Greyhound Racing: Top contenders looking for clear path at Hatrick

The intriguing current paw wrestle battle between the leading 520m Friday greyhounds continues at the Hatrick Raceway this evening where again they clash in The Rock 95.2FM C4/5 520m in Race 10.

Last Friday's version of this race turned into a roughly contested affair which saw the bulk of the field being impeded when racing into the first turn.

Capitalising on that incident to win was the Angela Turnwald-prepared Nature's Gent, who went from last to first in a matter of a few strides.

Me Jane was really gallant in staying up on her paws after being turned sideways during the melee.

Undeterred, she boldly chased after the disappearing pacemaker and she was rewarded with her second placing.

She then went onto to deliver a bold 25.94s Manawatu 457m Monday win for her conditioner Lisa Cole.

Me Jane will again appreciate jumping from the two trap this evening.

Looming as a serous winning prospect is her kennelmate Bigtime Paddy.

He is in sublime current form with the only possible issue for him here is the requirement for him to exit from trap seven.

His early pace can see him featuring at the sharp end of the field when they approach the first turn.

Kennelmate Bigtime Levi will jump from trap eight.

He isn't known for his early pace, however he certainly is renowned for his strong finishing efforts. Expect him to be sighted charging home late here.

Quistis Bale was the victim of a completely luckless racing passage in Monday's 457m event where she was denied a clear racing passage.

Her trainer Matt Roberts is returning her to Hatrick for this event where she has developed into a consistent 520m chaser around the circuit.

She can overcome the poor five trap draw she has been allocated here.

Other possible post race podium contenders here includes the Cole-trained pair of No Time Toulouse and the nicely drawn Bigtime McDaddy.

This evening's main 520m race will serve as a final build up for many of the participants, as next weekend will see the bulk of them trekking north up to Manukau Stadium to contest the 527m heats for the rich $88,000 Auckland Cup series.