Allan Lang believes his promising kennelmates Kyogle Clodhoppa and Weekend Binge can score him a double victory at tonight’s Grafton meeting.
Kyogle Clodhoppa jumps from box eight in the 5th grade greyhoundproductsdirect.com final (407m, race seven) fresh from an impressive 22.75 victory in last week’s heats.
He looks like he may suited to the wide draw having won his only previous start from box eight - over the 411m at Casino - and seems to be hitting his straps, having won three of his last six starts.
Movida (box five) has won three of his last four starts and will likely start favourite, but trainer Lang said Kyogle Clodhoppa could cause an upset.
“Grafton suits him as a track,” Lang said. “He is a big striding greyhound and he can settle into his running style there.
“He’s had a couple of wins from out wide so he can handle the draw.
“This is a tough race but he’s a chance.”
Weekend Binge, meanwhile, finished last at Lismore at his previous start but has scored six win from his nine starts so far.
He finished fourth on his only previous start at Grafton in January but has scored some sizzling victories at Wauchope, Lismore and Casino so far.
This is his first look at the 480m but Lang, who is best known as the owner and early trainer of five-time Group winner Paw Licking, rated Weekend Binge as his best winning chance.
“He’s no Paw Licking but he’s certainly above average,” Lang said “I’m hoping he is stronger than Paw Licking, although he’s not as fast.
“His run home times over the short distances have been impressive, so I’m confident he can handle the longer distance.
“He hit trouble last week but he’s still only young so these things happen. I would rate him a decent chance to win tonight.”
In other action at Grafton, Kokinakas Valley (box two) was below-par at his return to Grafton last week but can atone in race three.
A star of NSW Central West tracks in recent months and now in the kennel of local trainer and breeder Des Winters, he is a class greyhound who should fire from this draw.
Kooringa Rachel (box one, race eight) and Orara Wal (box seven, race 10) scored impressive wins on their last starts and look the top picks in their respective races.
For Grafton Monday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
