Racing: Maramarua trainer concedes he will need some luck

Peking Tom will be a top chance for the NZ Cup after winning his semifinal last week. Photo / Supplied

Maramarua greyhound trainer Steve Clark was spitting tacks when informed of the lousy box draws that his two contenders received for tonight's $100,000 Buy Sell & Exchange NZ Cup at the Addington Raceway over 520m at group one level.

Peking Tom will leap the seven-trap, while Riley's Mate has six.

Peking Tom, a stylish semifinal 30.30sec winner last week, is known for his powerful finishes and if he can get himself into a handy position, then you wouldn't want to have him sitting on your tail when swinging for home.

Riley's Mate has really come of age lately. His pair of seconds so far in the NZ Cup series, when he has gone under by just a head on both occasions, has contained merit.

"They have given us the visitors' draws. You need luck in these big finals; we are going to need a heck of lot more luck than normal. Both greyhounds are in super condition and I can't fault either of them.

"Peking Tom runs a straight line and perhaps he can get a cart into the race by tracking through Riley's Mate. From there, I would hope he can find a gap, because he will then slot in along the rail.

"Riley's Mate is going to be a very good dog. He is a clever dog, with a great thinking head, who can work his way into his races," said Clarke.

On the other hand, the claim that the nation's leading trainer, John McInerney, holds has been greatly enhanced following the all-important box-draw. Tonight, McInerney has three greyhounds lining up and he couldn't have picked his box-draws any better.

The speedy, on-the-pace chasers Emily Baxter and Another Dollar, who won his semi in 30.51sec, have drawn perfectly in traps one and two respectively. The third kennel rep, Russell Hart, leaps from the three-trap.

Russell Hart also owns early pace, but he is also a renowned wide runner; meaning his two inside-boxed kennelmates are likely to benefit from a clear, unimpeded racing passage into the vital first turn.

"Both Emily Baxter and Another Dollar like the rail, so from that perspective they are ideally drawn. They are the most experienced greyhounds in the field and they are both set to go."

The potent Balcairn-based training partnership of Dave and Jean Fahey will be represented by the impressive semifinal winners Jinjarango and White Air and both must be considered as trifecta and first four hopes.