Gun greyhound Winsome Prince has had his meteoric progress checked after being forced to withdraw from Maitland today (Thursday).
The unbeaten newcomer has won seven from seven and was due to have another run over 450m, but has been scratched due to a toe injury.
Owner/trainer Melinda Finn will still be busy as she has five highly promising debutant littermates, including Winsome Jacko and Winsome Mission, featuring in the heats of the $8000-to-the-winner Brodie Wells Electrical Future Stars Classic (400m).
Winsome Jacko goes from box eight in the day’s third race, the third of eight heats, and Finn likes his prospects.
“I think he has a good chance,” Finn said. “He is a really fast pup.
“Obviously with 400m you have to make that fast start. You cannot miss the kick.
“I think he and the others are going well enough to win here.”
Winsome Mission and Winsome Warrior, who have also trialled well at the track, go in races four and five respectively.
Impressive trial performer Winsome Bluey goes in race ten, while Finn also likes the look of Winsome Amanda, who will jump from box two in the second race of the day.
“She’s boxed well and looks like she will be good,” Finn said.
“There’s a maiden at Richmond next week so I’ll probably take whoever doesn’t get through here down there.
“I’m pretty excited about all of these young greyhounds. We had a really bad run for 12 months but now things are looking good, touch wood.”
All five pups are from El Grand Senor and Ramblin’ Ruby, who notched up a combined total of 53 wins in their notable careers.
This is one of the biggest series of the year at Maitland and features some of the state’s most exciting maidens.
Meanwhile, flying Winsome Prince was due to get another outing over 450m, was scratched after snapping a toenail while winning at Maitland last start.
Finn is hopeful her exciting charge will not be out of action for long.
“I saw him pull up in the catching pen after the race and thought, ‘oh no’,” Finn said.
“The vet has said it will be a couple of weeks so hopefully he will be back soon.”
Others to watch at Maitland include Francine, who goes for her seventh straight win in the day’s sixth race, the Betfair Blue Paws Final (400m).
The opposition includes Wussell, who has been very consistent recently.
Veteran Yo Cool Maxie can capitalise on Winsome Prince’s absence and claim victory in the day’s eighth race, the GBOTA Sprint Series Event Final (450m).
Ten races are on the card and action starts at 3.56pm.
For Maitland Thursday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
