Knight's Page Eyes Emotional Macca Double

GAYLE Masterson says winning last year's ‘The Macca' with Knight's Page on Black Top night was a "dream come true".

While it didn't carry the lofty prizemoney and group status of the Black Top on the same program, for Masterson, winning the race that recognises John McDermott's remarkable contribution to Hunter Valley greyhound racing meant so much more.

So you can only imagine the Hexham based trainer's excitement heading to Ladbrokes Gardens this Friday night with the prospect of her gun sprinter landing back-to-back victories in the $5,000-to-the-winner feature.

"I was beside myself winning The Macca last year so I don't know how I'd be if I happened to win it twice," Masterson said.

“When Knight's Page won last year he was with my good friends Anne and Barry Foley as I'd just had a knee operation. It was a great night for all.”

Considered one of the outsiders for Friday night's star-studded event, Masterson expects her 14-time winner to race well following an eye-catching Black Top heat run last Friday.

"I've had issue after issue with his preparation the last six or so weeks but everything is spot on for Friday night," Masterson said.

"And even though he's $26 I give him a very good chance. He'll be a lot better for last week's run and box six isn't that bad for him either – he'll hold a straight line. And he loves The Gardens too.

"If he managed to win a second The Macca it would mean the absolute world. Couldn't think of anything better."

Friday night's The Macca carries added significance with the news that the man known as Macca – loved and respected by all in greyhound racing – isn't experiencing the best of health.

The voice of Hunter Valley greyhound racing for the best part of five decades, deteriorating health issues has seen the decorated broadcaster sidelined from the caller's box since last September.

"Knowing John's not in the best of health would make a win even more special – I'm sure it will be for whoever wins," Masterson said.

"Everyone is really thinking of him.

"Back in 2016 John called Knight Sprite's Gosford Cup win and it's his call and excitement that made it even more special than it already was. And he's been doing it for decades – making memories that much more special for people."

Friday night's ‘The Macca' will be called by Phil Roberts, just the second time since the race's inception back in 2009 that it won't be broadcast by the doyen of Hunter Valley calling himself.

In 2011, New South Wales' number one greyhound caller Tim Newbold, a protege of McDermott, took the reins with Macca on the sick bed at home.

With the race now in its eleventh year, some fantastic greyhounds have won the event, including inaugural winner Take The Kitty, trained by Macca's great mate Ken Cheetham.

Favouritism for Friday night's running is held by Million Dollar Chase champ Good Odds Harada at $2.25 with Group 1 Peter Mosman Opal victor Lilly Banner second elect at $4.40.

FRIDAY NIGHT'S LADBROKES GARDENS FIELDS & FORM