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Lady Ronray chases her 12th win in 15 starts at Wentworth Park on Friday night while gun Jason Mackay-trained pair Zipping Willow and Zipping Oscar also race.
Flying Lady Ronray (pictured, black rug) will aim to improve her already impressive record before attempting next month to emulate the Mark Gatt-trained Sydneysider Ritza Hattie by taking out the Group 2 Sandown Laurels Classic.
The exciting sprinter will be a short-priced favourite after drawing well in box two in a heat of Friday’s Bohemia Crystal Bitches Only Series (520m).
She has not started since overcoming an out-of-character moderate start to run down Army Surplus and win over 472m at Bulli on November 5 but trainer Ray Steele says she is raring to go.
“I had contemplated taking Lady Ronray to Melbourne for a heat and final fifth grade but then noticed this series for bitches only which is worth $8000 to the final winner,’’ Steele said. “These $8000 to the winner heats and finals are a great innovation and Wentworth Park is much closer than Melbourne.
“On the Friday before Lady Ronray won at Bulli she trialled 26.26 there and ran a fast first split of 9.92.
“Then when she missed the kick on race night I was perturbed but I was really pleased that she finished on to win because I saw another side of her, it proved she doesn’t have to lead to win.
“Just the same, the Bulli 472m trip is probably her pet distance and she does struggle slightly at the end of 520m at Wentworth Park, which is a harder run than many realise."
Steele said Lady Ronray should race better than her recent unsuccessful effort in the Vic Peters Classic at Wentworth Park.
“Lady Ronray drew box seven in her heat and semi-final and is better boxed on the rails this week," he said. “But of course, she has to begin cleanly.’’
Impressive newcomer Zipping Oscar goes in race five, with Zipping Willow chasing a remarkable 31st win from 46 starts in race six.
She faces a showdown with star sprinter and recent Vic Peters Classic runner-up Anything Less.
The name Croghan is synonymous with harness racing but family member Peter Croghan is part-owner of his first greyhound, Three Mugs In, who has strong claims in Friday night’s Petsnacks Stakes.
“Peter and his mate Alister Copps got me to sell them two thirds of Three Mugs In, which I bred, and I let them name the dog,’’ trainer Justin King said. “Three Mugs In is no star and I think 30.20 will probably pull him up at Wenty.
“Hopefully that time will be good enough to get him home on Friday night.
“The dog rails well, has fair early pace and can probably run around 5.49 to the first mark.’’
Peter Croghan’s family have had tremendous success in harness racing, with Ron Croghan owner of Bay Johnny, which the famous Perc Hall drive to victory in the 1976 Inter-Dominion Championship for square gaiters.
Best value bet at Wentworth Park on Friday night is Locksmith">Locksmith, who has box four in the Adopt A Greyhound Stakes.
The small field will suit the ANNA Kada-trained dog who came from last to beat all but the speedy Parisian Mac at the Sydney track last Friday night.
Locksmith has been runner-up in each of two Wentworth Park starts and gets a golden opportunity to break through in Friday night’s fifth grade event.
For Wentworth Park Friday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
Best Bet: Lady Ronray (Race 9)
Best Value: Locksmith (Race 10)
Quaddie: Race 5 – 4, 6
Race 6 – 1, 4, 3
Race 7 – 4, 1, 5
Race 8 – 4, 6, 1
$20 for 37.03%
