Anything you can do, I can do better – that is what Toni Northfield is hoping to show in tonight’s Group 2 Lismore Workers Club Cup (520m).
Northfield has in-form Kingsbrae Nelly ($15 with Sportsbet) jumping from box two in tonight’s $40,000-to-the-winner final – the biggest race of the year in the NSW Northern Rivers.
Kingsbrae Nelly (pictured with connections) has scored three successive wins including the defeat of a quality field in last week's heats.
Part of the renowned Northern Rivers Northfield training clan including husband Charlie, his brother Mitch and cousin Brad, Toni can count on plenty of support for tonight's decider
“I think we’ll have about 25 friends and family there tonight,” she said. “ ’Nelly’ will certainly have a good cheer squad.
“Most of our greyhounds are in Charlie’s name, but when ‘Nelly’ was a baby I said, ‘she’s mine’.
“I will certainly let the boys know about it if I can win on Friday night. It will be good to have the bragging rights.
“’Nelly’ has hit her straps at the right time and hopefully she can do it.”
Kingsbrae Nelly was only an $11.50 shot for last week’s heat but outlasted both this year's Group 1 Winter Cup winner Fabulous Storm and recent double Group-winner Uno Suzie to triumph.
That super 30.32 win extended her record to eight wins and four minor placings from 31 starts, including four triumphs at Lismore.
Although she has had two previous unsuccessful starts from box two, she has been jumping superbly recently and should be in contention at the first turn.
“She’s had a few niggling injuries, but now she just seems to be feeling good in herself,” Northfield said. "She's in a real purple patch.
“We would have preferred box eight but box two isn’t bad. If she comes out the way she has been doing, she can do it.
“We’re just hoping she carries on her good form for at least one more race.”
This is a terrific Lismore Cup, with all eight finalists having realistic chances.
Miner’s Moss (box seven) was the fastest qualifier in 29.98 and will be looking to score a second Group title of the month for Yorklea trainer Mathew Reid.
The veteran ($2.60) has scored 43 wins and 24 minor placings from 103 starts for Reid, who won the Group 3 Gold Coast Cup two weeks ago with Norm The Storm.
Miner's Moss has never enjoyed the best of luck in deciders though, finding trouble in this year's Black Top final, falling in the 2014 Black Top decider and finishing sixth in this year's Gold Coast Cup.
Queenslander Simpatico (box six), who has been in hot form over the last six months, shares favouritism with Miner's Moss.
Glenn Smith's greyhound ran 30.24 last week to qualify as a runner-up and should benefit from that run.
Lachie Lyndan (box three, $5), mentored by experienced local trainer Terry Jordan, won his heat last week from the same draw in a terrific 30.19 and is also a danger.
War Picture, Head Shy, Fabulous Storm and Hopping Houdini complete the field.
The race jumps at 9.38pm on Friday (ADST) and is part of a 10-race card at Ladbrokes Park Lismore.
For Lismore fields, form and expert picks, click here.
For Sportsbet's full prices on the Lismore meeting, click here.
Group 2 Lismore Workers Club Cup Box Draw (Sportsbet Prices In Brackets): 1. War Picture ($10) ; 2. Kingsbrae Nelly ($15); 3. Lachie Lyndan ($5);. 4. Head Shy ($12); 5. Fabulous Storm ($15); 6. Simpatico ($2.60); 7. Miner's Moss ($2.60); 8. Hopping Houdini ($31). 1R: Goldengrove Lad ($5); 2R: Lady Abigail ($6.50).
Prices correct at the time of writing.
