Greyhounds racing toward cup berth

TRAINERS will ramp up their preparations for the Townsville Cup tonight with a 12- race greyhounds program at the Townsville Showgrounds.

Race 6 is the Waters Abrasive Blasting 5th Grade over 498m and features some dogs which will be aimed for the Townsville Cup heats on August 21.

There are three runners having their first look over the journey, including Birr ( 1) for Jay Schafer who has won his last two over the sprint and looks to be getting stronger going to the line.

Gekko ( 3) for Robert Thomson is a strapping big boy formerly from Victoria and he won his maiden over 450m at Shepparton.

Norse Viking ( 7) for Robert Lound has had six starts for five wins all in Western Australia over the shorts.

Licorice Shot ( 2) for Rhon- da Essery was knocking on the door at his last two starts and has each- way claims tonight.

Wild Wish ( 6) for Mate Rajan had his first start over the journey, running fourth behind Groovy Sweet, and will be improved for the run.

Race 7 is the Kooloop Collars 5th Grade over 498m.

Poppy Chooky ( 3) for Heath Ardle will look at making it six wins on the trot. He will be hard to beat.

Queen Of Cawdor ( 2) for Jay Schafer has drawn well and she ran third from this box last week behind Dalmatynski.

Lodgement ( 8) for Harold Hovi has drawn wide and he prefers closer to the rails, but with a clear run, will be up there with the leaders.

Bashful Cloud ( 5) for Michael Fusco led all the way before being run down by Groovy Sweet and should be up there with the leaders.