Fusion Mint leads field for the 2024 Maitland Gold Cup final
The spotlight shines on Maitland tonight as the highly anticipated Group 2 Maitland Gold Cup final unfolds.
Featuring a star-studded lineup of greyhounds, the 450m showdown offers $40,000 to the winner.
Leading the charge is Fusion Mint from Box 2, who impressed with a scorching 24.90 in the heats.
Known for her explosive early speed, Fusion Mint’s trainer, Wesley McDonald, believes she’s peaking at the right time, benefiting from a favourable draw and recent strong performances.
As a $3.50 chance with the top greyhound bookmakers, she’s positioned to lead the pack and could capitalise if trouble ensues behind her.
Kennelmate challengers You Never Lose and Black Tsunami, both clocking identical 24.89 times in their heats, present formidable threats.
Trained by Michelle Sultana, the duo boasts excellent form, with You Never Lose entering as the Picklebet $3.90 second favourite.
His ability to finish strongly, even from the tricky Box 6, could prove decisive.
Another standout contender is Chief Lightning from Box 1, trained by Jason Magri.
Consistency defines this greyhound, with a flawless record of placing in all 23 starts with a record of 23: 13-3-7.
Chief Lightning’s strong draw and tactical experience make him a serious contender despite a slight disadvantage in raw speed compared to his rivals with $5.50 odds at BlondeBet.
The Peter Lagogiane-trained duo of Angel Shirley ($5.50) and Kettle Head ($10.00) adds depth to the field.
Angel Shirley, running from Box 4, overcame a slow start in the heats to power home in 25.14.
Meanwhile, Kettle Head, drawn wide in Box 8, is undefeated from the outside post, making him an intriguing longshot.
Veteran trainer Jason Mackay brings Tracker (17.00), who surprised with a personal best of 25.02 in the heats.
As a local, Tracker’s familiarity with the track could play to his advantage, though he’ll need luck from Box 7 in this stacked field with the outsiders chance of $19.00 with PlayUp.
Maitland Gold Cup 2024 field and odds
2024 Maitland Gold Cup Final Box Draw & FieldMaitland 461mGroup 2 $40,000 to-the-winner Friday, December 6, 2024
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1 Chief Lighting
T: Jason MagriF: 2111Career: 23: 13-3-7Prizemoney: $43,495
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2 Fusion Mint
T: Wesley McdonaldF: 211FCareer: 19: 10-3-1Prizemoney: $26,360
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3 Black Tsunami
T: Michelle SultanaF: 1464Career: 54: 16-12-9Prizemoney: $88,705
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4 Angle Shirley
T: Peter LagogianeF: 1471Career: 25: 11-6-1Prizemoney: $51,765
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9 Reel ‘Em Bluey
T: Terry MillarF: 2136Career: 35: 12-10-3Prizemoney: $57,220
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6 You Never Lose
T: Michelle SultanaF: 1331Career: 22: 8-7-5Prizemoney: $71,055
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7 Tracker
T: Jason MackayF: 1465Career: 17: 5-4-2Prizemoney: $18,200
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8 Kettle Head
T: Peter LagogianeF: 2811Career: 15: 7-4-2Prizemoney: $18,120
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