In Brief
- Chance encounter a lucky one for Higgins.
- Great winning strike rate for Manners Matter.
- Yet to miss the quinella in four previous Hobart runs.
Manners Matter, a revelation since making her way to Tasmania, is chasing a third straight victory in Hobart tonight.
Owned and trained by Peter Higgins, Manners Matter goes into tonight’s ninth event fresh off back-to-back Launceston victories, proving her durability by winning over both the 278 and 515 metres at her latest outings.
Winner at five of her 16 starts overall, the daughter of Blazin’ Bomber and Gerardos Girl has an interesting backstory, the lightly raced three-year old just days away from joining the Greyhound Adoption Program before being transferred to Higgins in a last ditch attempt to revive her racing prospects.
“I’ve known (breeder) Deb Winter since the 1970s but we had not been in contact for 30 years,” Peter recalled.
“I was racing a dog at Launceston one night recently and Deb spotted me on the TV. ‘I know that bloke’ she said and got on the phone to me. She had this bitch and was about to send her to GAP.
“But she contacted me, and I was happy to take her on and I’m very glad I did.”
Manners Matter has drawn box six for tonight’s ninth event over the 340 metre dash, her four previous outings at the track and distance bringing about one win and three seconds.
And while her early form was nothing to write home about, Higgins puts Manners Matter’s renewed lease of life down to two main things: patience and in turn confidence.
“As soon as she developed that confidence she just thrived,” he said. “I trialled her one morning and said to myself ‘hello, what have we got here.”
Boasting a slick personal best time in Hobart of 19.49, the quickest of tonight’s field, Manners Matter will step out the top elect with punters on the strength of her blistering last start Launceston win in 16.10 over the 278 metres.
“She may not be a group dog,” he said. “But you should never say never.”
“She does everything right – she’s a trainer’s dream.”
Ten races are set down for decision tonight in Hobart, the first getting away at 19:46.
Watch the replay of Manners Matter winning last week in Launceston.