Courageous Nikki looks ready to turn the tables on Woodvale Flyer in the NPB Security Summer Chase Final (race six, 600m) at Cannington on Saturday night.
The Greg Martin-trained greyhound jumps from box one in the $13,500-to-the-winner decider - the night’s feature race - after a super run in last week’s heats.
Courageous Nikki clocked a smart 35.13 and led for most of the way at Cannington last week before being run down by winner Woodvale Flyer, who is arguably WA’s top current middle distance greyhound.
Last week was Courageous Nikki’s first look at the 600m and Martin is confident she will improve.
“I always thought she’d run the 600m as she’s had some massive runs over the 490m at Mandurah,” trainer Greg Martin said.
“She did everything right but was run done by a really strong greyhound.
“Obviously the draw looks to be advantage and if she can lead then they’ll struggle to Chase her down.
“She’s only got to improve slightly from last week to have a chance of winning and I would expect her to be in contention.”
Courageous Nikki’s toughest opponent again looks like Woodvale Flyer, who will jump from box five.
The Steve Withers-trained greyhound has won three of her last four starts, including placing in the recent Group 1 Sky Racing Galaxy.
In other Cannington Saturday action, Sassy Ginger (box three) can continue trainer Enzo Crudeli’s wonderful run of current success with victory in the 4/5th grade Bet Local Bet TabTouch (race three, 520m).
Sassy Ginger made it 13 wins from 25 starts with an impressive 29.91 triumph over this distance last week.
Sassy Ginger has won two of her last three starts for Crudeli, who won the recent Group 1 Sky Racing Perth Cup with Equanimity.
Majestic Mia (box two) has built the impressive record of six wins from nine starts and can salute again in the 5th grade Love The Chase (race seven, 380m).
The greyhound is stepping up to the 380m for the first time but has won three races over the 302m at Mandurah and looks the best.
Bean Monelli (box one) is in decent form and looks ideally drawn to win the 5th grade Property Plus Real Estate Stakes (race eight, 520m).
The David Hobby-trained greyhound placed from the same box in tough company over this trip last week and also won two starts from box one over the 490m at Mandurah.
For Cannington Saturday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
