Racing: Stunning field for Waterloo Cup tomorrow

Photo / Thinkstock

A stunning field of greyhounds will contest tomorrow's $21,000 Lochinvar Marlow Waterloo Cup at the Manukau Stadium.

Stunning, because the four qualifying heats held at the four different venues late last week produced finalists that will ensure one of the strongest fields seen for years for a group one event.

The Waterloo Cup over 527m is New Zealand's oldest established racing trophy, having first been contested for as a coursing event in 1878.

Local trainer Steve Clark is seeking back-to-back victories after winning the event last season with the now retired Piggy Back.

Lady Shambi and Blitzing Mayhem were sublime in winning their respective heats.

First up at Cambridge saw Blitzing Mayhem engage in an early wrestle with Jannik from the Denis Schofield kennels.

It resulted in Blitzing Mayhem extending during the run home to secure his slick 25.41s by 2.75 lengths over Jannik.

"He has come through his heat a treat. I couldn't be happier with him. His draw [seven] is okay as he likes to swoop when heading into the first turn," said Clark.

Lady Shambi speared straight into the race lead in Sunday's Manukau heat and she was never headed in her 30.37s victory.

"I'm also pleased with her draw [three]. Her form is really pleasing, but it needs to be as this is a super field," said Clark. Involved in the chasing pack behind her was the Karen Walsh-trained Auckland Cup title holder Thrilling Butcha. He kept on pressing forward to claim his 5.5-length second.

The track debut race from the freakish Dave and Jean Fahey trained Dream Collector is keenly anticipated. He displayed his brilliant track sense to weave past his rivals to nail the Addington 520m heat in a slippery 29.93s.

In doing so, Dream Collector mastered the Calum Weir-prepared Fast Archer when rounding the final turn to bound away to secure his heat win by a 6.25-length margin,

"Yes, he has great track sense - it's amazing how he does it. He just doesn't have any early pace; he stands in the traps," said Dave Fahey.