Rodney Metselaar is readying himself for what could be a very memorable 48 hours, starting with tonight's Ladbrokes Bathurst Gold Cup (520m).
The Londonderry owner-trainer lines up Tap Out Axe and Tap Out Scarlet in tonight's final, 24 hours before Tap Out Rose, a greyhound he owns, takes part in the Group 1 Ladbrokes Paws Of Thunder at Wentworth Park.
Looking at tonight’s Bathurst Cup, Metselaar believes Tap Out Axe is his best winning hope, but is wary of the likely race favourite, Aqua Cheetah (box two), who was the fastest qualifier in the cup heats, winning in 29.89.
Tap Out Axe qualified for the cup after finishing second behind Suzi Cargo in his heat and will jump from box one in tonight’s feature event.
“It’s an open race, but I think Aqua Cheetah has to be favourite,” he said.
“Tap Out Axe does go left and Tap Out Scarlet (in box three) goes pretty straight, so Aqua Cheetah will likely get a nice run from box two.
“Suzi Cargo in box eight is also a super greyhound and goes well at Bathurst, so she’s a big contender. Having said that, I’m rapt with Tap Out Axe. He is in 100 per cent shape and if he jumps in front, he can win this.”
Tap Out Axe secured hobby trainer Metselaar, who combines training with his job for a brick making company, his biggest victory in the sport when he triumphed in last month’s Bathurst RSL Soldiers Saddle.
He has scored three wins and five minor placings from 10 starts so far and has two wins and two minor placings from four previous starts wearing the red rug.
Father-of-two Metselaar said a win tonight would further spur his ultimate dream of becoming a full-time trainer.
“To win the Soldiers Saddle was the thrill of a lifetime,” he said.
“The last month or two I have been walking around on cloud nine, the way things have been going.
“I love my greyhounds but this week I have been running around like a maniac trying to fit everything in with work as well.
“Sometimes I think, ‘Why do I bother’, but when they win a race like the Soldiers Saddle it makes it worthwhile.”
Following tonight’s Bathurst Cup, Metselaar’s attention will turn to Wentworth Park for tomorrow night’s Paws Of Thunder.
Tap Out Rose, which is trained in Victoria By Robbie Britton and owned by Metselaar qualified for the Group 1 feature with a 29.96 heat win.
She will jump from box two, and while Metselaar is confident of a bold run, his celebrations if she can win may be somewhat subdued.
“I’m not sure I could celebrate too much – I’m due back at work at 4am on Sunday morning," Metselaar said.
The Bathurst Gold Cup is race eight of 10 on the card at Bathurst and jumps at 9.38pm.
For Bathurst Friday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
