Mitcharlie Mia will be carrying the hopes of the Northern Rivers when she takes part in this Saturday night’s Group 1 Ladbrokes Golden Easter Egg (520m) heats.
The winner of last Friday night’s Group 2 Unibet Richmond Oaks (pictured with Northfield, centre) winner jumps from box five in the seventh of 10 heats seeking a sixth straight victory.
Since her debut in May 2015, Mitcharlie Mia (currently at $3.80 and favourite for her heat with Sportsbet) has been a star of her local Northern Rivers tracks and has transferred that form to Sydney tracks.
She has placed twice in three previous visits to Wentworth Park, clocking a best of 30.20, and Northfield said he was expecting another big effort this Saturday night.
“I think she’s getting to know the place now,” Northfield, who is based at Dobies Bight, just outside Casino, said.
“She finished fourth in the Group 1 Futurity on her last visit there which was a good run.
“I think she’s capable of breaking 30 seconds there which will put her in contention to win this race.
“She’s a pretty good traveller – certainly better than her trainer – so she should handle the long journey okay.”
Mitcharlie Mia’s Richmond Oaks win was her first Group race victory and the 17th of her career.
While many would be dreading box five for a feature series like the Golden Easter Egg, Northfield is optimistic about Mitcharlie Mia’s chances from the 'squeeze box'.
“Box five isn’t totally unsuitable for her,” Northfield said. “She’s going to need luck, especially getting round that first corner, but if she’s still in contention then she’ll be in with a chance.
“I’ve had a few decent greyhounds in my time but I’m hoping she will turn out to be the best. I remember thinking she was something special when she came back from her first look at Wentworth Park and ran 29.96 at Lismore with a phenomenal run.
“It’s so satisfying when you get a lovely greyhound like her capable of winning races like this. She makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
The Group 1 Ladbrokes Golden Easter Egg is Australia’s most famous series and features the best greyhounds from around Australia.
Semi-finals take place next Saturday, with the final a week later.
For Wentworth Park Saturday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
For Sportsbet’s market on the Golden Easter Egg, click here.
