Greyhound Racing / Lindsay Andrew / 14 January 2010 / Leave a comment Bet Now

And it's exactly that chance that presents itself on Saturday, when Mantra Lad goes into the box for the Group One Hotham Body Repairs Association Cup (720m) at Wentworth Park.

This is a dog who is on fire at the moment, having been awarded the AGRA's Run of the Month for December.

The Graeme Jose-trained sprinter stayer recorded a new track record over the 650 metres at Sale on December 15 in winning the Valda Clavarino Memorial.

Mantra Lad's excellent record

Mantra Lad has won 25 of his 53 starts, including three at the track/distance, and totals more than $402,000 in stake earnings.

He has drawn box one here, and there is every reason to believe he will be taking New South Wales' richest staying race honours over the border to Victoria.

The race offers $50,000 to the winner, and judging by the heats last week the rest of the field are competing for the minor placings.

Mantra Lad put in a sizzling display at Wentworth Park in his first appearance on the track for over nine months when he won in 42.09 seconds, just 0.16 seconds outside the track record held by Chinatown Lad.

If there is to be any serious challenge laid down to Mantra Lad - and even some of the rival trainers think that's unlikely - then it may come from Dashing Corsair, who lines up on his outside for the final.

Dashing Corsair has claims

The Queenslander is a former National Sprint Champion, who won well in the heats last weekend in beating Jarvis Bale. He has 27 wins from 64 starts, and a best of 42.49.

Countess of Cork has two recent wins, both at this track and distance, improving his record to 10 wins from 31 starts, while Reign Over Me is in box eight and his connections will be hoping for a place.

The wise money, though, is surely on Mantra Lad.

Whether you've made (or broken) any New Year's resolutions or not, make the commitment now to not turn down any golden opportunities to back a winner, writes Andy Morris.