Pearcedale’s Greenough clan is a close-knit operation that’s been a recipe for greyhound racing success for more than 30 years. And they’re not changing a winning formula!

“It’s got to be a team effort,” Jackie Greenough said. It’s never a one-man, or one-woman, band… That’s how we roll.”

Greenough – along with husband Kel, daughter Angela and grandson Brad – have prepared numerous topliners and their latest, Often Imitated, will line up in the Group 2 Backmans Greyhound Supplies Cranbourne Cup (520m) on Saturday night.

Often Imitated, who posted a slick 30.16sec heat win, has drawn the coveted ‘red’ alley (Box 1) in the $50,000-to-the-winner final. She was the second fastest qualifier behind Ultimate Bling (29.97sec), who is prepared by Carol Westerlo from Clyde.

WATCH: Often Imitated (8) take out a G2 Cranbourne Cup heat in 30.16sec.

“She’ll need to hold her ground early… These races are never easy to win, but she’s the consummate professional.” Greenough said.

Often Imitated has won three times in seven attempts from box one, and they were her first three starts from that draw – all at Sandown and in excellent times (29.64sec, 29.44 and 29.40).

“She went through a patch of middle and outside draws, so she’s learned to win from them,” Greenough said. “But box one is where she wants to be as she heads straight for the rail.”

Often Imitated, affectionately known as “Sally”, will be contesting her fifth group race final. She won last year’s G2 McKenna Memorial, and was also in the 2018 G2 Laurels (4^th), 2019 G3 Cup Night Sprint (7^th) and 2018 G3 SA Oaks (5^th).

In all, Often Imitated (October 2016 KC And All x Sweet It Is) has raced on 40 occasions for 18 wins, four seconds and three thirds, with stakes totalling $153,843.

Owned by loyal New South Wales-based clients Tyrone Whittington and Greg Sprod, Often Imitated was bred by Grovedale’s John Finn.

“A few years ago, we had a discussion with Tyrone and Greg about diversifying the breeding lines from which they were purchasing,” Greenough said. “Subsequently they bought a couple of pups out of former staying great Sweet It Is, one of which is Often Imitated.”

Sweet It Is started 65 times for 23 wins, 16 seconds and six thirds, with prizemoney of $944,945 – making her Australia’s sixth-highest stake earner. She also registered four G1 wins, all over staying trips.

A versatile type, Often Imitated has inherited mum’s ability; however, sprinting has largely been her forte.