Rue De Kahn returns at Dapto on Thursday night for the start of what promises to be a busy – but potentially memorable – NSW Campaign.
This year’s Group 1 Dogpro National Futurity winner (pictured, racing on far left of track) goes in the Dapto Leagues Club Stakes (520m) at the Illawarra track.
The race will serve as preparation for a possible crack at the forthcoming Group 1 Sportingbet Megastar at Dapto for Rue De Kahn, who endured a mixed time on a recent trip to Victoria.
After impressively winning a heat in the Hudson Pacific Maturity Classic at The Meadows, she was bounced into sixth place in a high-class semi-final featuring Push It, Hooksy and eventual Maturity winner Mepunga Hayley.
“Mepunga Hayley came across her and virtually knocked her over,” trainer Dean Swain said. “It was just one of those things.
“She’s an adaptable little bitch (and) I’m hoping this is another stepping stone to the Megastar. She would have to have a shot (at an invite).
“She has never raced at Dapto before (but) she’s very competitive. I’m sure she’s up to the quality of this race.”
Rue De Kahn will start from box seven in a field containing Blue’s Revival, who has plenty of experience at Dapto and has gone 29.89 over the distance at the track.
Swain said he was aiming Rue De Kahn and Push It for the forthcoming Group 2 Black Top at The Gardens, which starts with heats on Friday, August 22.
Push It, who is also among the expressions of interest for the Megastar alongside Rue De Kahn, will get a run over 515m at the Newcastle club on Friday in The Gardens Social Club Stakes (515m).
The Black Top (515m) final, which carries $40,000 to the winner, takes place on Friday, August 29.
Another greyhound in action at The Gardens on Friday is record-breaking Space Star, who goes in the Distance Challenge Final over 600m.
After breaking the 600m track record at Gosford last month, he made it eight wins from 12 with a win over the same distance at The Gardens a week ago.
For Dapto Thursday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
For The Gardens Friday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
