Locals hold a strong hand in Saturday night’s Northern Districts Cup at Shepparton with six of the eight contenders calling the Shepparton region home.

Kialla-based greyhound trainer Michael Carter heads into the $35,500 Shepparton feature with two young prospects who have created a buzz around the Shepparton Greyhound Racing Club.

Carter’s first contender is Harry’s My Name who will jump from box one, a box he is yet to be defeated from in four attempts.

“It is a bit of a myth that box one suits Harry’s My Name. His form reads like it does because he hasn’t lost from the box, but he would much prefer it out wide,” trainer Michael Carter said.

Harry’s My Name, who was also bred and is owned locally by Alan Ferguson (pictured with My Names David after their Shepparton Cup heat win), won his Northern Districts Cup heat from box six.

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“He has a lot of ability, so all he needs to do is get himself in the right position early.”

The Northern Districts Cup is restricted to greyhounds who have previously competed on the Shepparton track – giving a helping hand to Shepparton and Wangaratta trainers who support Club week in, week out.

“We are delighted to have six of the eight greyhounds trained locally who are competing in our second biggest race of the year.” Shepparton Greyhound Racing Club Manager Carl McGrath said.

“The Club wanted to put on a race to say thank you to the trainers who keep our sport ticking at the grass roots.”

“They may not be racing for big prize money every week like the city tracks, but they still put as much love and dedication into their athletes and this is how we feel we can reward them.”

Carter’s second Northern Districts Cup contender is Mystery Jet, despite his name there is no mystery behind the talent this greyhound has.

Mystery Jet – who is bred and owned by Carter, has won five of his seven career starts which includes the fastest qualifying time for the Northern Districts Cup.

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WATCH: Mystery Jet win his Northern Districts Cup heat from box five.

“He is pretty exciting,” Carter admits.

“Mystery Jet’s chasing determination and his speed are his greatest assets.”

Carter is excited for what the future holds for both of his Northern Districts Cup contenders, but when asked to pick his best chance he struggled to separate the two.

“There isn’t a lot between them and the result in the Cup on Saturday night will entirely depend on what happens at box rise.”

Carter believes that fellow local My Bro Lewis is a big chance to win the $35,500 Northern Districts Cup for Peter Dapiran.

“There is a lot of speed in the race and I think that My Bro Lewis will miss the pressure up front and use his strength to win this one.”

2018 Group Listed Northern Districts Cup box draw (450m)

1)      Harry’s My Name        Michael Carter (Kialla)

2)      Mystery Jet                  Michael Carter (Kialla)

3)      Kraken Lightning         Rodney Clark (Toolleen)

4)      Circus Oasis                 Peter Dapiran (Northwood)

5)      Feikuai George            Xiao Cheng (Pearcedale)

6)      My Bro Lewis               Peter Dapiran (Northwood)

7)      Kraken Pace                 Rodney Clark (Toolleen)

8)      Mayor Digby                Darren Brown (Lara)
Reserves

9)      Weeona Dino              Joshua Formosa (Heathcote)

10)  Atlas True Blue            Barry McNamara (Junction)