Four has been a lucky number for trainer Phil Goodsell and Stilton Blue and it could once again pay dividends at tonight’s $25,000-to-the-winner Group 3 Sportingbet Bulli Gold Cup Final.
The reliable campaigner finished second in last week’s heats but has a eye-catching record from box four, where he will again start from in the 472m race.
Stilton Blue's Solid overall record of 11 wins and eight other placings from 23 starts includes five triumphs from the middle box.
Although his charge finished a length behind Silent Effective (who has been scratched from the final) last Wednesday, Goodsell said that was certainly no disgrace.
“He was beaten by one of the best young dogs in Australia, who could go on to be a champion,” the
“I said to a bloke at Nowra on Monday that I would not put my money on any of this field with confidence.
“You could not get a more consistent field and it’s going to be a hard race.”
Stilton Blue has been a regular performer since debuting at Richmond in October last year.
His record includes success in the $25,000-to-the-winner Group 3 Classicbet Summer Puppy Final over 520m at Nowra in March.
The consistent Jason Bolwell-owned dog, who was the third fastest qualifier for tonight’s big race, has three wins from five previous outings at Bulli.
Racing has been a lifelong passion for the 54-year-old, who has been training for about a decade.
He worked as a farrier for several years and also trained a couple of horses, following in the footsteps of his father.
Goodsell, who is based at Falls Creek, south of Nowra, combines greyhound training with his job as a road maintenance worker for the Roads and Maritime Services.
He clocks up hundreds of kilometres a week ensuring the Hume Highway is in working order.
“What keeps me going?” he said. “A bit of ticker I suppose.
“All the family have been hard workers.
“Racing gives me a bit of exercise and it’s a thrill if you get the win.
“You get away from work and get to walk the dogs in the bush with a beer.
“You make good friends and meet all walks of life on the track.”
The final is the fifth of ten races tonight and goes off at 7.25pm.
Click here for fields, form and expert selections for tonight's Bulli Gold Cup meeting
