Noelene Holloway is confident Magic Spring can win again on his happy hunting ground in today’s Group 2 PPK Group Maitland Gold Cup (450m) heats.
Last year’s Group 1 National Derby winner and former Maitland track record holder (pictured) jumps from box four in the third of six heats aiming to book a berth in next Thursday’s $40,000-to-the-winner decider.
The consistent son of Spring Gun and Fascinate Marina has gradually found strong form since returning in January from a four-month lay-off, scoring two wins in strong company at Wentworth Park last month.
He also has a super record at the track, scoring three wins and two minor placings in his five previous visits including that sizzling 24.74 run in November 2015.
“He loves Maitland,” owner-trainer Holloway said. “His first two sections are his best so he’ll usually be in contention over the 450m.
“I’ve been looking after some new pups so I haven’t been able to do much work with him this week, but he’s such a tremendous racing greyhound I don’t think that will bother him.
“I was concerned about whether he would return (to racing) but I’m delighted with how he’s come back to racing and he can certainly compete with the rest in this race.”
Those two successes at Wentworth Park have helped Magic Spring extend his record to a solid 22 wins and 19 minor placings from 68 starts.
He has scored one win and four minor placings in six previous starts wearing the blue rug and Holloway likes her greyhound’s draw.
“If you’re out wide and you miss the jump at Maitland you’ve got to work hard to get across, but because it’s such a big, wide track box four isn’t such a bad draw for him.
“This is a hard race but some of the other fields look very tough. I’m thankful he’s avoided some of the real high-quality greyhounds involved.
“I think he’s got a chance.”
Kong (box six) has been racing solidly recently and looks capable of triumphing in the first heat.
Kennelmate and last year’s Melbourne Cup winner Ando’s Mac (box four) is returning from almost two months’ out but seems the standout in the second heat.
The superstar local won on his only previous visit to Maitland and has scored three wins in four previous starts jumping from box four.
Your Shout Punk (box one) won the recent Maitland Gold Collar over the 400m and looks well positioned to win heat four.
Multiple Group-winning Victorian Pantera Nera (box five) broke the 395m Traralgon last start and is the one to beat in the fifth heat.
NSW superstar Falcon’s Fury (box one) has won his last five starts, including a preparation run at Maitland last week, and is ideally drawn to take out heat six.
The six heat winners and two fastest runners-up progress to next Thursday’s final.
For Maitland Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
