Mathew Reid is confident he can bring it home for the NSW Northern Rivers once again with Norm the Storm in Thursday night’s Group 3 Queensland Cup (600m) at Albion Park.
Last week’s fastest heat qualifier jumps from box six in a high-quality decider aiming for his second Group title, having won last year’s Group 3 Gold Coast Cup at the same track.
Northern Rivers trainers have achieved some notable results in recent months, with Robbie Cooke snaring the Group 1 National Futurity with CASH In Motion, Mitch Northfield’s Mitcharlie Mia making the same final and Toni Northfield winning the Group 2 Lismore Cup with Kinsbrae Nelly in October.
Trainer Reid is confident Norm The Storm can continue the trend of Northern Rivers success in feature races.
“I’m pretty optimistic,” he said. “Box six is always a concern, but I don’t think it looks too bad here.
“He doesn’t always begin brilliantly but I think the greyhounds inside him will want to go to the rail, which should allow him to get a clear run.
“Velocity Shirl is the biggest danger but she’s outside him in seven here, which again should help his chances. Provided he can get away okay, I think he can win this.”
Having raced well previously over 520m, Norm The Storm has stepped up well to the 600m in recent weeks.
He has won twice and placed twice on his four starts over the longer distance, including a 34.69 victory at Albion Park two starts back.
Norm The Storm’s recent run of form has earned him an invited for the forthcoming Group 1 Rookie Rebel at Sandown Park, with Reid looking forward to representing the Northern Rivers at the Victoria track.
“If we get in then we’ll definitely take him down there,” he said.
“I think the Northern Rivers just a good rural area to be based in. There’s also some good breeders up here and a lot of people bringing good greyhounds up at the moment.
“He seemed to be getting stronger all the time over the 520 metres and we thought with these big races coming up over the 600 metres, we’d give him a try. He’s certainly showing he’s up to the task.”
The biggest challenge to Norm The Storm in Thursday’s Queensland Cup is likely to be Velocity Shirl, who clocked 34.75 in her heat last week and is likely to pose a stern challenge from box seven.
The strong-finishing Cyndie’s Magic (box three) has a formidable record over the 600m and also cannot be discounted, especially with this favourable-looking draw.
In other action at Albion Park, Group 1 National Futurity winner CASH In Motion is back in action jumping from box eight in a high-quality race eight.
Robbie Cooke’s greyhound produced a storming come-from-behind performance to win last Saturday’s National Futurity at Wentworth Park for the NSW Northern Rivers owner-trainer.
Leeroy Roller (box one) ran some strong races in NSW recently and looks ideally drawn to win race six.
Mitcharlie Mia (box three) is having her first look at Albion Park but on current form can salute in race nine.
For Albion Park Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
Group 3 Queensland Cup Box Draw: 1. Smashniak Gold 2. Parchment 3. Cyndie's Magic 4. Golfing Amy 5. Marluca 6. Norm The Storm 7. Velocity Shirl 8. Darcy's Curse. 1R: Sarajevo Girl, 2R: Minnie Impact.
