Bill Elson believes Cyndie’s Magic carries his best hopes of earning him a dream place in the Group 1 National finals but has not ruled out Cyndie’s Special’s chances of doubling up.
The pair jump in the finals of the Queensland Distance and Sprint titles at Albion Park on Thursday, with both realistic contenders to qualify for the overall deciders at Wentworth Park later this month.
Cyndie’s Magic (box four) ran a below-par fourth in last week's heats but was racing well over the 710m prior to that.
She has a vacant box inside her here and Elson is confident she will go better this week in the night’s fourth race.
“She was a bit unlucky last week,” Elson said. “She got a bit knocked around at the 600 boxes which hampered her.
“She’s stepped up really well to the longer distance and getting stronger and stronger. I’d give her the better chance (of qualifying).
“Some greyhounds can only win if they lead but she’s versatile. She can win from behind or hit the front early.
“It’s a tough race but she can win.”
Mullaway (box five) is the fastest on paper, while newcomer Flaunt It (box one) ran a solid 42.32 while winning on 710m debut last week.
With 11 wins and 10 minor placings from 35 starts, Cyndie’s Magic is reliable and should be among the frontrunners here.
Elson also has Cyndie’s Special, who qualified in impressive fashion with victory in the heats, jumping from box one in the Sprint decider (520m, race eight).
The 81-race veteran will need to equal last week’s 30.11 run at least to stand a chance here but is currently in great form and looks a
Double Group 1 winner Keybow">Keybow (box three), who won his heat in 29.81, lurks as the biggest threat.
“Keybow is the one to beat but I think only he can beat (Cyndie’s Special),” Elson said.
“The inside draw should be a big help as well.
“I don’t think she would have any chance against the likes of Fernando Bale (in the final) but just to be there would be a great thrill.”
Pikelet (box seven) ran 29.95 here three starts back and is worth considering at value odds, while Keybow’s kennelmate Flash Reality (box two) was less than a length behind Cyndie’s Special last week.
Elson owns and trains Cyndie’s Magic and Cyndie’s Special alongside wife Cynthia, with the couple also breeding the pair.
The two greyhounds have now won almost $150,000 combined and been real stars for the Churchable-based couple.
“Both of them have given us so much pleasure,” Elson said.
“You get a heap of satisfaction knowing you have done it all with them, right through from when they were pups.
“They’ve been such good greyhounds and I just hope one day one of them can win a big one.”
Angle Park also hosts two cracking South Australia Sprint and National titles on Thursday.
Take Placid Planet (box three) and Real Flash in box eight to win both races.
For Albion Park Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
For Angle Park Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
Queensland National Distance Final box draw (Sportsbet Fixed Odds prices in brackets): 1. Flaunt It ($4.20); 2. Smashniak Gold ($41); 3. Vacant; 4. Cyndie's Magic ($3.70); 5. Mullaway ($1.65); 7. Stargate System ($13); 8. Cosmic Waters ($15).
Queensland National Sprint Final box draw: 1. Cyndie's Special ($15); 2. Flash Reality ($2.80); 3. Keybow ($1.80); 4. Annie Benz ($17); 5. Mpingo ($21); 6. Main Story ($10); 7: Pikelet ($13); 8. Cheeky freyer ($13). 1R: Kidatee Croc ($10); 2R: Renouf's Magic ($26).
Odds correct at time of writing.
