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Trainer Harry Sarkis has revealed To A Tee has recorded a sizzling 29.80 in a Wentworth Park trial as the dog prepares to break through for his first city win on Saturday night.
To A Tee, who staged a last-to-first performance to win his most recent race at Dapto, has box two in the 520m Schweppes Stakes.
The dog has been placed in one of two Wentworth Park races but has been plagued by wide draws and has exited the three inside boxes only twice in eight starts.
“Box two is a big plus for To A Tee on Saturday night,’’ Sarkis said.
“This dog has a stack of ability and early in his career he trialled 29.80 at Wentworth Park. I believe he is capable of getting down to 29.70 or even 29.60 with a clear run.
“My only worry with him is that in recent starts he hasn’t been coming out of the boxes as quickly as he can.’’
At Dapto on November 13, To A Tee was last away before bouncing off another greyhound when fourth at the first turn.
After being a distant second in the middle stages, To A Tee rocketed home in the straight to win in a handy 30.22.
Most trainers crave box one but Ian McFarlane, whose wife Lisa’s Berridale Lad will wear the red rug in the Farewell Mark Epstein Stakes, would prefer their greyhound drawn away from the inside.
“Berridale Lad uses a bit of the track so ideally we would like him in the middle or towards the outside, preferably in boxes five, six or seven,’’ McFarlane said.
“At the same time Berridale Lad has a lot of ability and if he can hold his position at the first turn he is in with a chance."
Berridale Lad could get a better run than expected, courtesy of his kennelmates Mr Uno and Cumberland Black in boxes two and three.
Race eight features what looks a brilliant contest between mighty sprinter Zipping Willow, Group 1 winner Bessy Boo and exciting newcomer Anything Less (pictured).
Up-and-coming stayer Greta’s Rescue looks Saturday night’s safest bet in the Petsnacks Stakes (720m).
Greta’s Rescue overcame a slow start to run down the talented Raramuri in a slick 42.27sec at Wentworth Park last Saturday night and will relish having only five rivals on Saturday.
The Rod McDonald-trained greyhound has now had three 720m races at Wentworth Park and race fitness over the tough course has seen her improve with every run.
For Wentworth Park Saturday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
Best Bet: Greta’s Rescue (Race 3)
Best Value: To A Tee (Race 10)
Quaddie: Race 5 – 2, 5, 6
Race 6 – 1, 5, 2
Race 7 – 2, 1
Race 8 – 5, 6
$20 for 55.55%
