Blessed Rain goes into Friday’s Bendigo Cup as the fastest heat winner, with trainer Brett Mackie eyeing what would be his biggest moment in greyhound racing.

Her blistering early pace was on full display in Sunday night’s heats, clocking the quickest first and second splits of the series.

“That’s always been her greatest attribute,” said Mackie.

“From the 10-metre mark to about the 300, she’s just a rocket.”

While endurance isn’t her strongest suit, Bendigo’s 425m trip presents her best shot at black-type success.

“If she’s going to win a country cup, this is the one. From day one, this is the race we thought she could win.”

Mackie has been immersed in the sport for decades. He first attended Sandown Park as a teenager, owning his first greyhound at 16.

“My family wasn’t involved, but once I got the bug, I was hooked. It took six or seven years to land my first win, but it was worth the wait.”

Now a veteran trainer balancing full-time shift work with his kennel, Mackie admits the grind hasn’t been easy.

“It’s been shift work for the last 20 years. I honestly don’t know how I fit it all in, but my family’s support has been everything.”

He says a Bendigo Cup triumph would be the pinnacle of his career.

FRIDAY NIGHT’S FIELDS
BENDIGO CUP – EVENT INFORMATION
DRAMA, UPSETS AND CLASS: BENDIGO CUP HEATS DELIVER

FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH…

Despite box 5, Blessed Rain should get every chance.

Slick Splits (6) is fast, though he won’t cut across Blessed Rain which gives her room – he’ll run straight. On her inside is Mile A Minute (4), he’s generally only fair out of the boxes and prefers to be on the rail, further opening up room for Blessed Rain.

Dr. Asher (1) is a gun, but he will give chances with his lack of genuine early speed. Sharapova Star (2) looks the biggest threat, but based on last Sunday night’s numbers, Blessed Rain has the upper hand – on the night she was faster in every section.

In my opinion, Blessed Rain is the one to beat.

Blessed Rain (8) dominates her heat of the Bendigo Cup

Green Light On podcast tackles the Bendigo Cup