Hobby Hopeful in the Shorts
23 November, 2018
Greyhound
Some of this state’s best credentialed WA Bred short course speedsters will be strutting their stuff at Greyhounds WA Mandurah on Friday night in three heats of the Shorts.
Trainer David Hobby has some strong contenders, none more so than Frida Monelli who returns to WA after a stint in Victoria where she contested a heat of the Group 1 Melbourne Cup at Sandown last Friday night.
The daughter of Fernando Bale and Bingle Monelli finished towards the tail after a moderate getaway but her placing three runs back at Sandown over the 515 metres in 29.64 behind Maurice Minor was a reminder of how capable she is with a clear run.
“She has returned home in good order and will appreciate being drawn out there with a bit of room to move.” Hobby said.
Frida Monelli has enjoyed her time wearing pink in the past having 5 starts from box 8 for 2 wins and 2 placings.
In the same race Hobby has Ren Monelli who has drawn box six.
“Ren was a nice winner of an easier race last start but she is yet to win from the box and Frida has a class edge on her.” Hobby said.
In race 5, heat two of the Shorts, Hobby has Mendoza Monelli in box three and Lhotse Monelli in box four.
“Lhotse is clearly the better of my two hopes in that race but he is going to need a bit of luck early given a dog like Fabs Gem has him for early zip.” Hobby commented.
In the third and final of the heats, race 6 Hobby has the bookends with Abba Monelli in box one and Brooksy Monelli in the eight.
“Abba and Brooksy are nice bread and butter dogs but they don’t have the class of Max Profit and the best I could hope for is probably to run a place.” Hobby suggested.
On Saturday night Perth Cup winner Trouper Monelli also returns to WA Chasing after a stint in Victoria.
“Like Frida it didn’t go 100% to plan for Trouper in Victoria but his placing two back when close up behind Fully Loaded was a solid performance and he has travelled home in good order.” Hobby said.
Trouper Monelli has had 12 starts from box one for 5 wins and 6 placings and with a safe getaway looked to be one of the better chances of the night.
Looking towards my betting plays for the weekend on Friday I like Race 5 number 2 Fabs Gem, Race 6 number 3 Max Profit, Race 9 number 3 Winlock Banking and in race 12 I like the quinella of 3 Quara’s Zade and 8 New Echo.
Watch out for the big $250,000 Quaddie Jackpot at Sandown on Friday night with the pool expected to reach $1 million.
David Shortte