TWO greyhounds from the same litter will go head-to-head tomorrow evening in a race worth £10,000 to the winner.
Space Jet and Antigua Lava will meet for the fifth time on track, at Oxford Stadium, with Space Jet winning three of the first four races, and Antigua Lava claiming the other.
The pair will meet in a Category One final at Sandy Lane tomorrow, with a £10,000 prize on offer to the winner.
Both greyhounds will be joined by other qualifiers Wota Swell Party, Patsys Me Daddy, Mohican Tara and Beach Babe in the 847m race – a little over two full laps of the Cowley venue.
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Matt Dartnall, trainer of favourite Space Jet, expects another close race between the pair after only a short head separated them when they last met in OX4 on December 23.
He said: “She has a spectacular running style which I have no doubt racegoers find very entertaining to watch.
“Ballyregan Bob had a similar running style and as a trainer it does get me nervous watching her pick her way through the field from behind.
“A lot of it is down to the greyhound’s instinct and being able to move their way through the field without hitting trouble.
“She tends to find another gear whenever the race seems lost, and we’ll keep our fingers crossed for another good result on Friday.
“She’s a very intelligent greyhound and that’s how she likes to run her races.
“To have won 18 of her 26 starts including the St Leger, TV Trophy and two major finals at Towcester is a great achievement.”
Antigua Lava qualified for tomorrow’s final by winning her semi-final in 53.30 seconds – an average speed of 35.54mph.
Space Jet followed that up with her own victory, narrowly beating Antigua Lava’s time in 53.24 seconds.
The pair’s nearest challenger was Mohican Tara, who was a further six-and-a-half lengths off their speed.
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Dartnall believes the race’s outcome is likely to be decided in the opening lap.
He said: “I believe the greyhound in the better position when they cross the line for the second time will win.
“They both have very similar running styles and it’s extraordinary they’re both out of the same litter.
“We’re just as excited for the final as everyone else is and I’m sure it will be a great spectacle for everyone trackside and those watching at home.”
Space Jet and Antigua Lava were both born on February 17, 2019.
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