Record-breaking Avondale Al makes his eagerly anticipated Wentworth Park debut on Friday night, with exciting prospect Whittaker also in action.
Beau Hedley’s exciting chaser (pictured with connections), who broke the Gosford 515m record at only his second start back on September 30, goes from box four in the meeting’s ninth race, the petsnacks.com.au Stakes.
At his first start Avondale Al dwelt at box rise but was soon in front and came away to win by a dozen lengths in a flying 29.31.
After a brilliant getaway he won by a similar margin a week later but this time trimmed his figures to an unheard of 29.14.
Avondale Al only needs to begin cleanly to win on Friday before lining up for the heats of the forthcoming Group 1 Vic Peters Classic at Wentworth Park on October 17.
The only worry for his supporters this week is the presence in box two of the wide running Magic Toni, who is capable of showing early pace.
Whittaker makes his Wentworth Park debut goes in the night's third race, the Bulli-Wenty Final (520m).
With four wins from six starts this promising greyhound is making waves, although he wrnt below-par slightly at Bulli last start.
Meanwhile, Asia’s Babe may be “looking for more ground’’ but her wide draw gives her a great chance of scoring her third Wentworth Park 520m win at the meeting.
That’s the opinion of Ross Burton, whose wife Marie trains the Ray Gold-owned bitch.
Asia’s Babe has box six in the Bohemia Crystal Sprint Series Final (520m) and the Burtons are confident of a strong display.
"Out wide is where she wants to be,” Ross said.
“I do think though that she is looking for more ground because these days she is just winding up near the finish.
“Owner Ray Gold deserves success because six weeks ago Aurora Girl, a litter sister and kennelmate to Asia’s Babe, broke a hock in a trial.
“She was a potential group race bitch because she was not only a bit quicker than Asia’s Babe, but she was also a very good railer.
“Asia’s Babe on the other hand covers extra ground by running wide.’’
Trainer Luke Azzopardi is hoping his dog Wuxi">Wuxi, the first reserve, does not get a start in Asia’s Babe’s race.
“Wuxi has box eight in the tab.com.au Stakes and I can’t see him getting beaten in that easier race,’’ Azzopardi said.
“His three wins have been from the three outside boxes and I wasn’t disappointed with his third at his first Wentworth Park start last Friday night.
“He had box one in that race and I’ve never had any luck with dogs having their first start at Wentworth Park from box one.
“A few years back I had a good bitch called Priminate who had box one at her Wenty debut and I put $500 on her but she got beaten.
“Then Priminate won her next three races in succession!
“Wuxi pulled up well after his third at Wenty last week because he flew in a 330m trial at Richmond on Tuesday morning.’’
Knocka’s Return is entitled to be sent out at a short quote in Friday’s Macro Meats Gourmet Game Stakes (520m) but he will need to dodge Debbie’s Prince at the start.
While Knocka’s Return will handle box seven, Debbie’s Prince, who is a “lid pinger’’ and keen railer, has drawn eight.
Debbie’s Prince drew box eight at Wentworth Park last Saturday night and when the lids lifted he crashed towards the rails, hampering Stilton Blue, who had box seven.
Knocka’s Return can be hit or miss at box rise and it could work in his favour if he was to dwell at the start on Friday.
The form around Raramuri going into Friday night’s Schweppes Stayers Stakes (720m) is outstanding.
Raramuri led throughout to win over 720m at Wentworth Park on September 27, clocking a fast 42.15 and defeating Cosmic Vee Bee and Mr Corsair.
Cosmic Vee Bee came out and led all the way in a nippy 42.53 at Wentworth Park on Monday night while Mr Corsair flew home to finish second to Ruff Cut Diamond in a heat of the Group 3 Sydney Cup on Saturday.
That form makes Raramuri look a safe bet to score her third win in four Wentworth Park starts in Friday night’s fifth grade 720m event.
For Wentworth Park friday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
Best Bet: Wuxi (Race 10)
Best Value: Asia’s Babe (Race 6)
Quaddie: Race 5 – 7, 1
Race 6 – 6, 3, 1, 8
Race 7 – 3, 2, 5
Race 8 – 2, 3
$20 for 41.66%
