Dean Swain is hoping Rue De Kahn can get back to winning ways at Gosford tonight but he is also eyeing some bigger battles ahead.
This year’s Group 1 Dogpro National Futurity winner (pictured, pink rug) returns from more than a month on the sidelines, jumping from box two in the DW Winnacott Transport Stakes (515m).
Rue De Kahn endured two below-par efforts prior to her break but with 11 wins from 36 starts she remains a strong threat at her best.
Trainer Swain has nominated the chaser for this Saturday’s Group 3 John Stollery Christmas Gift heats at Wentworth Park and is also priming her for the Group 2 Gosford Gold Cup heats on Boxing Day.
“I’m not overly confident here,” Swain said. “This is a tough race.
“She will need to lead early (but at least) she is boxed well here.
“She has been flying up the straight as well and I don’t think it will take her long to get back into racing.
“With another trial and another run, she’ll be 100 per cent for the Gold Cup.”
This is a tough return for Rue De Kahn, with Slater Hill and Premier Mozz among the dangers.
Rue De Kahn won her maiden at Gosford and has placed on all seven previous races from box two.
The race is the sixth of ten at Gosford Tuesday.
Swain also has promising newcomer Prodigy going from box eight in race 10.
He ran a placing on his last start at Gosford and looks like being a consistent sprinter.
It’s been a year packed with highs for Swain, a former rooftop plumber who now trains professionally out of his Vineyard property in western Sydney.
As well as Rue De Kahn’s Group 1 success, he has racked up plenty of Wentworth Park winners.
There’s been some lows too, though, with handy sprinter Push It retiring after suffering a career-ending injury in September.
The sprinter, who finished with 11 wins from 39 starts, has now been returned to her owner and will be served as a brood bitch.
“That’s why you enjoy the highs while you can,” Swain said.
“You’ve to stay positive. If you don’t you’re not doping the best for your dogs.
“It was my lifelong dream to train greyhounds and I think if your job is your dream then it’s not work really.
“It’s a hard game to stay afloat in (but) I definitely want some more Group winners.”
Emily’s Sweet (Race 7) looks the best bet at Gosford.
For Gosford Tuesday fields, form and expert tips, click here.
