Blackpool Brothers Chase Birthday Cup Surprise

A relatively new interstate association could pay major dividends when half-brothers Blackpool Ammo and Blackpool Flash step out in Friday night's Group 3 Birthday Cup Final (405m) at Mandurah.

Trained by Shayne Williams for Victorian Adrian Kenyon, Blackpool Flash stormed into contention for the $40,000-to-the-winner sprint feature with a dynamite 22.34 heat display while Blackpool Ammo scored in a tidy career best 22.60.

FIELDS AND FORM MANDURAH FRIDAY NIGHT

The win by Blackpool Flash continued the son of Fernando Bale and Lochinvar Armour's unbeaten run in the west, victorious at each of his five appearances at Mandurah since the start of December.

"I got a call from Adrian (Kenyon) back in September asking if I wanted to have a go with Blackpool Ammo," Williams said.

"Brett Bravo and Ian Cockerell had recommended me to Adrian but to be honest I wasn't initially going to take him because he'd already won a lot of races so he was going to be up in grade.

"But I ended up agreeing and I'm glad I did … he's going great."

Winner at 21 of his 55 starts overall, Blackpool Ammo, from Lochinvar Amour's litter to Barcia Bale, has won seven times from 17 outings since making his way to Williams' Nambeelup kennels.

And while Williams is confident Blackpool Ammo will run his usual honest race in Friday night's Birthday Cup decider, far more confidence surrounds Blackpool Flash which continues to go from strength to strength, as demonstrated with his slashing heat success.

"It will be a sad day when I have to put him back on the plane home I'll tell you," Williams said.

"I saw him win a couple in a row at Warrnambool and Ballarat late November and gave Adrian a call to let him know this race was on," Williams recalled.

"It's hidden away a bit and $40,000 for a 400 metre race is great money. The only thing I said to Adrian was that he'd need to send him over to win a few first or he probably wouldn't get a run.

"I've never had a dog like him – he just begins so well all the time. And chases like he does as well.

"You never have an issue with him either. Just a professional little race dog."

Blackpool Flash goes into Friday night's blockbuster finale as the winner at 15 of his 24 appearances.

His 22.34 winning heat time was equal second fastest with the Dave Hobby-trained Withers Monelli while the time-standard was set by Canya Cruise for Krystal Shinners at 22.29.

Making for an engrossing finale, Canya Cruise has drawn box one with Blackpool Flash right beside him in trap two.

"The race will be won and lost at the start," Williams said.

"There's no doubt Canya Cruise is the dog to beat but if my dog can lead and run 22.30 in front it will take a lot to run him down. And in each of Blackpool Flash's five wins at Mandurah he's gone quicker each time.

"There were some big runs in the heats last week – it should be a great race."

With 20 greyhounds in work, Williams has enjoyed a fabulous past 12 months with the collar and lead, guiding home in excess of 100 winners.

"The prizemoney in WA is fantastic – I can't see myself leaving anytime soon," Williams said.

"I've got some great new owners on board and a good team of dogs which comes when you are having a good run.

"Hopefully it's a big year – a win on Friday night would be a great way to start."

Group 3 Birthday Cup Box Draw

1. Canya Cruise
2. Blackpool Flash
3. Fernando Star
4. Quartararo
5. Landish Boy
6. Buster The Brute
7. Withers Monelli
8. Blackpool Ammo