Big Ticket looks a strong chance to finally shrug off his bridesmaid tag in Friday night’s Group 2 PPK Mining Maitland Gold Cup (450m).
The consistent Victorian greyhound (pictured), who will jump from box three, is appearing in his sixth Group final but has yet to snare a major title.
He is currently a $3.40 chance with Sportsbet for the Maitland Cup after his storming 24.82 victory in last week’s heats.
Trained by Steven Clarke at Torradin, Big Ticket made light of the 11-hour journey to Maitland, scorching home just 0.12 outside the track record to win his heat.
For Friday’s cup, Big Ticket looks ideally drawn in box three, a box in which he has scored one win and two placings from four previous starts.
While delighted with Big Ticket’s heat win, Clarke believes his greyhound is capable of improving further this week.
“He had eight days on the lead prior to last week because I didn’t know how he would handle the travel,” Clarke said.
“He’s a relaxed greyhound, travels well – better than me – and handled the track well. I think he faltered slightly with about 20 metres so he can go stronger this week.
“If he gets a clear run I would expect him to run about 24.75 – it’s just getting that clear run.”
Clarke decided about two months ago to aim his greyhound for the Maitland Cup and was happy to tolerate the long journey north.
“I always said I wouldn’t stop a greyhound competing at their best by me being lazy,” he said.
“If you have a good greyhound, you’ve got to be able to travel. We basically race him in Group races now and there was a lull in Victoria, so we went for this race.
Clarke has been involved with greyhounds for most of his life but became a full-time trainer in heartbreaking circumstances.
He was a fraud manager for a major bank but after his young daughter passed away with a terminal illness, he followed his dream and switched careers about ten years ago.
“I was lucky I have my great wife and family support to let me walk away from a high-risk job,” he said. “It’s a privilege to train greyhounds – I love it.
“I had a stressful, high-responsibility job, but I had chest pains as well. This job has been a lot more enjoyable and better for my health.
“Big Ticket has never let us down and hopefully we can keep making these big finals – and maybe win one.”
Another Victorian greyhound, Aston Bolero (box six), is the $3.20 favourite with Sportsbet after his 24.84 win in last week’s heats.
Fastest qualifier Marbo’s Magic (box five), who is aiming for an 11th win in his first 12 starts, is $3.80 with Sportsbet.
Bob's Uncle (box one), Ritza Lenny (box two), Black Driftwood (box four), Sleek Master (box seven) and Rosco The Weapon in box eight complete the field.
For Maitland Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
Group 2 PPK Mining Maitland Gold Cup (450m) Box Draw: 1. Bob's Uncle 2. Ritza Lenny 3. Big Ticket 4. Black Driftwood 5. Marbo's Magic 6. Aston Bolero 7. Sleek Master 8. Rosco The Weapon. Res: 9. Tilly's Boy 10. He's Some Love.
