Rejuvenated Fred Xuereb is having a great time since rejoining the racing ranks and Diesel Train can bring him more joy at Wentworth Park tonight.
The in-form chaser jumps from box four in the Ladbrokes Gosford-City Final (520m) aiming for a third win in six starts.
Xuereb used to own and train Diesel Train, who has good early pace and has a handy record from the middle boxes, before giving the sprinter away after moving properties for about two years.
The pair reunited a few months ago after Xuereb moved again and restarted training – and they seem to make a great partnership.
“He is a different dog now,” Xuereb said. “He has matured a lot and is racing much better.
“He went 4.41 for his first sectional at Gosford last week, which is flying.
“Diesel Train is not a strong 500m dog but as long as he jumps well here, he can win this.
“He is a lovely dog, a good racer and in decent form (so) I’m optimistic for this.”
A son of Lochinvar Marlow x Catherine Rose, Diesel Train’s win last week took his record to seven triumphs and 14 minor placings from 33 starts.
Accepted (box six) looks a decent chance here but Diesel Train could be hard to stop.
Watch Diesel Train's win at Gosford last week here.
Xuereb first became involved with greyhounds as a 12-year-old.
The 54-year-old hobby trainer currently has three chasers in work, including Pancho Cruz, who is a strong chance in the eighth at Gosford on Tuesday night.
His day starts at 3.45am preparing his greyhounds before he clocks on for work as a forklift truck driver.
“I just love the dogs,” Xuereb said. “They are loyal and beautiful animals.
“You only get what you put in and I put 100 per cent into them.
“I couldn’t do this without my wife. She treats the dogs like our babies and helps out enormously.
“I’ve got to know a lot of people about the place and when you get a winner here and there, it’s still enormously satisfying.”
Improving Twist Me Over looks the standout in race five, with Stuart Town a good chance in race six.
Race 10 looks a cracking match-up between Goldengrove Lad and Deborah Lee, with the latter possibly just shading it from box one.
For Wentworth Park Monday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
