Judith Fisher rates Dokmai as her top chance in Thursday night’s Group 2 Dapto Puppy Auction Classic (520m) decider.
Dokmai ($5 with Sportsbet) jumps from box three in the Puppy Classic fresh from her come-from-behind 29.74 win in last week’s semi-finals.
The win was Dokmai’s fifth in a row and with two victories from three starts wearing the white rug, Fisher believes she is a big prospect to win the feature event on Thursday night.
“I think there’s more pace on the outside but with the way Dokmai’s boxed, I’m hoping she gets a clear run to the first turn,” Fisher said.
“She’s such a tiny greyhound but she just puts her head down and runs hard, even when she’s trialling.
“Provided she gets out cleanly, she can win this.”
Fisher also has Espanyol ($6.50) jumping from box seven.
Like Dokmai, Espanyol has won both his heat and semi-final, but is starting from box seven for the first time in his career.
“I’m really impressed with Espanyol so far (in the series),” Fisher said.
“He has won before from the six but I feel he’s not as strong out wide and has his work cut out from this box.”
Anthony Azzopardi, meanwhile, has enjoyed a great year and looks to have a strong chance in the Puppy Classic with France Soir (box six, $4.50).
France Soir qualified for Thursday’s final with a win in his tough semi-final in a time of 29.60.
Pantera Nera, trained by Nancy McIntosh, was a 29.74 winner last week from box eight and has the same draw in the final.
The greyhound has won two and placed twice in four previous starts wearing the pink rug. He has also hit form for this series, scoring two wins and two minor placings in his last five starts.
This year’s Group 2 Dapto Puppy Classic is restricted to greyhounds purchased at the 2014 Dapto Puppy Auction.
It is worth $67,500 to the winner and jumps at 9.05pm (NSW).
For Dapto Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
Group 2 Dapto Puppy Classic Box Draw (Sportsbet odds in brackets): 1. Nobu ($7); 2. Skate Thin Ice ($2.50); 3. Dokmai ($5); 4. Pippa Pepper ($31); 5. Il Bacaro ($5.50); 6. France Soir ($4.50); 7. Espanyol ($6.50); 8. Pantera Nera ($3.80). 1R: Zulu Retreat ($26); 2R: Stand Up Boy ($17).
