Wagga greyhound trainer David Jones hopes his rising star, Paua of Janie, can make a memorable start to 2021 and continue her perfect career record in Friday night's $3310 New Year's Cup Final (400m).
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Paua of Janie has had four wins from four starts, all at Wagga, including its New Years Cup heat two by almost four lengths, despite missing the start from the inside box.
Jones said she went up with the lid as the boxes opened but still powered to victory in 23.09 seconds. Her previous start was 10-length win at Wagga, clocking 22.69s.
"I'm hoping she can continue on her winning way," Jones said.
"In the four starts she's had, she's done everything you'd see in a season from an adult dog. She's wanting to race, she's got a lot of tenacity and a bit of intestinal fortitude.
"It's a lot to do with the breed, especially the female line, it's a proven blue blood line...
"Hopefully she's headed to the big smoke after this one."
Paua of Janie will jump from box six. Of the rivals, Garry Small's Balt has won its last three starts, including the other heat (in 23.04s) and has drawn the inside box.
The Cup final is the first of two features on a big night (including free entry for spectators) for the Wagga and District Greyhound Racing Club, along with the $4150 Leo Hartley Memorial Final (525m).
Only seven dogs will race after the scratching of Ben Talbot's Belfast Express, with Ray Sims' heat-winner Soustaille to jump from box seven.
John Hartley was a little disappointed there were only enough entries for one heat but is rapt his father, a former club president and committeeman, will again be recognised.
"It's in honour of my father, and I'm pleased that the race is still going," Hartley said.
"I used to muck around with greyhounds with him as a kid. He used to work and I used to walk them for him."
The first of 10 races at the Wagga Showground is at 7.17pm.
The Wagga club has made the night a Hawaiian theme and is keen to see spectators seeing in the new year in their finest fancy dress. There will be face painting and a jumping castle for children.
John Hartley will be there for Friday's feature and is hoping he can cap a memorable weekend personally on Saturday night when one of his dogs, Shanjo Prince (trained by Mark Gatt) contests the free for all event at Wentworth Park.
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