It has not been hard to spot the happiest man in the NSW Southern Tablelands town of Yass this week – simply look for Neil Staines.
The trainer has Tullabung Honey jumping from box seven in Saturday night’s $75,000-to-the-winner Group 1 Rapidvite Peter Mosman Classic final.
Among the opposition at Sydney’s Wentworth Park will be the formidable Fernando Bale, currently Australia’s best sprinter, and other top greyhounds from NSW and Victoria.
Staines, a former shearer who has only been training full-time for about four years, is looking forward to his big night.
“These are the sort of races that put a spring in your step,” he said with a grin.
“You win races at Goulburn and Canberra and that’s enjoyable, but to get into something like this is something better.
“I’m happy, the connections are happy, my family is happy and the dog is happy – everyone’s happy.”
Tullabung Honey earned her place in the final, where she is likely to be one of the outside hopes, with a superb 29.91 win in last Saturday’s semi-finals.
Click here to watch a replay of that win.
That took her record to six wins and three minor placings from 13 starts and was her second victory at the city track.
She drew box seven for the final for Staines, who has already enjoyed notable success with the likes of 2014 NSW Stayer of The Year Pumped Up Zarr.
“Tullabung Honey is probably one of the smartest greyhounds I’ve had,” he said.
“She won’t mind being out in seven and with her first sectional times, she should be up there battling at the first corner.
“She will need a lot of luck but if she runs (something like) a 29.65, you never know.”
Staines said he was particularly looking forward to seeing his greyhound race against superstar Fernando Bale, the hot favourite for this Saturday's race.
The gun Victorian, who has won an incredible 20 of his 25 starts, jumps from box four.
“It’s an honour just to race against a greyhound like that,” Staines said. “He is just incredible.
“For me, this is just a testament to everyone involved (with my greyhounds) - all the guys at home, my wife, my daughter and the owners.
“We’ll go there on Saturday night and give it a crack.”
Box draw for Peter Mosman Classic Final: 1.No Donuts 2. Kenju Bale 3. Elfen Bale 4. Fernando Bale 5. Camacho 6. Dear Darcey 7. Tullabung Honey 8. Dyna Double One. 1R: Lektra Outlaw. 2R; Entreaty.
For Wentworth Park Saturday fields, form and expert picks, click here
