A move to box five should not wreck promising Black County’s hopes of saluting in tonight’s 5th grade Ladbrokes Red Dog Final (race five, 407m) at Grafton.
The newcomer wears the yellow rug for the decider having clocked the fastest qualifying time of 22.92 from box eight in last week’s heats.
Black County placed from box five over this trip at Grafton two weeks back and trainer Amanda Rayner believes her greyhound can win again tonight.
“He’s certainly got a bit of potential and coming along well,” she said.
“I would have preferred box one or box eight but the draw shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
“He finished off his race last week very well and I’m confident he will put in a good run tonight.
“In a race like this it’s a bit of a lottery once you put them in but he’s doing everything right and he can put in another good run here.”
Black County’s toughest opponent looks to be Our Miss Molly (box seven), who clocked 23.13 last week.
Orara Sal (box eight) has won two of two so far and also looks a decent chance.
Rayner also has Hazard County (box eight) looking a decent chance in the 5th grade Phil Lloyd Earthmoving Stakes (race five, 407m).
A litter brother to Black County, Hazard County is having his first look at this trip but has won twice over the 411m at Casino and also looks promising.
Hazard County will have to contend with Sergeant Maguire (box six), who won from box five at Lismore last start and looks capable of saluting in this.
“Hazard County’s run over the 300 (metres) at Grafton two starts back wasn’t great but I’m expecting better things tonight,” Rayner said.
“It’s a tricky race but he is looking well and with those wins at Casino under his belt, he seems to be getting better and better.
“Of the two, though, Black County is my best hope.”
In other Grafton action this evening, Tusksa (box one) looks capable of continuing his strong recent form in the 4/5th grade Studdy’s Servo Ulmarra Stakes (race three, 480m).
The Mick Hindmarsh-trained greyhound has won his last two starts – both over the 484m at Casino – and also triumphed over the 407m at Grafton in September.
Bart’s Express (box seven) has been a terrific recent performer and looks the top pick in the Clarence Valley Pest Control Stakes (race eight, 305m).
The Stephen Keep-trained greyhound has scored one win and three placings from his four starts so far, including a smart 17.54 win from box one over this trip last week.
Pay Da Band (box four) looks the night’s best bet in the 11th and final race, the GRNSW Pathways Stakes (407m).
The Francis Jamieson-trained greyhound has been out of luck recently but placed at Grafton in August and won from this box at Grafton over the 407m last year.
For Grafton Monday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
