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Lithgow Panther has emerged as a live contender for the Group 2 Remedial Building Systems Richmond Derby (535m) after his latest spectacular win at the western Sydney track.
John Chapman’s chaser zoomed around the 535m on Saturday night in 30.13, defeating a strong field including Jingjing by more than 13 lengths.
Watch a replay of Lithgow Panther’s latest win here.
Chapman was aiming Lithgow Panther for the 600m, with a possible trip interstate still on the cards.
The trainer has now decided, though, to have a crack at the $40,000-to-the-winner series, which kicks off with heats this Friday night.
“I have to now, don’t I?” he said with a smile. “There’s no way I can bypass that now.
“I think he will have a great chance (in the series). If he gets on the fence he will give anything a shake.
“He can handle the outside but it seems when he hits the fence he seems to go twice as fast. He just seems to let go.
“I’m delighted with him.”
Starting from box two, Lithgow Panther trailed the leader by some five lengths at the first turn on Saturday night.
He took off heading up the back straight, though, and absolutely flew home to seal a hugely impressive win.
The victory took Lithgow Panther’s record to eight wins and five minor placings from 18 starts, which includes five triumphs at Richmond.
A son of Mildean Panther x Mrs Trickett, who was sired by legendary Brett Lee, the chaser will join a number of other strong likely hopefuls for the Derby heats.
In-form Bad Boy Sniper and I’m Pedro are locked in after their impressive victories at Wentworth Park over the 520m on Saturday night.
Other notables likely to be involved include Bessy Boo (pictured), My Boy Snoop, La Grand Logie and Zipping Oscar.
Chapman, who is enjoying notable success at the moment with the likes of Lithgow Panther and Kezza’s Spirit, said he had not been totally shocked by his chaser’s superb run.
“He has been coming home in 14.95 so he always has a chance,” he said. “The run was still unbelievable (though).
“I think we will still step him up in distance and take him interstate. We might have a look at Sandown Park over the 600m and get him up to the 700m.
“Things are going really well but I’m just trying to focus on the future.”
Chapman thanked all the owners of his greyhounds for their continuing support.
