Robert Lound cannot split his two greyhounds Embellish and Low Talker in tonight’s Group 3 Angliss Meats Townsville Cup (498m).
The pair jump for Lound from boxes one and six respectively in the $25,000-to-the-winner decider, with both having scored good wins in last week’s heats.
Embellish’s 28.98 victory was the second fastest run in the heats behind Flash Reality and was also her fifth straight win.
Lound was “rapt” with Embellish’s box draw but believes Low Talker, who ran 29.06 on her first visit to Townsville last week, may provide better value.
“I was happy with the draw for Low Talker. She comes out better from out wide,” Lound said.
“If Low Talker is in front then they will struggle to catch her, but Embellish will keep going until she runs her down. She just doesn’t give in.
“Embellish has had a few looks at this track now and had two runs over the 500 here, so she’s in strong condition. But I can’t split them.”
A win to either of his greyhounds in tonight’s cup would be the first Group win for Lound, who works out of a 20-acre property in the Townsville suburb of Jensen.
He combines training with running a family seafood business and currently trains more than 20 greyhounds.
“Sometimes I don’t walk out of the kennels until 8pm at night,” he said.
“It’s long days. The greyhounds keep me going. They are such affectionate animals.
“To win a Townsville Cup would be unbelievable – I would be over the moon. If we win the celebrations will be out of the ordinary, believe me.”
Tony Brett’s Flash Reality (box five) will likely start the favourite following on from his dominant heat victory.
The dual Group winner won his heat in 28.76, extending his record to 16 victories and 11 minor placings from 35 starts.
He has a strong record from the middle boxes, with three wins out of box four and a victory from his only previous start from box five.
If he gets a good jump will be very hard to hold out.
Miss Jackpot (box eight) is one of two hopes for trainer Tom Tzouvelis and looks an attractive prospect.
The daughter of Vapour Whirl and Teddy’s Jackpot is unbeaten in four starts while wearing the pink rug and is racing in good form, having finished runner-up in the recent Darwin Cup.
Kennelmate Spring Bonanza (box three) had a good 29.03 victory in last week’s heats but may struggle from the inside draw.
Kidatee Croc, meanwhile, has drawn unfavourably in box four but can never be overlooked.
This year’s Group 2 Gosford Cup placegetter ran well on his first look at the track last week and should take benefit from that run.
Sleepy Mime (box two) and Deborah Rose in box seven complete the field.
For Townsville Tuesday fields and form, click here.
Group 3 Angliss Meats Townsville Cup Box Draw: 1. Embellish 2. Sleepy Mime 3. Spring Bonanza 4. Kidatee Croc 5. Flash Reality 6. Low Talker 7. Deborah Rose 8. Miss Jackpot. 1R: Wildash Warrior, 2R: Velocity Kyzon.
