Logger Luke and his trainer Darryl Armfield have had some luck in the Pop Northfield Memorial Maiden series so far and they will be hoping that continues as they prepare for the series final at Casino on Thursday afternoon.
The greyhound was only a second reserve for his semi final last week after only managing to finish fifth in his heat, but the greyhound showed he was certainly up to the standard of the series, taking out the semi final in a slick 23.61.
He will now jump from box eight in the Pop Northfield Memorial Maiden (411m) final, with Armfield (pictured with Logger Luke) bullish about his greyhound’s chances.
“I’m really happy with the box draw,” he said.
“I think the speed greyhounds are on the inside here. There could be trouble at the first corner, so I hope with his early speed he can get round them.
“I think whoever gets to that first corner in the lead won’t be beaten. Hopefully mine can do it.”
Logger Luke looks the latest handy pup for Armfield, who bred and owns current Victorian star Billo’s Pick.
Armfield’s greyhound edged out Kyogle Camel (box five), trained by his good friend Brad Northfield, in last week’s heats.
“That was a bittersweet moment,” Armfield said. “I still bought a beer to celebrate (though).
“This is the first time I’ve been in the Pop Northfield. It’s one they like to win up here and it would be great to win it.
“I was delighted with Logger Luke’s run last week. He was underdone for the heats but came back well.
“With this draw, he’s got a chance.”
Logger Luke is among a decent litter, which also includes Logger Cooper, who reached the Pop Northfield semi-finals and goes in the first race at Casino on Thursday.
The Pop Northfield Memorial Maiden final is a super race, with most of the finalists having realistic claims.
Tripum (box one) looks very tough to beat based on an impressive 23.37 victory in his semi final, which was his second sub-24 second run of the series.
He is the son of Collision and Surin’ Sal, mother of trainer Darren Russell’s Group 2 Gosford Cup placegetter and multiple Albion Park winner Farmer’s Gold.
Sibling Blue Pointer (box seven) has scored two wins from two so far in the series, clocking 23.63 on both occasions and winning from this same draw last week.
Larsie Lou (box four) looks a steadily improving pup who scored her first win on her fourth start last week for Brad Northfield in 23.54.
The Pop Northfield final is the eighth of 10 races on the card and jumps at 2.52pm.
In other action, Handsome Hombre (race four) and Wazza Bulldog (race five) both look ideally drawn in box one to Salute.
For Casino Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
