Fire Cloud can bring hot heat form to Birthday Cup at Mandurah
He might be starting from the No.5 box, but owner Simon Marsigalia believes Fire Cloud could benefit from having the speedy Crumble Monelli on his inside in the Greyhounds WA Birthday Cup at Mandurah on Friday night.
This midfield tussle might be the key to deciding who wins the Group 2 sprint over 405m and worth $57,000.
Fire Cloud and David Hobby's 23-month-old dog were both brilliant in winning their heats.
Colleen Pierson's three-year-old prevailed by a length over Panama Pepper for Steve Withers, crossing the line in 22.60 seconds.
Crumble Monelli went even better, producing a scorching time of 22.31 seconds and beating West On Cider for Chris Halse by almost five lengths.
He ran a personal-best of 22.22 seconds on his way to winning The Shorts at Mandurah on December 23.
The young gun has eight wins from 11 starts, while experience campaigner Fire Cloud has been a consistent performer for the mother-son combination of Pierson and Marsigalia.
He has given them 14 victories from 51 starts, and they think he's got the ability to match it with Hobby's precocious talent.
“We're really hoping he (Fire Cloud) can follow Crumble Monelli across into the race,” Marsigalia told Greyhounds WA.
“With any luck if we can sit within a length with our superior strength late, we might be able to get over the top of them.
“I think Crumble's the dog to beat. It's going to be pretty hard to beat him with the 22.2s he runs.”
Better known as a Cannington dog, Fire Cloud has been at Mandurah his past six starts preparing for this race.
“We decided to put him down there a little while back to try and get a bit of experience at Mandurah,” Marsigalia said.
“He'd never really jumped that well previously.
“We thought if we spent a bit of time down there we might give it a better chance.
“And I guess it's paying off now.”
Marsigalia said West On Cider could also be competitive from the three box on Friday night.
“I'd say if West On Cider jumps he might hold out Crumble Monelli early,” he said.
“But all the dogs are pretty solid in this race. So I think anyone who wins is going to be a worthy winner.”
After 51 starts, Marsigalia is still in awe of Fire Cloud's natural ability and athleticism.
“He's really fired our kennel, and we're pretty blessed. He's just an amazing animal,” he said of last year's Nambeelup Cup winner.
Pierson said Fire Cloud had a lovely attitude to match his on-track skills.
“He's got a very good nature. We love his personality. We've spent a lot of time with him, and he gives us back 100 per cent,” she said.
Fire Cloud Odd's In Birthday Cup At Mandurah
Race 4 – 
Fire Cloud (5)
Form: 152261 | Career: 51: 14-7-7 | Trainer: Colleen Pierson