Knock for Me has given John Corrigan some long-awaited bragging rights and the in-form greyhound can salute again for his trainer at tonight's Grafton meeting.
The son of Don’t Knocka Him and Noir Rose jumps from box four in the 4/5th grade Village Green Hotel Stakes (race five) OVER the 407m aiming for a sixth victory in his last seven starts.
The greyhound’s recent sensational form has included three victories at the recent Grafton Winter Carnival, with a win OVER this trip on July 3 arguably the standout performance.
Those performances earned Knock For Me the title of Greyhound of the Carnival and gave his trainer, who is also the Grafton club president, a long-awaited honour.
“I’ve been here 36 years and that’s the first time I’ve had a greyhound win that award,” Corrigan said. “He did very well.
“He’s a beautiful greyhound and an absolute pleasure to train – we love having him around the place.
“There may be others capable of running quicker than him here but you know he’ll always be competitive.”
The former Queensland greyhound has always been a handy performer since debuting in December 2014, scoring 11 victories OVER the short course at Brisbane’s Albion Park.
He only transferred to Corrigan’s kennel ten weeks ago ago but the pair have formed a great partnership, with Knock For Me’s recent successes extending his record to 16 wins and 21 minor placings from 57 starts.
Corrigan’s greyhound faces a tough field including speedy Digger Deego (box eight) but has scored three wins in seven starts from the tricky box four and can handle the distance.
“His record at Albion Park shows he’s always had ability,” Corrigan said. “I think he’d just lost a little bit of his confidence up there.
“I think sometimes greyhounds respond to a different environment and a changed regime. It can take awhile but sometimes change is good.
“I think this is the very furthest distance he can go and I’m not OVER-confident, but he’s a chance.”
Eye-catching newcomer Bokarm Rosie (box one) looks the latest handy pup for trainer Bob Merillo and can win the Caldwell Electrical Maiden (race two, 305m).
Cape Byron (box four) has been racing consistently recently and looks the top chance in the Mixed grade Westlawn Finance Stakes (race seven, 610m).
Hadley Valley (box seven) is another greyhound in solid recent form and looks capable of winning the 5th grade Willow Park Rearing Stakes (race 11, 407m).
For Grafton Monday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
