Master Jackpot will aim to prove owner-trainer Robert Cooke right in Tuesday night’s $10,000-to-the-winner Cosmic Rumble @ Stud Final (race seven, 520m) at Ladbrokes Park Lismore.
The son of Vapour Whirl and Teddy’s Jackpot was the fastest qualifier in last week’s heats and jumps from box one in the decider, one of the biggest races of the year in the NSW Northern Rivers.
Master Jackpot looks a strong chance here but the tough opposition includes Frank Hancock’s unbeaten pup Laverne (box five) and his sister Miss Jackpot, who is trained by Tom Tzouvelis and jumps from box four.
Cooke, who trained the 2012 winner Miss Joyful, reared all three greyhounds but Master Jackpot is his only current kennel representative in the final.
“I kept him because I thought he would be the best,” he said. “Hopefully he will show that (on Tuesday night).
“He’s a very handy greyhound. I would love to have ten like him.
“I expected him to go well last week (and) I think he can win here.”
Master Jackpot secured a 10th win in 19 starts last week with a solid 30.10 run.
Click here to watch a replay of that run.
Master Jackpot’s chances in the final looked to have been enhanced by the box draw but Cooke is not so sure.
“Look at his record from the outside,” Cooke, who trains out Woodview, just outside Lismore, said. “I always want the eight box with him.
“He rails a bit but he gets uncomfortable when he is crowded early. He likes to position himself and come to the fence in the right position.
“Laverne is very smart early (and) she may be too good early for Master Jackpot to deal with.
“He can beat her but he will need some luck.”
Laverne’s 30.24 victory in last week’s heats took her record to seven wins from seven starts.
She has been lightly raced since winning the $20,000 Maiden Series at Lismore last December but looks to have overcome injury problems and is strong from the middle boxes.
Elsewhere at Lismore, look for in-form War Picture to get the money in race five.
Western Dave has been flying in recent weeks and should score another win for Pat Lavis in race six.
Another of Frank Hancock’s promising pups, Ilika, looks a great chance to get the money in race eight.
Classic Bonus (race four) may provide some decent value and can win here.
For Lismore Tuesday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
