Mathew Reid believes Miner’s Moss is his best chance to overcome the mighty Keybow in tonight’s terrific Group 3 Gold Coast Cup (520m) decider.
NSW Northern Rivers trainer Reid has both Miner’s Moss ($5.50 with Sportsbet) and impressive heat winner Norm The Storm ($5) jumping from boxes two and eight respectively in the final.
Miner’s Moss has had more than 100 starts but is still running well, with his 30.00 victory last week his eighth triumph in 11 starts.
Norm The Storm was a brilliant 29.88 winner here last week but Reid believes the box draw here favours Miner’s Moss.
“With the draw I would have to go with Miner’s Moss,” he said.
“Box eight at Albion Park is very hard. The greyhounds seem to miss the kick (from there) and come out a length behind, which makes it tough to win a race like this.
“The greyhound in box one (Lauryn’s Best) is a bit of a worry for Miner’s Moss. She is fast early and wants to run up the track and be out wide.
“(But) Miner’s Moss can still run 30 seconds dead from that draw and that may be good enough.”
Double Group winner and recent Group 1 Dapto Megastar runner-up Keybow (box four, pictured) is the $2.50 favourite with Sportsbet.
He ran a terrific 29.88 in last week’s heats but his last two starts from box four – both at Albion Park in strong company - have been below-par.
CASH In Motion (box five) ran a super 29.79 last week to extend her record to nine wins and three minor placings from 18 starts.
Reid, who contested the recent Group 2 Black Top decider with Miner’s Moss, believes CASH in Motion is a strong chance.
“Keybow is obviously the one to watch, but CASH In Motion (box five) is a very smart greyhound,” Reid said. “I like the look of her.
“Norm The Storm is really starting to put it together (though). He can win from anywhere, but with this draw he will need a little luck.
“It’s great to have two greyhounds in a big race like this. It’s making all the hard work worthwhile.
“Now I just hope I can win one of these races.”
Lauryn’s Best (box one) Lady Abigail in box three, box six's Waikarie Magic and Don’t Go Quietly, who has box seven, complete the field.
For Albion Park Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
Group 3 Gold Coast Cup Box Draw (Sportsbet Fixed Odds prices in brackets): 1. Lauryn's Best ($8) 2. Miner's Moss ($5.50) 3. Lady Abigail ($13) 4. Keybow ($2.50) 5. CASH In Motion ($4) 6. Waikarie Magic ($26) 7. Don't Go Quietly ($21) 8. Norm The Storm ($5). 1R: Elusive Desire ($8), 2R: Spring Bonanza ($31).
