Natural Player has been whipping up a storm recently but he faces some worthy opposition at the latest Goulburn meeting on Tuesday.
The consistent sprinter, who has an eye-catching 21 wins from 31 starts – including his last four outings - goes from box two in race seven, the Goulburn Workers Club Stakes (350m).
Among the race field is Monster Storm (box six), who has recorded seven of his 21 triumphs at Goulburn and is a true star of the Southern Highlands track.
Owner/trainer Mark Wilcox knows his greyhound faces a tough adversary but is hopeful his charge’s late speed will prove crucial in what should be an exciting race.
“Monster Storm goes out of the boxes very quickly,” he said. “I think he will be a couple of lengths in front to start with.
“My bloke usually gets going in the home straight. I’m hoping he can do the same again and win it.”
Natural Player has been a standout performer for Wilcox but his racing career suffered a disastrous start.
The speedy blue brindle split the webbing in his feet as a pup prior to his first run and needed 12 stitches.
Since then, though, he’s racked up wins in good company at Appin, Bulli, Goulburn and Maitland and been a real star over the shorter distance.
“He’s more of a one-turn dog,” Wilcox, who works out of the western Sydney suburb of Bringelly, said.
“He’s more of a ‘get out and go’ dog, (but) he’s very fast.”
Wilcox said he would next aim the greyhound for Richmond, where he has placed in two previous visits.
Natural Player may also have a first crack over 520m at Wentworth Park if Wilcox finds a suitable race.
Wilcox has been training for about 35 years after being introduced to the sport by mates.
“I love the animals and I love racing,” he said. “Whether it’s at Wentworth Park or Goulburn, they are all the same.
“I don’t think about the money – I love winning.
“I like looking at the fields and seeing the greyhounds coming through the race and hoping you’ll get the win at the end.
“It certainly gives you a buzz.”
Other notables going at Goulburn include in-form Yale in race eight, speedy My Bella Rose in race nine and the dangerous Unleash Hell in the 10th and final race of the day.
Goulburn racing is under way at 2.47pm.
