Errol Kleinhans is expecting more success with in-form greyhound Magic Maiden in Thursday night’s Australia Day Trophy Final (race eight, 520m) at Albion Park.
Magic Maiden has drawn favourably in box one for the decider looking a good chance to make it seven wins from her last nine starts.
She drops back to the 520m here after a fourth placed finish over the 600m at Albion Park last week from box five. She has won over the 520m two starts back at Albion Park and with six wins from eight starts wearing the red rug, Kleinhans is confident his greyhound can salute again.
“I’m pretty optimistic of a win,” the owner-trainer said.
“Even though she is racing well, I think she’ll get even better over the next couple of months. She is maturing into a nice greyhound.
“I haven’t given her a gallop this week because she is dropping back in distance, but I’m sure she will be sharp enough for this.
“She’s a strong little greyhound (and) I’m delighted with how she’s going.”
Swap Ya (box seven) is always dangerous and unbeaten from two starts wearing the black rug, but on current form Magic Maiden should take some beating.
“I don’t like overtaxing my greyhounds my greyhounds over the one distance,” Kleinhans said.
“Her run last week wasn’t bad and I’m expecting a better show from her here.”
Magic Maiden is the star of a current four-strong kennel which also includes Ultra Blue, Our Challenge and Stirling Blue for hobby mentor Kleinhans, who is based at Beerwah and has been training about 18 years.
“I think they’ve earned more than $100,000 between them, so I can’t complain with their efforts,” Kleinhans said.
“It can be 24/7 working with them but our greyhounds are like children to us. They are great to work with.
“Hopefully we can have a bit more success yet.”
Norm The Storm returned to winning ways with a sound 34.69 victory at Albion Park last start and looks the top pick in race six.
The NSW Northern Rivers star has won five of his last seven visits to Albion Park and has comfortably stepped up to the 600 metres.
Oreo Delight is yet to miss a place in five starts and looks the one to watch in race three (520m).
The daughter of Fabregas and Aunty Joan (box three) won well over the 520m two starts back in 30.33 and looks capable of leading these.
Mocha Latte (box one) has been mixing form recently but seems better drawn on the inside, so looks the best bet in race nine.
For Albion Park Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
