Hello I’m Leo On Target For Birthday Cup
11 January, 2017
Greyhound
With the advantage of an inside alley trainer Ben Maclean is confident that classy short-courser Hello I’m Leo can produce a forward showing in the Group 3 Birthday Cup at Mandurah on Friday night.
Hello I’m Leo is in good form with wins in his past couple of starts after he led all-the-way to claim his heat in 22.73 last weekend.
From box two Hello I’m Leo looks more than capable of taking on what is a cracking field, which includes the fastest qualifier Who’s Got Snoop, SA Oaks winner Pepper Fire and up-and-coming youngster Max Profit.
“There’s a lot of early speed in the race so the inside draw is good for us,” Maclean said.
“(Hello I’m Leo) has always been a good beginner and that’s the key for him, his pace out of the boxes puts him in the contest no matter what’s in the race.
“If he can jump like he did last Friday he’ll be in with a big chance.”
Hello I’m Leo has had success over a variety of distances but is at his best over the 405m trip where he has saluted 15 times from 28 attempts.
He collected silverware in The Chase final back in early November but a win in this race will be the biggest victory of his career.
“He’s been a great dog and he’s done everything that’s been asked of him,” Maclean said.
“I bred him myself and have seen him get better and better as a racedog as he’s matured.
“It’s big thrill to go into a race like this him because he’ll definitely give you a run for your money.”
In other racing converted stayer Ramifications will jump as red hot favourite in the final of ‘The Miata’ at Cannington on Saturday after breaking the 715m track record twice in his past two starts.
The versatile chaser from Chris Halse’s kennels has thrived since stepping up in distance and is undefeated in five attempts over the 715m on this circuit.
James Broadhurst