Racing: Premier trophy at stake in Manukau feature

New Zealand's premier greyhound trophy, the Duke Of Edinburgh Silver Collar, goes on the line at the Manukau Stadium tonight.

The solid silver collar was donated to the Auckland Club by Prince Phillip in 1971 and is the most desired trophy to win in the code.

Prince Toshack emerged as the warm favourite following last week's qualifying round in which he showed his opponents no mercy.

The Denis Schofield-trained stayer was having his first race on this side of the Tasman when he lowered the track record, recording a super 44.60 seconds for the 779 metre staying test.

"He's as good as gold and is raring to go. I'm not concerned about the draw (7), he can run from the front or come through the field," said Schofield. "I've got him wrapped in cotton wool."

Canterbury based trainers hold a strong hand in the $45,000 race.

Two of the Canterbury entries, Superstitious and Chopper's Hand, can be expected to vie for the pacemaking duties.

"I believe he should set them up in front, or hopefully he will get a sit just behind the pace and come over the top of them," said Dave Fahey co trainer of Superstitious. "His work this week has been pleasing."

"I don't want him in front early," said trainer Ray Adcock about Chopper's Hand. "I'm looking for him to take a forward handy position on the rail and for him to be running on over the concluding stages. He won't give away the rail. I have been more than happy with his work during the week."

Shining Comet is having her final touches being applied by Wayne Steele in Te Awamutu.

"I'm thrilled with her draw [1] and she's worked an absolute treat this week," commented Steele. Shining Comet picked herself up after being chopped in the running at a crucial stage last week.

Lisa Craik, co trainer of Rivette Reason in Drury, is worried about her trap draw [8]. "I'm concerned about her starting so wide out. Apart from that I'm happy with her work and she's very well within herself." Rivette Reason came with an eye-catching run for second after overcoming an early check in last week's heat.

Gary Cleeve has Light Pockets and Blue Fern as the only Kiwi-breds in the final, the balance being Australian.

"Very happy with both of them. I'm leaning more towards Light Pockets as my main fancy. He got held up at a crucial stage last week. Once clear he came home in strong fashion. I'm concerned that Blue Fern will get too far back in the running."