Greyhounds
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MINI Pig may have been the fastest qualifier but he'll have to take on a three-pronged attack from The Rock trainer Joanne Smith if he's to take out the Billy Jolley Memorial final (400m) on Friday.
Unbeaten dog Mini Pig extended his winning streak to four after putting in another dominant performance for Cartwrights Hill trainer Laetitia Wilson at the Wagga Showground yesterday.
Clocking the fastest time of the four heats the $1.60 favourite defeated Wyndham Rocky by 5¾ lengths in 23.16 seconds.
The Rock-trained Motangi was the second fastest qualifier after winning by 3¾ lengths in 23.20.
Starting his career with a bang winning his first four career starts last year, yesterday's win was a welcome return to the top.
The black dog hadn't won since winning at Wagga in November and had been unplaced in his last six starts.
Despite the lacklustre form Smith husband Brian said the numbers didn't represent Motangi's ability.
"He had a let up as he had a fair campaign when he first started off and had two runs at Richmond and hit the rail both times and then he got taken out at Temora," Smith said.
"We brought him back here (to Wagga) and he's back on track again as he's very good dog.
"It was a bit of luck but that's what he needs."
The Smiths also qualified Our Mantra who finished second behind Uno Doc in the slowest of the four heats.
Our Mantra ($3.90 fav) finished a length behind the Rodney Oakman runner who clocked 23.45.
They will also be represented by Aprida's Power who is trained by Jindera's Brian Lord.
Coming off a win and a fourth placed finish in his last two starts at Shepparton Aprida's Power won by 1¼ lengths in 23.26.
He will have to tackle his litter mate Motangi in the final with Smith looking to get an inside draw for Friday's final.
Rating Mini Pig as the dog to beat, Smith was waiting for the barrier draw before accessing his chances for the final.
"The box draw is going to tell who will have the big chance, but until we get the box draw we can't do much about it," Smith said.
"If I could draw in with Motangi I would be very happy as he likes to rail.
"He had to do it hard from box eight, but we will see what happens."
A third of a strong litter by Lochinvar Marlow from Aprida also raced yesterday with Aprida's Double finishing second in a maiden, beaten by three lengths.