Track specialist Bob’s Uncle looks ideally drawn to register a long-awaited first Group title for trainer Jimmy McGlinn in Friday night’s Group 2 PPK Mining Maitland Gold Cup (450m).
The exciting newcomer ($8 with Sportsbet) jumps from box one in the cup fresh from his hard-fought 25.09 win in last week’s heats.
That triumph from box five made it six victories from seven career starts – all at Maitland – for Bob’s Uncle, making him one of the hottest prospects in the NSW Hunter.
This will be a first start with the red rug for McGlinn’s greyhound and the trainer believes the draw has given Bob’s Uncle every chance of success.
“I certainly cannot pick a winner,” he said.
“I think there’s only about a tenth between them all in the first sectionals. If he’d drawn the eight he couldn’t have run round these greyhounds.
"I might be clutching at straws but I hope the draw will pull him out of the boxes. I didn’t trial him to freshen him up for last week. That may have explained why he didn’t start that great last week.
“This is such a hard race but if he jumps okay, he’s a chance.”
This would be a first Group title for McGlinn, who has battled health problems in recent years but has scored plenty of success recently with the likes of Bob’s Uncle and Mr Cowora.
“I just like going home after a win, sticking the tape on and twisting the top off a small beer,” the 84-year-old said.
“That’s where I get my enjoyment from racing. I’m not one much for trophies but I admit it would be nice to win this, especially for the owners. They’ve given me free reign with Bob’s Uncle and been so patient.
“There’s so much speed in this race, I think there’ll be a scrimmage. Hopefully from this box he can avoid that.”
Aston Bolero (box six), trained by gun Victorian mentor Jason Thompson, is the $3.20 favourite with Sportsbet for the cup after his 24.84 victory in the heats.
Marbo’s Magic (box five) was the fastest qualifier with a 24.80 win and is currently $3.60 with Sportsbet.
Victorian Big Ticket (box three, $3.40) has won eight of his last 11 starts and the powerful greyhound looks ideally drawn wearing the white rug.
The Steven Clarke-trained greyhound was an impressive 24.82 winner in the heats.
Ritza Lenny (box two), Black Driftwood (box four), Sleek Master (box seven) and Rosco the Weapon in box eight complete the field.
For Maitland Friday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
Group 2 PPK Mining Maitland Gold Cup (450m) Box Draw (Sportsbet prices in brackets): 1. Bob’s Uncle ($8) 2. Ritza Lenny ($5.50) 3. Big Ticket ($3.40) 4. Black Driftwood ($21) 5. Marbo’s Magic ($3.60) 6. Aston Bolero ($3.20) 7. Sleek Master ($18) 8. Rosco the Weapon ($31). Res: 9. Tilly’s Boy ($13), 10. He’s Some Love ($21).
Prices correct at the time of writing.
