Box two has been charm for Hello I’m Leo so far in his impressive career and it could be again in Friday night's Group 3 Mandurah Mail Birthday Cup (race eight, 405m).
The son of Magic Sprite and Typhoon Monelli wears the check for the $25,000-to-the-winner decider looking to extend his consistent record of 25 wins and seven minor placings from 47 starts.
Hello I’m Leo also looks to have hit form at the right time for the series, having scored back-to-back victories and three triumphs in his last five starts.
With five wins in six previous starts from box two, he also looks well positioned to score another victory for owner-trainer Ben Maclean.
“I was very happy with the box draw,” Maclean said. “It’s a big boost to his chances.
“There’s a lot of early speed in this race, especially with Max Profit (box three), but Hello I’m Leo’s greatest attribute is his early speed.
“I’ve tried him a couple of times over the 500 metres, but this is definitely his best distance.
“Everything is in his favour – now we’ll see if he can win.”
Hello I’m Leo has a terrific record over the 405m and has recorded a smart best of 22.54 over the trip, albeit back in May last year.
This would be a first group title for Maclean, who is based at the Perth suburb of Southern River and has been training for about nine years.
“I’ve made a couple of Group finals before, but this time I’m there with a dog who has real speed and ability,” Maclean said.
“It’s so satisfying as well to reach a final like this with a greyhound you’ve bred and watch develop too.
“It’s a tough race but I think he can win.”
The biggest danger looks like impressive newcomer Max Profit, who qualified with a smart 22.66 effort in last week’s heats.
That win extended the Corey White-trained greyhound’s record to an impressive 11 victories and three minor placings from 14 starts.
Max Profit won his only previous start from box three and has already run some sizzling times over this trip, including a 22.53 effort in October.
Gun WA trainer Chris Halse has three chances in the final – West On Babe (box one), recent SA Oaks winner Pepper Fire (box four) and Who’s Got Snoop in box six.
Who’s Got Snoop was the fastest qualifier with a sizzling 23.43 run from box five and has built the formidable record of 20 wins and 13 minor placings from 47 starts.
He is dangerous from the middle boxes and with three wins and three minor placings from seven starts over this trip, looks a huge danger.
Barbican (box five), Leigh Flash (box seven) and Fire Blaze in box eight complete the field.
The Birthday Cup is the eighth of a 12-race card at Mandurah, with action under way at 6.53pm (WA, 9.53pm NSW).
For Mandurah Friday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
