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Party Hotshot has returned to top form at the perfect time for Saturday night’s $15,000-to-the-winner Greyhounds WA Anniversary Cup Final (race five, 490m).
The greyhound jumps from box five in Saturday's final fresh from his 27.36 victory in last week’s heats.
Party Hotshot, who was the fastest qualifier for the final and has never previous started from box five, enjoyed a super first half of 2015 before having a four-month spell.
He was returned to racing well, winning once and placing twice in three starts at Northam, before his excellent three-length win from box one over a strong field in last week’s heats.
“He was always likely to take advantage of box one,” trainer Ben Abercrombie said. “This is obviously more awkward.
“Party Hotshot is not a naturally fast starter, so he will need to get into the race with the pace on the inside here.
“I think he likes being up in grade (though) as he is meeting less interference and can muster into races.
“This is tough but he has a chance.”
Last week was Party Hotshot’s first look at the 490m at Mandurah and extended his record to 10 wins and four minor placings from 20 starts.
Party Hotshot visited Melbourne for an unsuccessful crack at the Group 1 Hudson Pacific Maturity heats earlier this year and Abercrombie is targeting another trip east for his greyhound shortly.
“If he can win here then we’ll look at some of the bigger races in the New Year (interstate),” Abercrombie said.
“I honestly think he can compete at Group 1 level, so hopefully 2016 can be a big year for him.
“I’ve had a greyhound in the Easter Egg before and I’m hungry to get there again.”
Tureaud (box one) was a comfortable 27.48 winner last week who will be tough to stop with a clean start.
Fun Boss (box two) has been inconsistent recently but has her favourite draw, with five wins and two minor placings from seven previous starts.
In other action, Expect A Guess and Stanga Doug can take advantage of box one in races two and six respectively.
Expect A Guess has won five and placed six times in 12 previous starts from box one and had a formidable record over the 490m.
Stanga Doug has won four of his seven starts from box one, is racing solidly at the moment and ran 27.62 at Mandurah last week, a repeat of which would likely put him in contention in this race.
Marvelous Marvin (box eight) looks the top pick in race eight.
He has not had much luck recently but has won three out of his four starts wearing the pink rug and had a terrific 27.33 win at Mandurah last month.
For Mandurah Saturday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
