The Alfred Zarb-trained three-year-old streaked in by four-and-a-half lengths in a rapid time of 30.38 seconds in the first of three heats on Saturday.

The run had Armidale Greyhound Club’s Barry Mitchell admitting Spec’s Valley would be tough to topple in the $2500 final of the Armidale Cup.

“Spec’s Valley is going to start a very short favourite,” he said.

“Without a doubt it’s the standout.

“I don’t think the box draw is going to make much of a difference, it’s going to be very hard to beat.”

The winners of the remaining two heats ran times at least a second slower than Spec’s Valley, but Mitchell is refusing to rule either Altered Crusher or Kay Oh completely out of contention in Saturday’s final.

“If either of the other winners draw box one, they could be a danger,” he said. The other feature event of the day, the five heats for the Armidale Greyhound Club Fifth Grade, were dominated by local trainers, much to the delight of Mitchell.

Arthur Wright will have two runners in the final, while Denis Nixon will have one after the local pair won three of the five heats on Saturday.

Nixon’s Orara Ell [$1.50] was heavily supported on track for heat two and rewarded punters with a three-length win. Wright followed that with a length-win to Gambler’s Notre [$4] in heat three and a huge eight-length win to Kitty Note [$3] in heat four.

“The Fifth Grade is very open,” Mitchell said.

“Both [Wright and Nixon] are very big chances. I think the box draw will play a very big part.”

See Friday’s Express for a full preview for the final day of the Armidale Greyhound Club Cup Carnival.