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  • Friday, 01 Nov, 2019,
  • by Gerard Guthrie

Speed key to Carter’s Cup hopes

Local trainer Michael Carter has given the well-named Extra Speed the nod over litter sister Swift Current as his best chance in Saturday night’s Group 3 Shepparton Safety and Workwear Northern Districts Cup Final (450m) – but only just.

“There’s really nothing between them,” said Kialla-based Carter, who also bred and owns the Fabregas – Speed Lane littermates.

“It depends which one jumps on the night.

“If I had to pick one I’d take Extra Speed. When she gets the start right it takes a good one to lead her.”

Carter’s opinion was backed up in Monday’s heats, when Swift Current was an all-the-way 25.30s winner, while Extra Speed began like a rocket but was edged out in the final bounds by Cursed, clocking 25.31s in defeat.

Little separates Carter’s siblings in TAB’s market either, with Extra Speed the $3.20 second elect from box four behind $3 favourite Get Go Boy, from box four, while Swift Current is a $3.50 chance from box two.

Extra Speed has the impressive record of 10 wins from her 19 starts, including five from nine at Shepparton, while Swift Current has won three from 10.

“If I had to pick one I’d take Extra Speed. When she gets the start right it takes a good one to lead her” – MICHAEL CARTER

The initial disappointment of both Extra Speed and Swift Current being beaten when they ventured to the city in recent months could turn into a $25,000 blessing in disguise, with no metro wins one of the eligibility criteria for the Northern Districts Cup.

The other conditions for the Victorian-bred series are at least two starts at Shepparton and less than $25,000 in prizemoney.

“When they both got beaten in town they weren’t going back. They were perfect for this race,” Carter said.

“Over the first 20 metres Extra Speed is as quick as they come, while Swift Current is probably quicker from 50 to 100 metres. Swift Current is not as quick early but she’s probably more consistent.

“I’ll tell you which one’s the best chance on Saturday a second after the boxes rise!

“Extra Speed got beaten a couple of times over 390m at Shepparton prior to the Cup heats but that wasn’t the target. I dropped her back to 390m for a reason – to get her ready for this!”

Victory in his hometown Cup would continue Carter’s great success with the dam-line, with Speed Lane, the mother of Extra Speed and Swift Current, a daughter of Proven Lilly, a litter sister to Carter’s multiple Group 1 finalist Proven Jett.

Carter also had two finalists in last year’s Northern Districts Cup with the well-fancied Mystery Jet beaten only half a length when finishing third to Circus Oasis.

WATCH: Cursed (2) mows down Extra Speed (1) in a NDC heat. Refer to image at top of page.

Gerard GuthrieGerard Guthrie

Gerard Guthrie

One of Australia’s leading greyhound racing journalists since 2000 with the Greyhound Recorder and now with Greyhound Racing Victoria. Part-owner 2013 Group 1 Paws Of Thunder winner Sheikha. (The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of GRV)

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