Natural Player has had mixed fortunes so far in his eye-catching career but it looks like he could be firing for Wednesday night's Bulli meeting.
Mark Wilcox’s exciting sprinter is returning in the opening race of the meeting, the Bulli Champion Sprinter Stakes (400m), after more than a month out with injury and illness.
The absence was the latest hurdle for Natural Player, who has compiled 16 wins from 24 starts despite enduring an injury-hampered career so far.
Trainer Wilcox admitted his charge's bad luck had tested his patience, but is hoping things are plain sailing from here.
“It’s been really frustrating, but we are hoping to have him back on track now,” he said.
“You get these injury-prone dogs sometimes.
“He has been looking really good here on the straight at home, so hopefully he is ready to go now.”
Natural Player was flying before his latest absence, chalking up six consecutive placings.
He finished second in the PPK Mining Gold Cup at Maitland (450m) in May - only behind champion sprinter Paw Licking - and has five previous victories in solid company at Bulli to his name.
Wilcox is hoping for a successful comeback for his dog, who has drawn the rail for tonight’s race.
“He is very well boxed on the fence,” the Bringelly trainer said.
“I just hope he can be second or third when they get to the straight run because he is hard to stop from there.
“He should be nice and fresh at least so hopefully he can go well.”
Wilcox said he hoped tonight could start a succesful period for his dog, who has a best run of 22.42 over the 400m at Bulli.
“We will probably take him back up to Maitland for a 450m run after this,” he said. “Hopefully we can then get him back to Wentworth Park and see how he goes there.
“It’s disappointing when you have dogs affected by injury, but you can’t get angry. You’ve got to have patience in this game.
“You just fix them up and hope they are good to go again.”
Impressive eight-race newcomer Miss Mariah, who has already run 22.48 for the 400m at Bulli, goes from box four and looks a threat.
The race starts action at Bulli on Wednesday night and is off at 7.05pm.
For Bulli fields, form and expert tips, click here.
