Knight Sprite heads back to Gosford on Tuesday night and Gayle Masterson thinks it will be a case of ‘many happy returns’ for her quality greyhound.
The son of Magic Sprite and Jaydo’s Neglect, whose sparkling 2015 has taken his career record to 14 triumphs and nine minor placings from 30 starts, has the red rug in the Ladbrokes Monthly Medal (race 8, 515m).
Knight Sprite was a shade unlucky at Wentworth Park on Saturday, finishing third behind eventual winner Bessy Boo in a high-quality field over the 520m.
Click here to watch a replay of that run.
He has two wins from three previous visits to Gosford – the last in May - and owner-trainer Masterson said her greyhound is primed to win here.
“Anything can happen in a race but I’m confident,” she said.
“I thought it was a big run on Saturday. He’s usually first to the turn, but there were a lot of fast beginners there.
“He battled on well, but he just got clipped at the final turn which hampered him.
“Being in the one box here doesn’t matter much – he’s won from everywhere – but obviously it’s a help.
“If he hits the front, they’ll have to work hard to chase him down.”
Knight Sprite’s rise to prominence has been one of the feel-good stories of NSW racing in 2015.
After cutting his teeth at Wauchope and Taree, Masterson’s greyhound has gone on to secure five wins at Wentworth Park.
He ran 29.72 at Wentworth Park in March and clocked 29.87 there two starts back, beating a quality field including No Donuts and Bessy Boo.
“My husband asked me after that race, ‘how does it feel’,” Masterson said with a laugh. “I just said, ‘it’s starting to get unbelievable’.
“I’ve dreamed of having a dog like him.
“When I first brought him home, there was something about him. I knew he was going to be special.
“He is not a super-affectionate greyhound off the track, but he tries his heart out for me when he races.
“I love him.”
Camden Gossip (box seven) has run well here last two starts and looks the night’s best bet in race one.
Entreaty, who was a smart Dapto winner last Thursday night, looks the pick in race six.
Aurora Fire and Fire Elusive are two classy performers for Mark Moroney and should get the money in races 10 and 11 respectively.
For Gosford Tuesday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
