Havoc, so I haven’t been back there since.
“It would be a dream to win this race and the money would be handy as well.
“I would have preferred her in boxes one or two as she doesn’t begin well. She likes the track there (though) and comes home good.”
My Miss Diva faces some tough opposition in the final, with Glenreagh Rocket (box one) a big threat.
She has won this race for the last two years and has other notable NSW Country wins to her name, but was almost a second slower than My Miss Diva last week.
Peter Honnery’s Atrax Robustus (box five) is another Wentworth Park winner and looks a tempting roughie.
Victory would be the biggest win yet for semi-retired trainer James, who is based on the NSW Mid-North Coast.
The 68-year-old started training in the early 1970s before leaving the sport due to work commitments.
He started training again four years ago and has enjoyed decent success with My Miss Diva.
She has seven wins and six minor placings from 44 starts, including four victories at Wentworth Park.
Her career was threatened by a serious groin injury earlier this year but she looks the pick here.
In Sunday’s other action at Gunnedah, in-form Ballerina Dasher looks a standout in the $4000-to-the-winner Gunnedah Hoteliers and Clubs Final (347m, race seven).
A daughter of notable sire El Grand Senor, the Edward Pomfrett-trained chaser has five wins from seven appearances so far and can win the $4000 top prize here.
John Collison’s Megatron Miss looks ideally drawn to win the $2000-to-the-winner Smooth Fancy @Stud (347m, race five).
She ran a decent 19.99 in last week’s heats from box eight and jumps from the outside box again here.
Bindigo Lad (race six) and City Breeze in race 10 also look strong chances.
This Gunnedah meeting will be a TAB meeting and will be televised on Sky Racing. The first race jumps at 6:06pm.
For Gunnedah Sunday fields and form, click here.
