John Little has been waiting 60 years for a major title – and his greyhound Pedro Cerrano could well end that wait in tonight’s Group 2 PPK Mining Maitland Gold Cup (450m).
Little’s greyhound jumps from box seven in the brilliant $40,000-to-the-winner decider after posting arguably the best run of his 72-race career in last week’s heats.
Facing a quality field including top local Mister Twister, Pedro Cerrano clocked a dazzling 24.89 – just 0.21 off the track record – as he cruised home by seven-and-a-quarter-lengths in his heat.
The son of Where’s Pedro and Chasing Diana further underlined his quality by placing in last month’s high-quality Group 2 Bulli Gold Cup and looks a decent value chance for the decider.
“I’m pleased with the way he’s boxed and if he comes out well, he’s in the mix,” Macarthur-based Little said.
“I’m not concerned about the draw as there’s speed inside him so hopefully he’ll get drawn across and then find a way through to the lead.
“Compared to some of the other finalists he’s a granddad but he’s a dead-set professional racing greyhound and he won’t disgrace himself.”
After placing on his first look at Maitland the previous week, Pedro Cerrano’s terrific win last week extended his record to a consistent 19 wins and 27 minor placings.
Little’s greyhound is likely to start the final as one of the outsiders and has the modest record of one win and six minor placings in 11 previous starts wearing the black rug but has raced consistently since the start of the year.
This would be the biggest title yet for Little, who grew up around greyhounds on a northern NSW farm and has trained greyhounds since a teenager.
“I’m 77 and I’ve slowed up a bit, but I love my greyhounds and I’m still enjoying it,” he said. “You get a race like this and it puts a spring back in your step.
“When I was younger I’d think of the money you could win, but now that means nothing. I’d just like the thrill of winning a race as big as this.
“’Old Pedro’ will need a bit of luck but you sometimes do in a race like this. I think he’s got a decent chance.”
This is a terrific decider, with all eight finalists having claims.
Victorian and likely favourite Aussie Infrared (box eight, $3) was a brilliant heat winner last week and looks ideally drawn out wide.
NSW superstar Ando’s Mac ($3.80) will likely be stronger for his run from last week and looks a big danger from box two, while Outside Pass (box four, $11) has the speed to combat her tricky draw.
Falcon’s Fury ($4.50) is ideally positioned in box one, while multiple group-winner Pantera Nera ($3.80) was typically brilliant in last week’s heats and looks a big danger from box three.
The Maitland Gold Cup is race eight on what is a brilliant card at the Hunter Valley track, with action under way at 7.13pm.
For Maitland Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
