David Hobby believes in-form Marvelous Marvin can score a knockout win in tonight's cracking Group 3 Greyhounds WA Young Stars Classic (490m) decider at Mandurah.
The flying pup – named after the nickname of former world boxing champion Marvin Hagler – jumps from box two in the $25,000-to-the-winner final aiming to continue his recent hot form.
Formerly based in Victoria, the son of Collision and Amanda scored his third consecutive victory in last week’s heats with an impressive 27.33 win.
Experienced trainer Hobby has been mentoring Marvelous Marvin for about two months and likes his greyhound’s chances of success.
“I think we’ve got an above-average chance with him in the final,” he said.
“He showed his ability pretty much from the word go with me. He won first up over the 405 metres and he has gone from there.
“This is a tough race but with this draw and his performances so far he is definitely in contention.”
Marvelous Marvin scored five wins from 12 starts in Victoria before being transferred to WA by owner Paul Galea earlier this year.
Hobby previously enjoyed great success with another Galea-owned greyhound, Magpie Bob, who won more than $120,000 prize money.
Marvelous Marvin has done superbly since heading west, scoring four wins from six starts and improving time-wise with his last three starts.
He has won one of his two previous starts with the checks and with his usually quick early speed, he should be tough to stop here.
“He is usually a reliable beginner and is always strong at the finish as well,” Hobby said.
“Magpie Bob became a stayer and Marvelous Marvin looks like he is along those lines.
“It’s a really good field and the greyhounds in boxes one to five can run good times. For me, whoever gets to the first corner in the lead will be tough to stop.
“Hopefully mine can do it.”
Marvelous Marvin will likely face strong opposition from CHRIS Halse’s two chances – Who’s Got Snoop (box one, $2.40) and West On Sally (box three, $7.50).
Who’s Got Snoop ran a scorching 27.15 here in September and has won two of his four starts from the inside box, including his 27.68 effort last week.
West On Sally ran 27.78 last week from box five but has a terrific record of three wins and a placing from five starts wearing the yellow rug.
Exciting newcomer Cobra Clutch (box four, $10) looks the best roughie chance in what looks an even race.
Jamie Marsh’s greyhound ran a strong 27.49 last week despite being slightly under-par and is capable of further improvement here.
The final was originally scheduled for last Saturday's meeting, which was abandoned after race two due to storms.
The race is the eighth of 12 on the card at Mandurah and jumps at 11.32pm (AEST, 8.32pm local time).
For Mandurah Wednesday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
Group 3 Young Stars Classic (490m) Box Draw (Sportsbet Fixed Odds prices in brackets): 1. Who’s Got Snoop ($2.40) 2. Marvelous Marvin ($3.60) 3. West On Sally ($7.50) 4. Cobra Clutch ($10) 5. Channing ($5.50) 6. Trusted ($26.00) 7. Mullenax ($34) 8. Serena Fly High ($7.50). 1R: Miss Betsy ($15), 2R: Who’s Got Blue ($31).
Prices correct at the time of writing.
