Sibling Rivalry To The Fore In Good Friday Cup

A hotly contested sibling rivalry will highlight the Good Friday Cup (400m) at Mandurah this Friday as two of WA's best short-course chasers, Bala Ace and Jimmy's Jet, square off in the $20,000 to-the-winner feature.

The star brothers are from the Fernando Bale and Airplane Annie litter but have ended up in opposing kennels with Bala Ace trained by Cosi Dagostino and Jimmy's Jet under the guidance of Paul Stuart. 

Both dogs are racing in great touch and will jump side-by-side in the trophy decider, with Jimmy's Jet in box three and Bale Ace in four. 

Jimmy's Jet is now two from three since returning from a campaign over in the east and he clocked the quickest heat time with a run of 22.09.

FIELDS AND FORM MANDURAH FRIDAY

Bala Ace has also been in top form since he's come back from a short spell in late March, with three wins and a runner-up placing from his past four starts.

"We gave him a bit of break just to freshen him up," Dagostino said of Bala Ace.

"It was nothing major, he just had a couple of little problems and was a little tired.

"The time away has done the trick and he's come back super which is great to see." 

Following an uncharacteristically moderate start in his heat, Bala Ace quickly recovered and claimed the win in comfortable fashion.

The brindle speedster had a brief nervous moment over the first 50m but once he emerged from the pack he kicked away and dominated the contest to score by nearly six lengths in 22.28.

For his showdown with Jimmy Jet in the final, Dagostino believes the start is crucial to Bala Ace's prospects.

"He just missed the kick (in his heat), which is unusual for him so hopefully he comes out a lot better this Friday," Dagostino said.

"Jimmy's Jet doesn't really jump so he probably won't bother us early and it might be pretty handy having him drawn on the inside of us.

"Once he gets going Jimmy's Jet is a fast dog so we're going need a bit of a break on him which I think we can get and then hopefully Jimmy can find a little bit of traffic.

"I don't think there's much between them, Jimmy's Jet is definitely the one to beat but I think my dog will be the second favourite for sure." 

Longer term, Bala Ace will be aimed at the Thunderbolt at Grafton in June and then a step up in distance is on the cards. 

Bala Ace has previously run good times over the 509m trip at Northam, including a PB of 29.46.

"The aim is to get him over the 520m at Cannington," Dagostino said.

"So we'll have a run or two over the 488m at Mandurah and then head to the city and have a go."