Ozzie Maintains New Zealand Cup Favouritism

IT'S an evening of chasing stars with three group 1 races to be decided at Addington Raceway during the New Zealand Cup meeting on Thursday.

The 520m heats and semi-finals have been completed for the Christchurch Casino New Zealand Cup which now sees an intriguing field of greyhounds chasing cup glory.

Five New Zealand bred greyhounds will match their paws against three imported Aussie breds to chase after the $100,000 stake on offer.

FIELDS AND FORM ADDINGTON THURSDAY

Ozzie (pictured) has been the NZ Cup favourite throughout the series, justifying that by stylishly winning his heat (30.11s) and semi (30.16s) for his strike rate conditioner Daniel Lane.

"His draw (six) makes it a bit tricky for him, although in saying that he is smart enough to work out a clear racing passage – he has done everything right so far and he's all set to go," confirmed Lane.

Craig Roberts produced Quincy Bale to slip through his 520m semi-final assignment in a tidy 29.94.

"Quincy is a quick greyhound, although he must jump straight onto the lure from out there (seven). If he does, then yes, he can lead the others all-the-way," advised Roberts.

Dave and Jean Fahey know a thing or three about training New Zealand Cup winners – mentoring eight of them certainly confirms that.

For this edition they will be represented by four runners, all of whom are capable of toughing it out if this event turns into a torrid finish.

Rock On John has quickly adapted to Kiwi racing and he now lines up for his toughest career test as a sound 30.30s semi-final winner.

"He's getting stronger all the time. He has been improving and yes he can be right in this if he uses his early pace," suggested Dave Fahey.

Opawa Nat took out her heat in 30.32s and she has drawn handily in trap-two.

"She isn't the quickest from the traps, although she will keep on grinding away," added Fahey.

There will be emotional podium scenes if Opawa Toddy can annex the cup.

He is raced by Opawa Racing which used to consist of three close mates. Ron Todd passed away last year which led to the naming of the greyhound by his racing associates Robin Wales and Graham Campbell.

"Toddy has drawn where he wants to be on the rail. He has been going great following a spell and he'll definitely use his draw," stated Fahey.

The Fahey squad is completed by the trap-eight drawn Opawa Slick who exited from the same trap when finishing his five-length semi second to Quincy Bale.

"He tends to cut inwards, so he must quickly punch forward," said Fahey, who advised he considers Rock On John and Opawa Toddy as their leading prospects.

The strong Lisa Cole kennel is represented by Jilliby Lista, who has no option but to use her known sharp early pace from her poor five-trap draw.

The trap-four drawn outsider Ripslinger Roxy completes the field from the inform Ashley Bradshaw kennels. He was bold when he pushed Opawa Nat to a half-length semi margin.