Northern dogs have best credentials

Tonight's $80,000 group one Plaster Board Auckland Cup final appears set to be fought out among locally-trained greyhounds, if last Thursday's three semifinals are any indication.

The Ben Craik, Drury-trained Code Nine has been sublime in this series, setting the meet best heat and semi 527m times of 30.59 and 30.30secs at the Manukau Stadium.

"Just like in all finals he needs to start quickly. The five is likely to go over to the rail, so that should leave my bloke with a gap which he must use," craik said.

"I don't think he can come from behind in this field, so he must be up on that early pace."

Denis Schofield trained Fancy Tip to an upset victory in last year's cup and has two sound prospects this year.

Lochinvar Brando has displayed distinct improvement during this series, which was confirmed by his strong 30.36s semi win.

"This dog has got a motor, but he has to put himself into the race early. If he's camped on the leaders when turning for home, then his strength can be the telling factor," said Schofield.

Kennelmate Jannik is already a group one winner this season and has a good chance of adding this title after his 30.53s semi win.

"If he can gain the early lead, he is smart enough to lead throughout. We freshened him coming into this series and, yes, he can be right in this," said Schofield.

Tirau trainer Karen Walsh is generally represented by handy contenders in group race finals and on this occasion she will be loading away Thrilling Butcha in trap three.

"He didn't have a great semi, where he had a hindered passage," she said. "That's the worry for him in the final as I don't expect him to lead early, but I would like to see him handy. He is a fearless greyhound who will charge through gaps."

Holding outside place claims is the Ohaupo, Tom Patton-trained Valain's Flyer, who has drawn ideally for his wide racing style in trap eight.

"He should get a nice run to the first turn and hopefully sneak into a placing," said Patton.

The main South Island-trained prospect is the Gary Cleeve prepared Know Class, fourth in last year's cup.