Quality race card ahead of big weekend

TODAY'S local greyhound racing action is over at the Manawatu Raceway, where numerous feature races will be decided on the eve of Greyhound Racing New Zealand's annual AGM and Awards weekend.

The last four races on the card are all cracking, quality events and they form the four legs of the late TAB Quaddie.

Included is the $13,000 Nancy Cobain Memorial (Race 10, 6.15pm), which is a 660m staying race at Group 2 level.

Two competitive heats was held for this event last week.

Unfortunately Dream Collector, who was a potent heat winner, won't be taking his place in this field.

The other heat winner was the classy Matt Roberts-prepared Cawbourne Bright, who cruised through her assignment in 38.63s.

The recent Group 2 Wanganui Distance winner is in current career best form.

Drawing trap-two has delighted her trainer.

"I'm over the moon with that draw and I expect her to take up a forward early position from there," said Roberts.

"She is peaking nicely for Friday and she will be spot on by then." There is volumes of respect for the proven stayer Shandell, despite her running a 3.30 length heat third to Cawbourne Bright.

She was sighted flashing home late then and she will be doing likewise at the business end here.

"Shandell seemed to hit a bit of flat patch when she was looking like she was going close up some gaps," said owner/trainer Arch Lawrence, who also qualified litter and kennel-mate Jazzboy Jack for this final after he ran third in the other heat behind Dream Collector.

"I can't fault her, condition wise. I would like to see her put herself into the race a lot earlier on Friday.

"I was happy with his run, although I thought he would have stuck it out better," added Lawrence.

"Being on track debut, plus having his first away trip may have got to him. I expect an improved effort by him on Friday."

Trust Issues was bold when under taking the pace-making duties in his heat and it was only over the later stages when he yielded to the fast finishing Cawbourne Bright.

"He has the pace to set up the early pace, like he did in his heat ... He is all good following his heat," said co-trainer Dave Fahey. The place value could be provided from the northern Ross Udy and Lynne Bliek-prepared Thrilling Evie.