Marvellous Mary Primed For Newcastle Cup

By Stuart Turner

Ada Mary is giving trainer Sharon Grey a “magical” time and the two-time Group winning greyhound could score another win in today’s Awesome Project Newcastle Cup (715m) at Unibet Gardens.

The daughter of High Earner and Silver Shiraz jumps from box five fresh from her victory in last Saturday night’s Group 3 Summer Cup (720m) decider at Wentworth Park.

That victory extended her prize money earnings to just over $125,000 and took her record to 16 wins and 10 minor placings from 47 starts.

Ada Mary has a mixed record from box five – one win and two placings from six starts – but on current form looks capable of earning another notable title for her trainer.

“When you have a greyhound with the ability to compete at the levels she has, it’s magical,” Grey said.

“It’s awesome seeing your greyhound perform so well and knowing you have played a small part in that.

“She’s such an easy greyhound to train. I have my work regime and she just seems to thrive on it."

Last Saturday night’s triumph made it three victories in her last six starts for Ada Mary.

This is the greyhound’s first appearance at Unibet Gardens since she won over the 600m in August in a super 34.68 – her fifth victory in 10 visits to the Newcastle track.

In all she has reached five Group finals, including also winning the Group 3 Sydney Cup and finishing narrowly behind the great Sweet It Is in the Group 1 Topgun Stayers.

“Getting to these races is brilliant, but as long as my greyhounds run safe and try hard, that’s all you can ask for,” Grey said.

“People talk about the prize money for races like that. Yes, the money and the titles are great, but the thrill of getting a greyhound to the track and performing like she has done is my payment.”

Ada Mary’s toughest challenger in the $15,000-to-the-winner race looks like Zipping Echo (box eight), who finished one-and-a-quarter-lengths behind in second place last Saturday night.

She has stepped up solidly to the stayers’ ranks, with three wins and four minor placings from 10 starts over the 700m or further since September.

Serena Nimbus (box two) is debuting at Unibet Gardens but defeated Ada Mary in the Goup 3 Summer Cup a fortnight ago before placing in the final.

In other Unibet Gardens Friday action, eye-catching newcomer Donna Sins aims for a sixth win in nine starts in the day’s race seven (515m).

The daughter of Barcia Bale and Sins Sister’s record includes a fine 29.89 triumph at the Newcastle track last week.

Cobber In Motion (box two) had an excellent 30.05 victory in strong company at Wentworth Park last week and looks the top pick in a high-quality race eight (600m).

For Unibet Gardens Friday fields, form and expert picks, click here.