Sisso’s Joy can continue Queensland trainer Michael Menken’s successful road trip in today’s Classicbet Winter Cup Final (race eight, 450m) at Maitland.
The daughter of Wentworth Park 520m track record holder Shakey Jakey and Bakaara jumps from box one in a terrific decider after qualifying with a smart 25.45 win in last week’s heats.
Sisso’s Joy has built the solid record of four wins and four minor placings from 10 starts so far but will need to defeat a high-calibre field headed by star newcomer Lagoon Rhett (box four), a sizzling 24.80 heat winner.
Menken, based at the Ipswich suburb of Bundamba, has been travelling around northern NSW this month and has scored some impressive results.
“I’ve had four wins, two seconds and two thirds from eight starters down here,” he said. “That’s not bad going.
“My greyhounds go better on one-turn tracks like Maitland, plus I think they go stale going round the same tracks in Queensland, so I like to mix things up and hit the road occasionally.
“I can stay at my brother’s place at Budgewoi on the Central Coast, so it’s a good chance to see family as well.
“I didn’t expect much from Sisso’s Joy last week but she handled the track well and this box will help her this week. She’s still young but she’s got potential and I think she’ll become a decent city-class greyhound.”
Sisso’s Joy backed up a Best-of-the-Day win at Gunnedah on June 12 with her victory from box four last week.
She has already won twice over the 520m in handy company at Brisbane’s Albion Park and won her only previous start wearing the red rug.
“She’s a really good chaser and I think she’ll improve yet,” Menken said. “Most of the breed have preferred box eight, but she’s happier from the inside.
“I think she can improve time-wise by a couple of lengths this week.
“Realistically I think Lagoon Rhett will be tough to beat – I wish I had him in my kennel – but Sisso’s Joy is capable of running a good race.”
In other action, star newcomer Watch The Wasp (box one) looks capable of recording another win in race three over the 565m.
The DEAN Swain-trained greyhound, who clocked a 450m track record in a performance trial at Bathurst earlier this year, scored a smart win at Richmond last Friday on his first look at the 535m.
Hugo Boss (box eight) is a class performer at country tracks and looks the top pick in a high-quality race six over the 400m.
The son of Dyna Lachlan and Lagoon Lowanna has returned well from a four-month spell and should be fully sharp after his placing over the 400m at Bulli last start.
Paddy’s Magic (box three) has been a standout recent performer for the premier local kennel of Jason Mackay and looks one of the day’s best bets in race seven over the 450m.
The son of Magic Sprite and Ima Geisha Girl has scored four wins and three minor placings from his last 10 starts, including a speedy 22.38 victory over the 400m at Maitland last week.
For Maitland Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
