Local trainer David Hobby is expecting bold showings from littermates Senator Monelli and Monaro Monelli in the heats of the Group 2 WA Derby (520m) at Cannington on Saturday night.
Both greyhounds have drawn well for the first stage of the WA Derby series with Senator Monelli in box three in the first heat, while Monaro Monelli has box two in the third heat.
Both greyhounds are from the same Barcia Bale x Sharon Monelli 2014 litter.
Senator Monelli goes into Saturday’s race off the back of a solid 30.16 win at Cannington last week and Hobby believes he can replicate that performance this weekend.
"He's not a noted beginner, so he's always going to rely on a little luck getting round the track," he said.
"Last week he got back to last and then swooped round the outside of the field at the finish.
"It will be harder for him this week against a stronger class of dog and he won't be able to do that again. He does have a lot of ability though and a big motor when he gets going."
Monaro Monelli is Hobby's other hope in the series and with three wins from six starts at Cannington, looks to be big danger in the WA Derby series.
Just like Senator Monelli, Monaro Monelli also comes off a solid win at the track last week, where he bolted in for an impressive six length victory in 30.14.
Hobby believes that if he can put in a similar performance this week, he will be tough to stop.
"His past two starts have been city class fifth grades, so he's been up against some difficult competition there which should him help tomorrow," he said.
"He's come up against a better type of dog and he's handled it pretty well so I'm optimistic."
Monaro Monelli will line up against a strong field which includes Eisenhower (box one) who has never been beaten from the red and the Paul Stuart-trained France Soir (box seven) who recently took out the Group 2 QLD Derby.
Despite seemingly being in a tougher race, Hobby rates Monaro Monelli as the better chance of his two runners.
"He's the better chance out of the two simply because he'll probably be in a better position early on going into the first turn," he said.
"From there I know he should be able to come home well."
In the other heats of the night, Mandurah Cup winner Topology, trained by Paul Stuart, looks like the one of the favourites in heat two despite an awkward draw in box four.
The chaser has won his past three starts and if he can continue that form tomorrow night will be difficult to stop.
Topology will be challenged by the CHRIS Halse-trained Ramifications (box five) who posted a scorching 29.88 win at the track in a Perth Cup heat last month.
Along with Ramifications, Halse also has West On Gaz lining up as favourite from box two in the final heat of the night.
With three wins at Cannington out of his six career starts, the young greyhound looks to have the edge over the rest of the field.
The top two from each WA Derby heat will qualify for next week’s Group 2 final at Cannington.
For the full fields, expert analysis and top picks, click here.
