Gold Scotch Ready To Rock Sapphire Crown Favourite

THE one greyhound Anthony Azzopardi didn't want to see in promising youngster Gold Scotch's Group 1 Sapphire Crown (515m) heat on Thursday night was superstar Mackenna.

Guess what? Not only will Gold Scotch take on the all-conquering Group 1 Golden Easter Egg heroine at Sandown Park on Thursday night, they've drawn alongside each other in boxes seven and six, respectively.

Mackenna, trained by Azzopardi's great mate Paul Abela, dominates betting on the second of four female-only Sapphire Crown heats at $1.50.

Such is Mackenna's market stranglehold, Gold Scotch is $9.50, despite heading into the series on a five-race winning streak.

"I reckon three seconds after the box draw came out Paul (Abela) was on the phone," Azzopardi laughed.

"We'll be travelling to Sandown together.

"Mackenna is one of the best bitches in Australia, so I was hoping we'd miss her this week.

"It is what it is.

"But I wouldn't rule my bitch out.

"She's no pushover and I wouldn't be surprised if there's an upset.

"They both trialled post-to-post at Sandown last Sunday week – Paul took them – and there wasn't much between them.

"Mackenna went 22.82 and Gold Scotch ran 22.88.

"Gold Scotch is going really well. She'll make her presence felt."

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A March '22 daughter of Hooked On Scotch and Bobby Soxer raced by breeder George Farrugia and original trainer Emily Azzopardi, Gold Scotch has won six of her seven starts since resuming from a seasonal spell, and seven from 10 overall.

She tuned up for her first test at Group level by winning heat and final of a Grade 5 series at The Meadows, clocking 30.05 and then 30.38 in last Saturday night's final.

"The time wasn't on the board but it was a very gutsy win," Azzopardi said.

"She missed the kick a bit, but when she got through she really powered.

"She does have speed early, so I'm hoping she can get out quick on Thursday night and get across, but it (box seven) would've been my seventh pick!

"I'm not expecting to beat Mackenna, but if she does something wrong we'll be there.

"Hopefully they can both qualify for the final, but I won't be upset if Mackenna beats me.

"I'm just thrilled for Paul that he's got a bitch like her. He really deserves it.

"And it's even better because Mackenna is by my stud dog (2019 Melbourne Cup winner Whiskey Riot) too.

"The Sapphire and (Group 1) Flying Amy are the races I've had planned for Gold Scotch, so we're following the same path as Mackenna."