It could be a night – and day – to remember for trainer Jason Platts if local hope Irish Whip can salute in Sunday night’s Group 3 Canberra Mower Services Canberra Cup (530m).
Irish Whip jumps from box one in what looks an even final at his home track, fresh from qualifying fastest in last week’s heats.
The son of Premier Fantasy and Whip It Up bolted round superbly in 30.47 to secure a final spot, defeating a quality field including My Boy Snoop and Brad Hill Billy.
Platts, who drove the lure at Canberra for several years and combines training with running a plumbing business, is hoping for some memorable celebrations come Sunday night.
“I’ve told the boys at work not to bother ringing me on Monday morning if Irish Whip wins,” he said. “I think there’ll be a big party.
“He’s always had the ability (to win big races) and this draw gives him a chance. He loves the rails at Canberra.
“He has been starting well recently and with the box draw here, I’m quietly confident.”
Irish Whip’s victory last week took his record to six wins and six minor placings from 19 starts.
He has only had one unsuccessful start with the red rug and Platts believes the draw should help his greyhound in the cup.
“I don’t think there’s too much pace in the two and three (Guiaba and My Boy Snoop) here,” Platts said. “I’m hoping he can hold a few out.
“There’s plenty of pace on the outside with the likes of Uno Suzie and Tullabung Honey. I don’t think he can lead those greyhounds, but I think he can definitely be stronger than them.
“There’s a lot of early mornings and late nights with my greyhounds (and) I get terrific support from a lot of people. I’m so happy for the owners and it would be sensational for everyone involved if he could win.”
Anthony Azzopardi’s kennel is flying at the moment and he has to chances here with My Boy Snoop and Uno Suzie (box seven).
The recent Group 2 Black Top winner, Uno Suzie has saluted three straight times and has won six times at Canberra.
My Boy Snoop has a good record from box three (three wins and a minor placing from five previous starts) and was only two lengths behind Irish Whip last week.
Meanwhile, Irish Whip’s sister San Joy jumps in box eight and looks a decent value chance.
Locally trained by Lesley Hannaford, she has won five and placed on five of her 13 trips here and is in good form.
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Group 3 Canberra Mower Services Canberra Cup Box Draw: 1. Irish Whip 2. Guiaba 3. My Boy Snoop 4. Second Line 5. Cawbourne Whip 6. Tullabung Honey 7. Uno Suzie 8. San Joy 1R: Opus Forte 2R: Gully Raider.
