Goulburn Cup finalist Highly Respected makes his long awaited return from injury in the final race on the card at Goulburn on Tuesday.
Highly Respected has not raced since March After bruising a tendon when finishing sixth in a race at Wentworth Park.
He will make his return in a Masters race over the 350m at the Goulburn track. Masters races are for greyhounds aged 3 ½ years and over and are intended to extend the racing careers of older greyhounds.
Trainer Mark Wilcox said the race was ideal for Highly Respected’s comeback.
“I decided to start him back over the 350m on a one-turn track to slowly work him back into things,” Wilcox said.
“Goulburn is one of his favourite tracks and he has been trialling there well so hopefully he can make a good comeback.
Highly Respected will exit from box one in Tuesday’s race, a draw that only increases his winning hopes, according to Wilcox
“I couldn’t have asked for a better draw than what he got and if he can get away mid-field and move up quickly he should be okay,” he said.
Following Tuesday, Wilcox plans to head north for the Grafton Winter Carnival which takes place in late June and early July.
“After this I’m planning on taking him and a few of my other dogs up to Grafton and having a crack up there at some of the races.”
Aside from Highly Respected’s return, there are plenty of other highlights on the 10-race card at Goulburn.
The Denice Warren-trained Lika Zircon will be aiming for his third straight win when he lines up in a Goulburn to Richmond heat.
Lika Zircon is coming off an impressive three length victory at Richmond last Wednesday and despite an awkward draw in box four looks one of the better bets on the card.
Country Doll is an exciting sprinter who has won seven races from eleven career starts and makes her debut run at Goulburn in race nine on the card - another Goulburn to Richmond heat.
She will start from box five, a draw she has never encountered before but her early speed should see her handle the midddle alley.
The first race at Goulburn on Tuesday begins at 12.39pm.
