By MICHAEL FLOYD
DARREN McDonald has a record fourth TAB Melbourne Cup at his mercy following the box draw for the world’s richest greyhound race at Sandown Park this afternoon.
After drawing the cherished box 1, McDonald’s Perth Cup winner Keybow has been installed a $2.40 favourite by tab.com.au.
A win in Friday’s $600,000 final would elevate Keybow’s prize money to a staggering $763,635, eclipsing the recently retired Xylia Allen’s Australian record.
McDonald’s second runner, Awesome Project was installed a $10 chance despite have been placed in all of his 13 starts at Sandown Park, including eight wins.
The least experienced chaser in the final, the New Zealand bred Above All, has been rated the biggest threat to Keybow after drawing favourably in box 3.
Dyna Villa is also on the second line of betting after drawing box 8. The youngest greyhound in the field, Dyna Villa is undefeated in seven starts at Sandown Park, and will be aiming to give owner Brendan Wheeler a second victory in the race.
New South Wales will be rallying behind its National Sprint Champion Chica Destacada after drawing box 2. The tenacious chaser has been impressive at both of her Sandown Park starts and looks well boxed in the final.
Jeff Britton’s pair Star Recall (box 6) and Cosmic Wise (box 5) were dealt no favours following the box draw, while Geelong Cup winner Luca Neveelk will be vying to give trainer Gerry Kleeven a welcome 72nd birthday present after the pacy beginner drew box 7.
The $600,000 Group 1 TAB Melbourne Cup will be run on Friday 21 November at Sandown Greyhound Racecourse in Springvale.
TAB MELBOURNE CUP – BOX DRAW
1 Keybow Trainer – Darren McDonald
2 Chica Destacada Trainer – Doreen Drynan
3 Above All Trainer – Rob Britton
4 Awesome Project Trainer – Darren McDonald
5 Cosmic Wise Trainer – Jeff Britton
6 Star Recall Trainer – Jeff Britton
7 Luca Neveelk Trainer – Gerald Kleeven
8 Dyna Villa Trainer – Jenny Hunt
