A taste of the rural life has helped spur Stangafied’s recent flying form and he looks a strong chance for Saturday’s Greyhounds WA Final (530m).
The sprinter starts the $13,500-to-the winner decider in super form, including matching his career best time of 30.21 win in last week’s heat.
Stangafied has enjoyed a terrific 2015 so far, winning four and placing twice on his six starts.
He transferred to owner-trainer Jason Marley’s kennels at Collie, about 200km south of Perth, last year and has flourished in his new surroundings.
“Maybe it’s the country life,” Marley said with a grin. “He likes his bush walks every morning.
“Stangafied has never jumped like he did last week in his life before. If he can repeat that, he has a chance.”
The son of El Grand Senor x Stanga Jill, Stangafied has an impressive 19 wins and 12 minor placings from 43 starts.
Click here to watch a replay of Stangafied’s win last week.
This is a competitive final, with Paul Stuart’s Astronomize (box eight) and Downlight in box three looking strong.
“Astronomize has to be the favourite,” Marley said. “There’s lots of pace on the inside as well to make it even tougher.
“This will be real hard for Stangafied (but) he is definitely capable of winning. Over this career he has been very strong at the finish.
“I will tell you after the first 40 metres if he still has a chance.”
In other action at Cannington, All Strung Out (box four) has been in great form recently and looks a strong chance in race four.
The former Victorian has been very consistent since heading to WA late last year, is a decent middle box performer and should be the best here.
Ruble Monelli and Romeo’s Comet have also been racing well recently and look the ones to beat in races three and seven respectively.
This would be the biggest win so far for hobby trainer Marley, who has been training for about six years.
An electrical fitter at a coal power station, he first bought a dog with his hockey teammates before deciding to give training a go.
“I’m still learning and asking other trainers questions when I can,” Marley, who is assisted by family members, said.
“I think it’s best not to start too big. I only have three or four dogs – Stangafied is the star of the kennel – and I think that’s the best approach.
“If we can win this one then we might have some lively celebrations on Saturday night.”
For Cannington Saturday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
