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‘Freakish’ chaser Lithgow Panther can overcome a tricky box draw and claim tonight’s Group 2 Remedial Waterproofing Services Richmond Derby (535m).
That is the verdict from trainer John Chapman ahead of what looks an absolutely cracking final, with all eight contenders live chances for the $40,000 top prize.
Melinda Finn’s star chasers Winsome Mission and Winsome Prince both look formidable foes while flying newcomer No Donuts and ZIPPING Sonny also look big threats.
Lithgow Panther (box six) is in great form, though, and with his fantastic finishing ability and good track record, his trainer is feeling confident.
“I just think he is a freakish animal,” Chapman said.
“I know Richmond well and I think I’ve only seen one dog – Sand Burner – with better run home times than him.
“I’m not worried about the box or a slow start. I think he can escape the field and work out where he wants to go.
“I’ve great respect for the other trainers and greyhounds involved in the race but if Lithgow Panther gets a good run at them, he will be hard to stop.”
A son of Mildean Panther x Mrs Trickett, Lithgow Panther clocked a superb 30.13 while winning over the 535m at Richmond two starts back.
He looks to have a bright future and is a strong chance to claim his first Group title here.
Winsome Prince (box eight) has 15 wins from 21 starts and looks a big contender.
He is strong from box eight, has remarkable mid-race turn of speed and has the power and strength to overcome them here.
The big question is whether he can cross flying No Donuts, who looks well drawn in box two.
This newcomer may lack experience but was mightily impressive in last week’s heats and should have the speed to find the rail early and lead.
Box five’s Winsome Mission was a superb 30.38 heat winner but there is a question mark over whether he can handle this draw.
ZIPPING Sonny (box three) is in devastating form and if he jumps cleanly he could be hard to stop.
Of the rest, last year’s Group 1 winner Bessy Boo (pictured) is a threat from box one but may just lack sufficient speed to see off all-comers here.
Victorian box four hope Quasi Bale will have benefited from last week’s heat run, is a quality chaser and could be the real value roughie here.
Seven Jacks (box 7) is a decent chaser who has done well against strong opposition recently, including winning a heat of last month’s National Derby.
He cannot be ruled out but there looks too much to handle here.
For Richmond Friday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
Richmond Derby Final Box Draw (Sportsbet Fixed Odds prices in brackets): 1. Bessy Boo ($4) 2. No Donuts ($7.50) 3. ZIPPING Sonny ($9) 4. Quasi Bale ($8.50) 5. Winsome Mission ($4.50) 6. Lithgow Panther ($7.90) 7. Seven Jacks ($12) 8. Winsome Prince (5.90).
Prices correct at time of writing.
