Next Matador is looking good to take Rodney Ransley a step closer to a first-ever trip to Wentworth Park.
The flying greyhound jumps from box three in the third of four heats of the Tasmanian Sprint Championships (515m, race seven) at Launceston tonight Aiming for a fourth straight win.
A son of Magic Sprite and Miss Torah Bee, Next Matador recorded a super seven-length win here on his last start in a terrific 29.54.
Retail Chart (box four) has recorded some impressive wins at Launceston and is also in good form but trainer Ransley believes his greyhound can be competitive.
“He has a chance,” he said.
“Mine is not the most reliable beginner and Retail Chart is a good greyhound. If the four crosses him early, then he’s in trouble.
“If Next Matador can get to the front early then I think he can win.”
Next Matador only won two of his first nine starts but has been virtually unbeatable since June, taking his career record to eight wins and four minor placings from 17 starts.
He has already scored a win at Melbourne’s Sandown Park and has the unusual feat of having won from every box so far.
“I thought he was only going to be a box one to three greyhound but he’s proved me wrong,” Ransley said.
“He ran one of the best times of the night at Sandown and seemed to acclimatise well, so I think he would travel okay.”
A strong performance here and in the state final could earn Ransley, who is based at Brighton, just outside of Hobart, a debut trip to Wentworth Park for the Group 1 National decider on Saturday, August 22.
“I’ve never raced at Wentworth Park,” Ransley said. “In fact, I’ve never been there.
“It would be exciting to get up there. I think the noisy lure would suit Next Matador, that’s for sure.
“If I got to race against the likes of Fernando Bale, well – that would be terrific.”
Star Chamber in box eight is much better than his last start suggests and is dangerous with the pink rug, so expect him to win the first heat (race five).
Breaker’s Tip (both one) usually flies with the red rug here and looks the best chance in a high-quality second heat.
Lorus Time ran a brilliant 29.49 and looks the pick from box three in the fourth and final heat (race eight), although Elite Enfield (box one) is worth considering.
He is returning to his home state after a spell in NSW with Jason Magri, is in solid form and ran a strong 29.67 on his last start at Launceston in mid-May,
For Launceston fields, form and expert picks, click here.
