A week after breaking a long standing track record, Smart Missile is in line to score his first major title in tonight’s Group 2 Woy Woy Poultry Black Top (515m).
The Jason MACKAY-trained greyhound is the $2.20 favourite with Sportsbet for tonight’s final after his brilliant track record 29.19 victory in last week’s heats.
Not only did Smart Missile take 0.04 off Velocity Storm’s 2010 track record in that run, he also held off high-calibre rival Brad Hill Billy by a neck.
MACKAY said he was not surprised by Smart Missile’s performance last week and is expecting more of the same tonight.
“He pulled up well, he’s had a great week and he’s ready to go again,” MACKAY said.
“He’s put the writing on the wall with some of his times as he’s been maturing.
“Brad Hill Billy has had the best run home times in the state recently, so to hold him off was a great effort.”
Smart Missile is favourably drawn in box two this evening, a draw from which he is unbeaten from in two previous starts.
MACKAY has identified Miner’s Moss (box three) and La Grand Logie in box one as the likely pacesetters here.
“Miner’s Moss is in career-best form and has a terrific career record,” he said.
“La Grand Logie’s first sectional last week was terrific and he’s a smart greyhound.
“(But) I think Smart Missile will take off when they go through the catching pen and then really let fly.
“His second sectional last week was terrific and if he gets in front again, he’ll be hard to stop.”
Whatever happens tonight, MACKAY said he is aiming Smart Missile for next month’s Group 1 Dapto Megastar.
While Smart Missile is a warm favourite, the rest of the field is relatively close in betting.
Uno Suzie ($4.50) and Miner’s Moss ($4.80) are on the second line of betting, while La Grand Logie and Opus Forte are both priced at $7.50.
Miner’s Moss has won his last seven starts and was the third fastest qualifier in 29.43. Uno Suzie (box six) meanwhile qualified second fastest last week in 29.44.
Group 2 Woy Woy Poultry Black Top Box Draw (Sportsbet Fixed Odds prices in brackets): 1. La Grand Logie ($7.50); 2. Smart Missile ($2.20); 3. Miner’s Moss ($4.80); 4. Opus Forte ($7.50); 5. Gracie See More ($51); 6. Uno Suzie ($4.50); 7. Sheba’s Diva ($17); 8. Avenging Gun ($11.50). Reserves: 9. Brad Hill Billy ($2.80); 10. Explosive Range ($34).
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Prices correct at time of writing.
