Blue Cherokee did it tough early in his career but now he is flying and looks ready for another win at Goulburn today.
The in-form sprinter jumps from box five in the Betfair Blue Paws Final (350m) fresh from his terrific 19.65 heat run earlier this month.
Blue Cherokee broke a toe on his second start at Richmond last year and was out of the winner’s circle for more than three months.
Since then the son of former Australian Greyhound of the Year El Grand Senor has taken his career record to three wins and four minor placings from nine starts and has delighted owner-trainer James Higgins with his good form.
“I’ve really been impressed with him,” Higgins said. “He is clearly a strong-headed dog.
“My only worry here is the draw. He is not the greatest beginner and I would definitely have preferred the one or the eight.
“The way he hits the ground usually must make him a strong chance here (though).
“If he steps out of the boxes okay, I think he will win this.”
This is the seventh of 10 races on the card and while Blue Cherokee must be the favourite, it looks a fairly open contest.
The lighly raced El Lonhro (box two) has great early pace and was also an impressive winner here last week.
Box eight’s Tranquil Midge has been in good form recently and also demands respect, but may find it tough to cross his rivals from the outside.
Blue Cherokee’s victories have all been in dominant fashion and he saluted by more than five lengths on his last triumph.
Click here to watch a replay of Blue Cherokee's last start victory.
“I will start stepping him up in distance again after this,” Higgins said. “Looking at his run home times, he should aim for the 500 metres.
“He’s done well do far and even with the tough box draw he can win this one.”
Judith Fisher’s kennel has done well recently and her classy sprinter Good Judge looks a strong chance in the second race.
He won well here last month and has a decent record from the outside boxes.
Handy newcomer Privacy is already a Wentworth Park winner and looks drawn well from the inside to win race nine.
Senor Bond looks ideally drawn from out wide to triumph in the first.
For Goulburn Tuesday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
