Myrniong Magic has not raced or even trialled at Wentworth Park but the bush speedster is on target to give Wagga trainer Ben Talbot his first Sydney winner in tonight’s Ladbrokes Odds Boost Stakes.
Myrniong Magic, who has box six in the 520m fifth grade event, led quickly to win in fast time over 525m at Wagga at his most recent start on May 25.
But it was the dog's slick 26.45 win over 472m at Bulli on May 5 which makes him look the one to beat tonight.
In the Bulli race Myrniong Magic trailed Styles, a quick Wentworth Park winner, to the home turn, and after sweeping past that greyhound, comfortably held off a strong challenge from Zipping Clive, another proven Wenty performer, to win clearly.
Trainer Ben Talbot said: "Myrniong Magic has not seen Wentworth Park but he races up on the speed so the track should not worry him.
"And as he usually runs in a straight line from the start to the first turn and likes to go around the outside of his rivals box six should be okay.
"Since I began training around 2008 I have not had many runners at Wentworth Park but have had a couple of placings there so it would be nice to win one.''
Talbot trains Myrniong Magic for highly successful Victorian owner-breeder Terry Kingcott, who has raced a swag of outstanding greyhounds prepared by former Sydney trainer Anthony Azzopardi.
Most trainers dislike having two greyhounds in the same race but Jeff Eaton is unconcerned about his bitch Blazin' Audrey having to tackle his wife Carole's dog Blazin' Carter in tonight’s sixth race, a 520m fourth grade.
"I don't mind the family having two starters as it increases our percentage chances of a win,'' Eaton said.
"Although Blazin' Carter has clocked slightly faster time at Wentworth Park than Blazin' Audrey, she is a bit quicker than her brother.
"I was happy with Blazin' Audrey's fourth in a top grade race at Wenty last Saturday because she did not begin as well as she normally does.
"Just to make sure there was nothing amiss I have since had her checked over by my veterinary surgeon and she is fine.
"Blazin' Audrey has box one and she loves that draw, so while I think Carole's dog might be the pacemaker, Audrey is capable of running him down.
"Blazin' Carter was badly hampered as he disputed the lead at his most recent Wentworth Park race, when he finished fourth, so Carole has since trialled him over 450m at Maitland.
"He recorded 25sec flat which is a very good run and he went really fast in the early stages.
"Blazin' Carter is a good beginner and although early in his career he tended to veer towards the rails when he jumped, he now runs straight so he should handle box five.
"Hopefully Carole and I can jag the quinella with our pair.''
Brilliant front-runner Audi Key relishes outside draws so looms as tonight’s best bet after drawing box seven in race eight, a 520m third and fourth grade.
Last Saturday night at Wentworth Park Audi Key led throughout from box eight to win a similar race by six lengths in a blistering 29.77, running home in a powerful 11.77.
And on April 28 he clocked his personal best Wenty time of 29.68 after exiting box six and being run down by prolific city winner Ritza Lenny.
Audi Key seems poised to go straight to the front tonight as Tilikum, drawn inside him in box six, is usually a moderate beginner.
Best value tonight should be the Charlie Gatt-trained Saint Gallon, who has box seven in the 520m Ladbrokes Info Hub Final.
Saint Gallon led throughout to win his heat from this draw last tonight, stopping the clock at 30.06.
The dog took a tumble at Wentworth Park on April 18 so his trainer brought him back to Wentworth Park for a trial before last week's race and the front running greyhound recorded 30.20.
After improving to win his heat, Saint Gallon is expected to be the pacemaker again tonight, with fastest qualifier Kihael Road, who won his heat in 29.92, moving from box one to box six and being a risky beginner.
Jeff Collerson’s Selections
Best Bet: Audi Key (race 8)
Best Value: Saint Gallon (race 5)
Quaddie
Race 5 - 7, 2, 6
Race 6 - 1, 5
Race 7 - 6, 1, 2
Race 8 - 7, 2, 8
$20 for 37.03%
