I’m Pedro can earn himself some new home comforts while recent National Derby runner-up Bad Boy Sniper looks a good chance at Saturday’s Richmond meeting.
In-form I’m Pedro (box seven) is likely to start favourite for the night’s feature race, the Kevin Waters and Sons Towing Richmond Cannonball (535m), after his scorching 22.35 run in last week’s heats.
That win, which was a tenth of a second outside the track record and followed a strong 22.50 run last start at the same track, confirmed the sprinter’s return to form and fitness.
Owner-trainer Sydney Wales said the $5000 winner’s cheque would come in very handy.
“I’m building a new kennel for him and my other greyhound,” Wales said. “This would help pay for that.
“I said to my son beforehand last week, ‘I think he could go round in 25.40’. He just needed that run before to strengthen him.
“I was over the moon when I saw the time. He got a big kiss and a hug afterwards.”
I’m Pedro enjoyed a strong start to his career, including giving Wales his first Wentworth Park success last year.
He has been hampered by injury and a blood problem in recent months but looks to be back at his peak now.
Watch I’m Pedro’s heats win here.
The biggest danger here looks like Syd Swain’s Silver Label (box one), who zoomed round in 22.53 last week and looks well drawn here in the night's sixth race.
“The first section is where (I’m Pedro) is normally a bit slow, but he was only 0.2 slower than Sid Swain’s dog last week,” Wales said.
“I would have loved the three so he could sit behind (Silver Label), but I think seven will suit.
“It’s a short run to the first run at Richmond and a lot of dogs seem to go straight across to the bend at 45 degrees, but he doesn’t.
“If he cannot go through them, he will go round them.
Last week’s win took I’m Pedro’s record to 10 victories and 13 minor placings from 30 starts and could be a springboard to bigger prizes.
“He is on top of his game at the 400m,” Wales said. “I cannot wait to build him back up for the 500m.
“I will have a look at the Easter Egg and some other big races too.”
Jason Magri’s Bad Boy Sniper looks the standout in race seven, while Jason Mackey’s flying Zipping Sonny looks strong in race eight.
Newcomer Road Crew has shown ability over the 400m so could be a decent bet over the 535m in race five.
For Richmond Saturday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
