Jamie Marsh believes his consistent performer Cobra Clutch is capable of causing another feature race upset in Saturday night’s Winter Cup (race six, 520m) at Cannington.
Cobra Clutch, who defeated a high-class field as a $23 outsider to win April’s top-class Lew Dorsa Memorial Trophy over this trip, jumps from box two in the cup final aiming to score another notable triumph to his CV.
One of the best Western Australia performers over the last two years, Cobra Clutch has won more than $140,000 in prize money and scored 24 wins.
“It was a nice surprise to win (the Memorial) and maybe he can do it again on Saturday night,” owner-trainer Marsh said.
“He ran 29.79 to win the Memorial (and) if he gets on the lure then he can run a good time. He’s got the draw he wanted and while he may lack the early yard or two of these, if there’s any trouble at the first corner then he could benefit.
“It’s a very tough race but he’s had a good week to prepare and he’s looking good.”
Cobra Clutch ran a smart 29.94 to qualify last week behind heat winner Equanimity and has been in terrific recent form, having scored five wins in his last seven starts.
He has broken the 30-second barrier on three of his last four races at Cannington and reached three Group race finals in his notable career, including placing in the 2015 Group 3 All Stars at Mandurah.
All eight finalists look to have claims in what is a terrific decider.
Recent Group 2 Western Australia Derby winner Sassy Ginger (box one), one of three chances from the Enzo Crudeli kennel, has won five of his eight starts wearing the red rug and looks ideally positioned to challenge.
Kennelmate Felton Bale (box seven) is poorly drawn but has won four of his last five starts, including a dazzling 29.77 effort in last week’s heats from box eight, while this year’s Group 1 Perth Cup winner Equanimity (box four) ran 29.84 and has won his last three starts.
“Realistically, this will be very tough for mine,” Marsh said. “Sassy Ginger has the right draw and Felton Bale is just going crazily well at the moment.
“Cobra Clutch has just turned four and he’s up against much younger greyhounds here. His last few races have been at Mandurah, where the competition hasn’t been as tough, which has helped his record too.
“Having said that, he’s been an amazing greyhound for me to train. He’s probably not the fastest, but he’s a genuine chaser who you know will always give his best.
“He’s maybe more a place chance than a winning hopeful, but if he can get a good start then he’s a chance.”
Fire Blaze (box three), Who’s Got Class (box five), Crashing Packs (box six) and West On Maisie in box eight complete the field.
In other Cannington Saturday action, track record holder Quick Jagger (box six) has been in sensational recent form and looks the standout chance in the 5th grade Get the TABTouch Stakes (race three, 520m).
The CHRIS Halse-trained greyhound, who ran a brilliant 29.29 last month at Cannington over this trip last month, has won three of his last four starts and five of his 13 races overall.
Lachlan Monelli (box four) can gone winless in his last four starts but can score a victory in the 3/4th grade Property Plus Real Estate (race four, 520m).
One of the stars of the premier David Hobby kennel, Lachlan Monelli ran a decent 29.82 over this trip last month and has placed in his two previous races from box four.
He has built the consistent record of 10 wins and seven minor placings from 24 starts and is much better than his fourth place effort over the 520m at Cannington last week.
He clocked 29.84 triumphing over this distance last week from box one but the green rug should hold no fears for him and with his brilliant pace he looks the likely winner in this race.
Former NSW star Ochre Keroma (box five) has been in terrific form since transferring west and looks a great chance in the 5th grade Book for CHRIStmas In July Stakes (race five, 600m).
The James Jeffries-trained greyhound has won four of her last five starts, including a 35.12 effort over this trip last month, and should have too much class for these.
For Cannington Saturday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
