Rubelly Magic is “in the zone” at the moment and looks a strong contender in tonight’s superb Kevin Waters And Sons Towing Cannonball Final (400m, race eight) at Richmond.
The durable daughter of Magic Sprite and Lagoon Smylee jumps from box eight in the high-quality decider at the western Sydney track aiming to make it four wins in her last five starts.
Rubelly Magic marked her 100th career start in style by winning her 26th race with a smart 22.85 victory in last week’s heats.
That was not far off her best of her best of 22.63 for this trip and her trainer Rodney O’Brien said his greyhound is primed for another strong run in the decider.
“She’s in the zone at the moment,” the Blacktown-based mentor said.
“I’ve noticed in the stir-up now she’s more alert than she used to be. She’s so bubbly and keen to chase.
“She disappears for 10 or 20 metres in a race but as soon as those little back legs hit the ground she’s off – it’s like an explosion.”
This is one of the best fields in the 44-year history of the Cannonball, with all eight contenders having claims.
Mack Tux (box one) is a multiple Wentworth Park winner, while Mousey Mccoy (box three) clocked a speedy 22.54 from box one at Richmond three starts back.
Rubelly Magic has the modest record of one win and five minor placings from 13 starts wearing the pink rug but O’Brien said the box draw wasn’t insurmountable here.
“Box eight hasn’t been kind to Rubelly Magic but this is a different kettle of fish,” he said. “At Richmond they jump into the turn and go straight.
“I wanted the one or the eight so I’m fine with the draw.
“This is such a tough race but she can keep out of trouble (and) if they put a foot wrong she will nail them.
“However she goes she’ll get a hug and a kiss from me – but hopefully she’ll get the win.”
Diligent Miss ran strongly to finish fourth in last week’s Cannonball heat and can score victory in the Cannonball Consolation (race three, 400m).
The Brian Tame-trained greyhound has built the strong record of 20 wins from 58 starts and has raced well on her last few visits to the western Sydney track.
NSW star Brad Hill Billy (box four) looks a good chance to score the 34th career win of his distinguished career in a high-quality Summer Saturday 2GB 873 Stakes (race seven, 535m).
The evergreen veteran is having his first look at Richmond in almost a year but has won two of his four visits to the track and seven of his 10 races jumping from box four.
Nadal showed strong form with a win over the 600m at Dapto last week and looks ideally positioned in box one to win the 5th grade Ray Hadley Morning Show Stakes (race six, 618m).
The DEAN Swain-trained greyhound has been solid rather than spectacular in his career so far but should have the edge on these from this draw.
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