Little Black Joe set the time standard in the heats of the Future Stars Maiden Classic series last week and looks to be the one to beat in Thursday’s final at Maitland.
The Jeff Jaeger-trained greyhound jumps from box two in the $7000-to-the-winner decider after scoring the fastest qualifying time of 22.34 when jumping from box one in his heat.
The impressive heat win by Little Black Joe backed up his solid performance trial in which he clocked 22.50 and Jaeger believes his greyhound looks well placed for the final.
“I wasn’t surprised he went so well last week because every time we’ve put him in he’s gone a little bit better,” Jaeger said.
“I think box two will suit him even better than one as he headed straight left last week, so being a little further from the rail might help.
“He hasn’t had a lot of work but the way he raced home last week showed me he has a bit of strength and could eventually go over further.
“You never know what will happen in a maiden race, especially at the start, but I think he has a good chance.”
Sound Advice (box four), from the gun Christine Proctor kennel, clocked 22.40 in his heat win last week and looks the closest challenger in the final.
In other Maitland Thursday action, Chiricahua (box six) aims for the hat-trick in the 5th grade Kathy And Cliff Clark App Stakes (race four, 400m).
Rapidly becoming a star at provincial tracks, Chiricahua won over the 400m at Maitland last month before saluting over the same trip in an impressive 22.54 at Bulli last Saturday night.
Rapid Dominance (box seven) can return to racing with a win in the 4/5th grade Kankool Pet Food Stakes (race five, 400m).
The Mark Davidson-trained greyhound has not been sighted since finishing fifth at Wentworth Park in a high-quality Free-For-All at Wentworth Park on October 5 but looks capable of saluting in this.
He had won five times and placed four times in his previous 10 starts and if at his best should be too good for these.
Chevy Mcglinn (box seven) looks the top pick in the 4/5th grade Commercial Painting Group Stakes (race six, 400m).
The Jody Manuel-trained greyhound placed last week at the Gardens and has won twice and placed once on his last five visits to Maitland.
Still Good (box one) has made a decent start to her career and looks the day’s best bet in the 5th grade Debbie and Arthur Langman Stakes (race 10, 400m).
The Jane Carruthers-trained newcomer won on debut over the 330m at Richmond before two solid placings at Richmond and Maitland.
For Maitland Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
