The two fastest greyhounds to ever grace the 720 metre journey at Wentworth Park are set to go toe-to-toe in the final of the 2014 Group One Association Cup this Saturday night.
Xylia Allen, who caused a sensation last week by smashing the track record, takes on Dyna Willow, the former track record holder and a winner of six from seven at the circuit.
Six other worthy adversaries join the super-star duo in a quest for not only the $75,000 first prize, but the privilege of being etched into greyhound racing immortality on an honour roll that includes names like Zoom Top, Travel Rev and Miata.
Here is how the field shapes up and how the trainers assess their hopes;
Comments: Steven White (Trainer) -“He is well boxed and he has got plenty of pace. I have had some hiccups with him in the last six weeks with tonsillitis, he has been choking up in the last bit getting to the line. I've taken some action against it this week and his tonsils have actually come down, they are not as inflamed as what they have been in the last five weeks, so hopefully I've done enough to get him over the line. He can run really good sections.”
Comments: ARG opinion is – Another moderate beginner with a very strong run home. Needs some space early and will be hoping for luck from the squeeze box.
Comments: ARG opinion is – Reliable beginner who has not missed a place in five race starts. May lack the genuine speed to win this race and looks tested. Place chances appear best.
Comments: Steven White (Trainer) – “He is a good chance, we just hope he gets out of the boxes and we will see what happens after that. He has not been in any good boxes yet but he has good pace. I think the pace is between him, the one and the three. There is only a length between him and Paua To Roar no matter where I have trialled them.”
Comments: ARG opinion is – Chased home Brasko Khan tenaciously in her semi-final. If she lands on the speed she will put herself right in the picture. Has to overcome the wide box to do so.
Comments: Glenn Rounds (Trainer) – “I don't know about the box, you've got to get across at Wentworth Park from the eight, it is a bit of a dreaded box out there. If he can get away and show his speed he will be right, but you don't want to be posted there. He is a nice dog, he just needs luck to the first turn.”
Comments: Bombed the start last week and unlucky not to make the final. A chance if he gets a start.
Best Wentworth Park Times
Best
Last
Sect. Best
Sect. Last
NBT
30.36
5.53
6.17
If Xylia Allen (2) lands on the bunny, it could be a case of “eyes on the clock”. She broke the 280 metre record en route to her 720 metre record last week, so it would be hard for anyone to match motors with her.
Should she make the smallest error, Dyna Willow (4) will be set to pounce. She is the consummate professional and knows where the line is.
Sweet It Is (3) looks to be in career best form and registered 41.87 when running second to Dyna Willow last week. With a clear run, she is likely to be flying home late and is a knockout chance.
