Hobby trainer Roy Clarke is hoping Mike The Knight can score him an elusive major title with victory in Friday night’s Group 3 Mandurah Cup (490m).
The in-form greyhound (box four) looks a decent outside chance at $15 with Sportsbet in the $25,000-to-the-winner decider.
Mike The Knight is enjoying a super spell of racing, having won his last two starts and four of his last seven.
Clarke is aiming for a first Group victory here and said Mike The Knight should not be underestimated.
“If you give him an inch, he will take a mile,” he said.
“I think Jamaica The Fun (box two) will lead early, while Winsome Mission (in box three) is a good greyhound but can be hit-and-miss at the start.
“Tureaud (box five) is the one to beat, but if Mike The Knight can position himself near him at the first turn then you never know.”
Mike The Knight ran a terrific 27.30 here in July and overcame a strong field, including this year’s WA Derby winner Fun Boss, last week.
He does struggle from the middle boxes and has not won in four previous starts wearing the blue rug, but on current form he looks a threat.
“He seems to thrive on racing,” Clarke said. “You would want a kennel like him.
“He’s probably batting above his average at the moment but if he gets a clear run to the turn, they’ll know he’s in the race.”
Clarke has been training for more than 20 years after “falling in love” with greyhounds as a young boy.
He is kept busy running a business providing truck parts but loves nothing better than working with greyhounds.
“The greyhounds are supposed to be a stress reliever,” he said with a grin.
“I like trying to improve the fortunes of greyhounds, whether they are city winners or a country class grade five. That’s what I find most rewarding about the sport.
“Greyhounds are part of our family now – especially Mike The Knight.
“I’ve been chasing a silk rug for 20 years. I think we’re up against it here, but if he gets out cleanly then you never know.”
Last year’s WA Greyhound of the Year Star Recall (box six) has hit form in recent weeks, winning four of her last eight starts.
She also has a strong record from box six, having scored four wins and three minor placings wearing the green rug.
Former hot pup Tureaud from the gun Paul Stuart kennel, is the $2.20 favourite with Sportsbet.
The former hot pup has returned from almost four months out in terrific fashion, winning two of his last three starts.
He ran a strong 27.22 here three starts back and even with the tricky draw should be hard to beat here.
For Mandurah Friday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
Group 3 Mandurah Cup Box Draw (Sportsbet Fixed Odds prices in brackets): 1. Crashing Packs ($6) 2. Jamaica The Fun ($4.50) 3. Winsome Mission ($10) 4. Mike The Knight ($15) 5. Tureaud ($2.20) 6. Star Recall ($5.50) 7. Yunderup Dozer ($26) 8. Lovely Banks ($7.50). 1R: Burundi ($15), 2R: Fun Boss ($3.20).
