Group 2 Black Top winner Rose of Galo makes her long-awaited comeback at Thursday’s Albion Park meeting and trainer Alby Kennewell believes it could be a triumphant return.
The quality sprinter (pictured with Kennewell), who has been sidelined since her memorable win at Unibet Gardens in August last year, jumps from box six in the Garrard’s Horse And Hound Stakes (520m).
A combination of a hip injury and an extended period in season has kept the greyhound, who has 21 wins from 58 starts, off the track since then.
Kennewell, who enjoyed his first Group victory in almost 50 years of training with Rose of Galo’s success in the $40,000-to-the-winner series, cannot wait to see his charge back in action.
“We were really down in the dumps with what happened to her,” he said. “It was such a letdown.
“I think she is capable of mixing it with the top grades like before. She has been trialling well and looks as good if not better than before.
“They obviously lose that early brilliance as they get older but I still think she can race well.”
The daughter of El Galo x Noir Rose has enjoyed a notable career, with 19 other minor placings and almost $80,000 in prize-money.
Watch Rose Of Galo’s Black Top final win here.
There is some tough opposition here but Kennewell said Rose Of Galo had been prepared well.
“She has been trialling very well up the straight here at home,” he said.
“The dog in five (Birkdale Beauty) has been going well and the one dog (Bago Kysam) is also a threat, especially with that draw.
“I was going to take her to the Golden Easter Egg as she gets direct entry, but there’s plenty of races coming up here over the next weeks for my other pups so we’ll stick here.
“We’ll see if she can still hit the ground well but I’m optimistic.”
Double Group winner Iva Vision returns to Albion Park after a third place finish in his Richmond Cup heat last Friday night.
He has been racing well but may find Fusaichi Kahn in box one too hot to handle.
Indiana Rumble (race two), race four’s Jayden Lass and Super Velo in race five all look strong winning chances.
For Albion Park Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
