Group 1 runner-up Bad Boy Sniper is back at Bulli tonight in race six (400m) and trainer Jason Magri believes he could make a winning return.
The son of Dyna Tron and Isseymiyake (pictured), who was among NSW’s top greyhounds before suffering a potentially career-threatening injury earlier this year, jumps from box eight aiming to kick-start his impressive career again.
A winner of 13 races with a Wentworth Park best of 29.43 to his name, Bad Boy Sniper was going great guns before injuring his stopper bone shortly after his last start in March.
Magri has been working intensively on his kennel star’s fitness since then and said the greyhound is ready to challenge here.
“He is as fit as I can get him,” he said.
“The distance could be a bit short for him (and) his first sectional in the 400m could be tardy, but he is drawn where he wants to be.
“It’s a tough race but he should have ample time to skirt around them and get where he needs to be.
“If he can do that, he can win.”
Bad Boy Sniper’s impressive record so far includes finishing second behind Fernando Bale in this year’s Group 1 National Derby and scoring eight triumphs at Wentworth Park – all in strong company.
Pedro Cerrano (box two) looks strong here but Bad Boy Sniper is drawn well out wide and must be respected.
Magri said he would likely keep his greyhound going at Bulli in the short-term before having another crack at the city.
The trainer was devastated at Bad Boy Sniper’s injury and said he was happy to have him back racing.
“I just want to see him finding the line over the distance,” Magri said.
“I’d love to see him win tonight but I just want him to pull up safe and sound.
“It’s just good to have him back.”
Magri has a busy night at Bulli, with several contenders in action.
He rates Cosmic Break (box two, race eight), who has hit good form recently, as his standout chance.
The Anthony Azzopardi-trained Shoulders is making his 590m debut at Bulli in race five but should get the win here.
A former Group 1 finalist, he looks too classy here.
Azzopardi should score another win in race nine with the always-dangerous No Jockey Needed.
The impressive son of Brett Lee and Swift Fancy has enjoyed a break after a decent spell in Victoria and should salute here.
Phil Goodsell has some promising pups impressing at the moment and one of them, Bago Buddy, looks a decent bet in race 10.
For Bulli Friday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
