Star chasers Natural Player and Highly Respected have hit awkward times recently but owner-trainer Mark Wilcox is hoping they can kick-start his 2015 at Goulburn on Tuesday.
The pair, who have secured 49 wins between them and been NSW country track standouts over the last two years, jump from boxes six and seven respectively in the day’s ninth race, the Mellcat Cleaning Stakes (350m).
Natural Player claimed the $10,000-to-the-winner Workers Club Goulburn Cup back in December but has gone unplaced in his last three outings, while the usually reliable Highly Respected missed the kick at Bulli last start and has given Wilcox plenty to ponder in recent weeks.
The duo look too good for this field here, though, with Wilcox giving the slight edge to 27-race winner Natural Player.
“They are not boxed well but can run a good race here,” Wilcox said.
“Natural Player has been a bit unlucky recently. I would expect him to be hard to beat.
“Highly Respected isn’t far behind and is trialling well, but not jumping right. He normally gets away well – I’m not sure what’s happening with him.
“If they both come out well then there is not much between them, but with Natural Player on the inside I would expect him to be ahead.”
Wilcox gave Natural Player an outing in the recent Group 2 $45,000-to-the-winner Shepparton Cup heats but he did not enjoy the best of luck, with the chaser hitting trouble early and eventually finishing fourth.
Highly Respected’s below-par outing at Bulli last start was unusual for the consistent chaser, who has 22 triumphs to his name and is always one to watch at regional tracks.
“I’m just trying to give them that confidence to get to the front,” Wilcox said. “That’s the key with greyhounds if they not in form.
“It’s a bit upsetting but obviously I cannot complain too much, given their achievements.
“We had a good 2014 with them but so far this year we haven’t picked up a win, so it would be nice to get up here.
JODIE Lord’s in-form Let It Develop (box three) looks a strong chance to take out the day’s eighth race and looks one of the best bets of the day.
Cawbourne Shara looks to have some ability and can handle the middle boxes, so looks a decent pick for race three.
Lejit Bomber looks strong from the inside boxes so take him to win the day’s feature race, the Goulburn GBOTA 0-2 Wins Final (race six, 350m).
For Goulburn Tuesday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
