Pat Lavis has had a long wait to win the Group 3 Charcoal Inn Casino Cup (484m) – but his wait may be over this evening thanks to Mincin’ Machine.
The impressive son of Bralyn County and Kingsbrae Sam (box five) is the $2.50 favourite with Sportsbet to win the $25,000-to-the-winner decider.
Mincin’ Machine was the fastest qualifier in last week’s heats and is in superb form, having won five of his last eight starts.
A greyhound owner and trainer since the early 1970s, Lavis (pictured with Mincin' Machine) has won most of the region’s prominent races – but this one has remained elusive.
“I’ve had a couple of finalists before, but never one as good as him,” he said. “We will certainly take this one if we can get it.
“He’s won three times from four starts from box five so I’m happy with the draw. He likes to use the track and should get the space from there.
“This is a good field, but I think he will lead them and will take some catching.”
Mincin’ Machine had box five last week and zoomed round in 27.73 to extend his record to 15 wins and 12 minor placings from 35 starts.
“He’s a bit arrogant,” Lavis said. “He looks like he knows he has a chance of winning every time.
“If he comes out of the boxes fine, he’ll take some beating.”
Lavis, who works out Tregeagle in the NSW Northern Rivers, first started training about 40 years ago after rescuing a greyhound from the local pound.
He combined training with his work as a farm hand near Byron Bay for several years, but is now concentrating virtually full-time on his greyhounds.
Lavis is currently upgrading his kennels, which feature specially made heating and irrigation systems to keep his greyhounds warm at night and cool in the day.
“My dogs come first with me – you ask my wife,” he said with a grin. “I’m totally dedicated to their happiness.
“I’m travelling a lot to Brisbane and having more success with my greyhounds, so I’m dedicating myself to them.
“I wish everyone else good luck – but I really want to win this.”
Western Sydney trainer Anthony Azzopardi has Jack Kade ($6.50) jumping from box eight after his 28.41 heat win.
A winner of 23 of his 65 starts, Jack Kade has won two from two at Casino but will need to start a lot quicker here than he has done to stay in contention.
Terrific starter Hope’s Magic (box 6, $3.40) had a super 29.86 win last week and has won four of her last five visits to Casino, so looks a big threat.
For Casino Friday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
Group 3 Charcoal Inn Casino Cup Box Draw (Sportsbet Price in Brackets): 1. Jessie Small ($5) 2. Mum’s A Loony ($17) 3. Pikelet ($11) 4. Spring Bonanza ($21) 5. Mincin’ Machine ($2.50) 6. Hope’s Magic ($3.40) 7. Waikarie Magic ($12) 8. Jack Kade ($6.50). 1R: Elusive Desire ($21), 2R: Lachie Lyndan ($4.50).
