Royal Freddie looks well suited to score a victory for trainer Jamie Marsh at Saturday night’s Mandurah meeting.
The son of Dyna Tron and Austin Lee will jump from box two in the 4/5th grade Brittons Formal Wear Stakes (490m, race five) aiming for back-to-back victories.
After three unsuccessful runs in higher grade company, Royal Freddie dropped back to fifth grade last week and scored a two-length win in a sound 27.84.
He has won four of his last six starts at fifth grade only level and with four wins from seven previous starts wearing the checks, looks ideally positioned to win.
“This race suits him better,” Marsh said.
“He’s not really a free-for-all greyhound but he is definitely more than capable at this level.
“I prefer him wider than this and he will need a bit of luck but as long as he gets out okay and steps right, he’ll be in it.”
Marsh also has dangerous but inconsistent Cobra Clutch looking well drawn in box one to take out race six, also over the 490m.
Cobra Clutch faces a rematch with Starlight Bella (box four), who won a close battle between the pair last week by one-and-a-three-quarter lengths ahead.
Cobra Clutch has mixed form over the past month but has placed twice from two previous starts from box one and should be able to turn the tables from this draw.
It is a busy time for Marsh, with he and his wife the proud parents of a 10-month old daughter.
“I don’t think it changes you as a trainer, but I think you do strive a bit more for results when you have a small child,” he said. “I think there’s a bit more pressure because you think there’s another person relying on you.
“I’m certainly approaching training with a lot less sleep these days.”
The ever-dangerous Astronomize looks ideally drawn in box one to claim the A1 Salvage and Hardware Stakes (490m).
He finished a disappointing seventh last week after bungling the start but has scored two wins from three starts wearing the red rug and if he jumps clearly should be too good.
In-form pair Activator and Ambitious Gem look the top picks wearing the red rugs in races nine and 11 respectively.
Activator has won three of his last four starts and is dropping back in class from his fourth-placed finish last week.
After a below-par spell, Ambitious Gem scored a decent placing at Mandurah last week and has won three of his eight starts from the inside draw.
For Mandurah Saturday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
