Xtreme Knocka is one of the most in-form greyhounds around but trainer Jason Fletcher reckons his charge has it all to do at Wednesday’s Bulli meeting.
The chaser, who has won four of his last seven starts and only run unplaced once in his last nine outings, goes in the meeting's fifth race, the Bulli Social Fishing Club Stakes (515m).
Xtreme Knocka is the fastest greyhound in the race but has drawn awkwardly in box seven, with fast starter Capriati a threat from box two.
Fletcher is hoping for another triumph but admitted his heart sank when he saw the box draw.
“My greyhounds have a terrible strike rate going from box seven in the 515 at Bulli,” he said.
“You are just so far away from the rail and you have to be a really good dog to overcome that.
“Hopefully he can do it (but) there’s some good greyhounds in this field too.
“He should be hard to beat but I am not overly confident.”
Xtreme Knocka has been in great form over the last six weeks, securing wins at Goulburn, Wentworth Park and Bulli.
He has seven triumphs from 19 starts to his name and also enjoyed a brief but successful spell in Victoria earlier this year.
“He’s drawn some good boxes in reasonable races,” Fletcher said.
“I think after this we will try another race at Wentworth Park and head back to Victoria before too long.
“I doubt he is up to having a crack at Group standard but he is a handy dog to have.”
Fletcher also has promising Fantastic Pete, who has won three of his first five, in action at Bulli.
He goes from box eight in the meeting’s sixth race, the Goulburn to Bulli Sprint Series Final (472m).
Fletcher, a former bricklayer who has been training greyhounds for about 20 years, works of a two-acre paddock in Appin.
“This is a more enjoyable way to earn a living, that’s for sure,” the 40-year-old said.
“I enjoy being with the dogs and the thrill of winning races.
“I love taking my greyhounds in the paddock and seeing them running around and carrying on with each other.
“They are just great animals.”
Other notables in action at Bulli include the in-form Unleash De Magic (race two), Storm Rush in race four and Paua Outburst in the tenth and final race.
For Bulli fields, form and expert tips, click here.
