Neo Cleo's McKenna Tornado Warning

CLASSY chaser Neo Cleo will be looking to take out the first Group race of her impressive career when she lines up in Thursday's Group 2 McKenna Memorial Final (595m) at Sandown Park.

The daughter of Cosmic Rumble and Ruby Ha Ha couldn't have been more impressive in last week's heat, recording a new PB of 33.94 in her near three-length win over Rockstar Patriot.

Trainer Robert Neocleous understands the monumental task his chaser faces as she takes on Tornado Tears – Australia's most popular greyhound who has won eight of his last nine starts, including two track record runs at Albion Park.

Despite the seemingly colossal task, the Hazelwood North trained-chaser goes into the $55,000 final as the fastest qualifier.

"It was fantastic to see her run the quickest time of the night, considering the quality of dogs that were engaged, including a Sandown and Australian Cup winner," announced Neocleous, who says his black chaser has found her niche over the middle distance.

"It's clear to us that Neo Cleo shows her best form over 600 metres. She had three or four goes over the 700 metres and even if she won her last start over that distance, we were always going to drop her back down to the middle distance because she wasn't going to match the absolute best over the long trip."

Statistics back up his theory, with the daughter of Cosmic Rumble and Ruby Ha Ha winning four of her seven attempts over the 595 metres at Sandown Park.

Neocleous also revealed that his star chaser seems to be over some health issues that hampered parts of her career.

"She's had some issues along the way but her blood count over the last month is the best it's ever been. She has always had heaps of ability and it is great to see her race to the level that we've always thought she could reach."

Despite facing the might of Tornado Tears, Neocleous was buoyed after Neo Cleo drew box three in Thursday's final.

"We are very happy with the box draw. I was looking for box two or three so we aren't complaining. I think we went a length or so quicker than anything to the first mark so hopefully she can set up a nice enough break against the likes of Tornado Tears.

Obviously he is the big danger. For him to run the time he did after being held up in running last week highlights what a freak he is. But they say you can't win it if you're not in it, so we are in there with a chance."

Neo Cleo has been rated as a $4.40 second favourite to take out the $40,000-to-the-winner final. Tornado Tears (Fernando Bale – Tears Siam) is the $2.20 favourite to take out the fourth Group race of his career.