The son of Lochinvar Marlow and Cosmic Essence jumps from box three in the night’s fifth race aiming for a fifth win his last six starts.
Now boasting the record of 11 wins and nine minor placings from 44 starts, Cosmic Marlow has been racing superbly over the short courses in recent weeks but faces a tough field here including last start winners Magoo (box one) and Tweed Dancer in box two.
This is also Cosmic Dancer’s first look at the 480m at Grafton but owner-trainer David Brodie is optimistic his greyhound is up to the task.
“He used to be a little hit and miss exiting the boxes and now he’s jumping well,” Brodie said.
“He’s had a couple of other trainers and he’s raced from Maitland to CAIRNS and plenty in between, but now I am training him.
“I’m not sure all the travel has been done his racing any favours as he is a shy greyhound. I think he is benefiting from now being in a settled kennel and he’s maturing into a handy racer.”
“He can win from any box so the draw isn’t a concern. The distance is a query but if he does everything right and jumps well he will be tough to beat.”
Tweed Dancer usually races well at Grafton and looks a big threat, while Magoo showed good pace last week and looks ideally drawn to go close again.
In other Grafton Monday action, Hot newcomer Marilena Franco (box six) is stepping up to the 480m for the first time but looks the top pick in the second heat (race eight).
The Jeff Chapman-trained greyhound has won six of her 10 starts so far, including her last four, and has run some strong races over the 407m at Grafton.
DIRECT Terror (box six) scored a smart 23.75 win over the 420m at Ladbrokes Park Lismore last Tuesday night and looks the top pick in race three over the 407m.
Others to watch at Grafton include eye-catching newcomer War At Midnight (box seven, race six), Small Magic (box two, race nine) and Orara Shell (box seven, race 10).
For Grafton Monday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
