Black Empress is keeping Harry Sarkis’s hands full but he thinks she can score another win in the Group 1 Ladbrokes Sportingbet Vic Peters Classic (520m) heats.
The improving sprinter goes from box one in the third of six heats at Wentworth Park this Saturday, having won at the Glebe track last Monday and been in consistent recent form.
This is undoubtedly a step up in class, though, with the opposition including lightning fast starter Are Jip and handy track performer Zipping Bruno.
Trainer Sarkis has had to work hard with his charge but reckons she is now up to this class.
“She’s a flighty bitch – a bit nervy,” he said.
“I knew she had the ability – she just needed a bit of luck.
“I’m sure she can mix it with this company. She’s not a 29.40 or 29.50 greyhound but she is capable of 29.80 and if it’s a super fast track then that will help her.”
Black Empress has been a solid performer for Sarkis, chalking up seven wins and 13 other placings in 39 starts.
She recorded a solid 29.81 victory last time out at Wentworth Park and has drawn kindly in box one for the heats.
“That will definitely help her,” Sarkis said.
“I think sometimes with bitches if they get knocked around a little bit they don’t go so well from the middle.
“She might not be the best greyhound in this race but she tries hard and if she gets close to the rest, they’ll know she is there.”
Sarkis, who works out of Londonderry in western Sydney, has been training for close to 40 years.
“Do I still enjoy it? He said with a chuckle. “Of course I do.
“I like the challenge of getting a greyhound to win.
“It’s a good family hobby. I like getting in the car, going to the tracks and meeting people.
“I still get excited about winning races as well – especially for the owners.”
The six heats of the $75,000-to-the-winner contain 80 greyhounds whelped after April 1, 2012.
There are some top-quality performers throughout the fields, including recent Group 3 Classicbet Nowra Puppy Classic winner Paua To Roar (heat four).
Others to watch include All Strung Out, Anything Less, Lady Ronray, Miss Sueko and Lochinvar Impact.
The semi-finals take place next week with the final on November 1.
Ten races are on the card and action starts at 7.27pm.
For Wentworth Park Saturday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
