GREYHOUND RACING
Mark Azzopardi knows what it takes to win the Cyril Rowe Gold Plate (472m) - which is why Proven Maddy only needs "a bit of luck" to match Proven Diego's heroics of seven years ago.
The Appin-based Azzopardi's iron grip on the Group 3 event strengthened after last Monday night's heats at Bulli, with Proven Maddy running a sizzling 26.13 seconds.
The time was almost six lengths comparatively quicker than the next fastest qualifier.
"Proven Diego was a flying machine and this bloke, put it this way, he should be winning on Monday with a bit of luck," Azzopardi said after Proven Maddy drew box seven for the final.
"As long as he gets that metre or two of clear running room early he should be driving up to the front."
The son of 2008 Australian Greyhound of the Year El Galo has shuttled between Azzopardi's kennel and those of his Victorian-based conditioner Wayne Vassallo, narrowly missing a spot in the final of the Group 1 Hobart Thousand last month.
Azzopardi has also qualified Aston Caviar (box five), described as "a bit out of her league", for the $25,000-to-the-winner final on Monday. Kennelmate Fluidity is first reserve.